Mitch Perry
The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) on Wednesday announced a new $100,000 digital ad campaign against Florida Congressional District 13 Republican David Jolly, who is battling for re-election against Democrat Charlie Crist.
This is the second time in two weeks the environmental organization has announced they are spending money to try to doom Jolly’s re-election efforts. LCV announced a $200,000 mail campaign last week in the district, which encompasses most of Pinellas County.
The new ad contends Jolly protected “big oil” and gas interests in his previous career as a Washington D.C.-based lobbyist.
“Newly released documents show oil giant Exxon had scientific evidence 40 years ago that climate change is being fueled by carbon pollution, and spent millions covering it up, propping up politicians to block action to protect us,” reads the ad’s voiceover. “The local connection — 13th district Congressman David Jolly. A longtime lobbyist, Jolly is one of the politicians listed taking tens of thousands from oil and gas interests, and voting their way. David Jolly protected big oil. Not us.”
“It’s ironic they spent their first $200K on a message that had nothing to do with the environment,” said Jolly. “Voters recognize a cheap political hit when they see one.”
LCV has named Jolly to their “Dirty Dozen” list, and said he has a record of attacking clean air and water protections. They specifically noted a February 2016 vote against a bill that would designate the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness.
They also noted his vote to overturn President Obama’s Clean Power Plan in December 2015. Other votes that the organization highlighted can be found here.
SPB has reached out to the Jolly camp for comment. You can watch the new digital ad below:
