The Metro President race between Tom Hughes and two pro-bike, pro-density Portlanders just got hotter. The Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV), one of the state's leading environmental advocacy groups, announced today that it is endorsing former 1000 Friends of Oregon chief Bob Stacey for the position.

The press release from the OLCV has nothing but kind words to say about both Stacey and Bicycle Transportation Alliance co-founder Rex Burkholder, but went with Stacey in the end.

For his part, Stacey thinks his outspoken and critical stance on the Columbia River Crossing is largely responsible for titling the green group in his favor. "I was very strong and forceful in my responses that the current project is overpriced and overbuilt," says Stacey.

Though both Rex and Stacey have long lists of impressive endorsements, the endorsement of the OLCV could play a big role in differentiating the two lefty candidates... especially to the OLCV's 5,400 members. "This region can't simply adopt good policies," says Stacey, referencing Mayor Adams recent sparring with Metro over its regional transportation plan. "It's increasingly been recognized that this policy has to act as well as talk."

More coverage of the Metro President race here.