AUGUSTA – Green Independent gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Carter is calling the Maine Sierra Club’s endorsement of Democrat John Baldacci “laughable.”

Carter said Tuesday that the Sierra Club is “playing politics.”

The Sierra Club this week endorsed Baldacci for governor over Carter, Republican Peter Cianchette and independent John Michael. The organization said it was supporting Baldacci for his leadership abilities, legislative record and commitment to protecting the environment.

Carter said he favors the same environmental initiatives the Sierra Club supports, including creating a North Woods park in northern Maine, listing the Maine salmon as an endangered species, and banning clear-cutting in forests.

“The endorsement is laughable and pathetic at the same time. It’s bizarre,” Carter said. “Clearly the Sierra Club made a decision without soliciting its membership in Maine.”

Baldacci’s spokeswoman, Donna Gormley, said the Sierra Club made its endorsement based on issues, what the candidates said publicly on the environment, and their voting records. The organization also interviewed Baldacci in person.

While Baldacci and the Sierra Club may not agree on all issues, such as a North Woods park, “they do agree on many issues and on the need to protect the environment,” Gormley said.

Carter said Baldacci received a score of zero from the League of Conservation Voters when he was a state legislator in 1993-94.

Gormley agreed Baldacci’s environmental record wasn’t the best when he served at the state Legislature. But his record improved since he has served in Washington and had a chance to work closer with environmental groups, she said.

When the Sierra Club, which has more than 4,000 members in Maine, announced its endorsement Monday, it cited several pieces of legislation that help the environment that Baldacci has sponsored.

“As governor, we believe John Baldacci will provide the leadership necessary to protect Maine’s wilderness heritage so future generations will enjoy the unique treasure we know as the Maine Woods,” Sierra Club spokeswoman Barbara Winterson said.