McCain, Edwards get support from enviro groups Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a supporter of efforts to limit greenhouse gases, has received the endorsement of Republicans for Environmental Protection (REP). “Senator McCain is the only Republican candidate in 2008 who understands the deep connection between true conservative values and good environmental stewardship,” the group’s president, Martha Marks, said. “He is the candidate best suited, by knowledge, experience and conviction, to provide the strong environmental leadership that our country needs.” The group lauded McCain’s understanding of environmental and energy issues and how they are related. On the Democratic side, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards received the endorsement of Friends of the Earth Action. “John Edwards understands that we must accept responsibility for conserving natural resources and act with urgency to stop the crisis of global warming,” the group’s president, Brent Blackwelder, said. “He has led on this issue, with the best plan to halt global warming and protect the environment. He has the strength and courage to stand up to the big corporations that are abusing our planet. And he is the only top-tier candidate in this race who opposes new nuclear plants in the U.S.”....
Hutchison may leave U.S. Senate in 2009 U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, in a magazine interview, said she won't seek re-election in 2012 and may resign from the Senate as early as 2009. But she still won't say whether she will run for governor in 2010, when many political observers expect her fellow Republican, Gov. Rick Perry, not to seek another term. Hutchison, first elected to the Senate in a special election in 1993 and re-elected to a third full term last year, had previously hinted that she may not seek another term in 2012. In an interview with Texas Monthly editor Evan Smith, she seemed to more clearly rule out another re-election race. Excerpts from the interview were posted on Smith's blog. Noting that her term would be up in 2012, Hutchison said, "I would not run for re-election."....