A last-ditch effort to place an open-space referendum on the November ballot may have come up a few votes short this summer, but Sen. Diane Allen’s support for the measure wasn’t forgotten by conservationists, who endorsed her re-election this week.

Allen, R-7th of Edgewater Park, was one of only two Republicans who voted July 29 in favor of a resolution to ask voters to approve a constitutional amendment dedicating $200 million from the state’s annual sales tax revenue to programs preserving open space, farmland and historic sites.

Her willingness to buck her party during a key environmental vote was cited by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, which selected Allen as one of the legislative candidates it would support this fall.

“It’s clear not only from her voting record but from our conversations with her that she’s very committed to environmental protection,” said Ed Potosnak, the league’s executive director. “We’re looking for more champions like Sen. Allen who are willing to put the environment ahead of politics.”

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