Kihuen, Lee pick up national endorsements in congressional race

By Megan Messerly

Thursday, March 10, 2016 | 10:06 a.m.

Democrats Susie Lee and Ruben Kihuen scored endorsements from national organizations this morning in their bids to represent Nevada’s 4th Congressional District.

EMILY’s List, a group that helps elect pro-choice Democratic women to office, announced this morning it is supporting Lee, calling her a “powerful advocate for Nevada women and families.” Kihuen received an endorsement from the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, which praised his record on environmental issues.

Lee and Kihuen are running in a four-way Democratic primary along with former Assemblywoman Lucy Flores and former Assembly Speaker John Oceguera.

Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List, said Lee is “deeply committed” to serving Nevadans, having seen the impact community support can have. The group highlighted Lee’s service to the community through her philanthropy.

“The stakes are high for women and families in this swing district, and the EMILY’s List community of over 3 million members is excited to endorse Susie’s strong campaign to move Nevada forward,” Schriock said in a statement.

The League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, meanwhile, highlighted legislation Kihuen worked on in the state Legislature supporting renewable energy, increasing clean energy loan programs for businesses and expanding other environmentally friendly technologies.

“State Sen. Ruben Kihuen is the proven environmental ally we need representing Nevada’s 4th District,” the organization’s president, Gene Karpinski, said in a statement. “In Congress, we can count on Kihuen to fight for policies that will accelerate clean energy development and protect our planet for generations to come.”

The organization also noted that Republican Rep. Cresent Hardy, who represents the district and is running for re-election, received “0 percent” on its annual environmental scorecard.

The Nevada primaries will be June 14.