Environmentalists ran a victory lap Wednesday as green candidates scored decisive victories in some Assembly districts and others staged upsets.

The environment and energy are usually considered less-burning topics in public opinion polls, though that dynamic has changed slowly in New Jersey since Hurricane Sandy. Green groups and pro-environment legislators say the election Tuesday is providing evidence that issues relating to climate change are becoming more important in the minds of voters.

"What we saw was a record number seeking our endorsement, a record number getting our endorsement and a record number winning," Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, said in an interview on Wednesday. "We had a record night last night."

As in New York, the league is among the more politically active environmental groups, not only making endorsements but raising money and campaigning for their candidates, Republican and Democrat.

In District 2, the group spent $20,000 to help re-elect Republican Chris Brown and Democrat Vincent Mazzeo, both of whom score well environmentally but waged a fierce battle against each other for their respective party's control of the district.

"When you have people in Atlantic County coming out for the environment, you know that tides are turning," Potosnak said.

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