Jerry: Help Defeat Another Abramoff Ally

DCCC: "The suburban Washington, D.C. home of Republican John Doolittle (CA-04) was recently raided by the FBI.

Representative Doolittle and his wife have been under investigation for their relationship with convicted GOP super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Abramoff now resides in federal prison on a litany of fraud, bribery, and money laundering convictions. In addition to his questionable ties to Abramoff, the Congressman also took contributions from indicted defense contractor Brent Wilkes and his associates." (source)

Rep. McNerney: "Please take just a few seconds to vote for Charlie Brown right now in the second and final round of Democracy for America's "Grassroots All-Star" congressional campaign competition, ending Wednesday at midnight.

Your vote last year made me DFA's 2006 "Grassroots All-Star," giving me a critically early boost in our campaign to defeat Richard Pombo. Your vote today can make Charlie Brown -- the only California candidate in the competition -- DFA's 2007 "Grassroots All-Star" and help him defeat scandal-plagued Rep. John Doolittle.

From our district to Charlie's district, we're building a movement to clean up the GOP's culture of corruption in Congress. Join us by voting for Charlie now at:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/allstars " (source)

Ca-11 News Round Up

Rep. McNerney: KEEPING CAMPAIGN PROMISE, MCNERNEY
ACTS TO HONOR AMERICA’S VETERANS

"“I was proud to cast my vote today for the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act,” Rep. McNerney said. “Our veterans have done so much in the service of our country by serving in harm’s way overseas. We owe them a debt of gratitude which means we must to do everything we can to provide adequate healthcare and rehabilitation services when they return home.”

The bill creates a support network to aid wounded servicemembers returning home from overseas combat in navigating the military health care bureaucracy.

Addressing the deplorable conditions found at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Act establishes a toll-free hotline for reporting deficiencies in medical facilities. It also creates a new system to more efficiently transfer soldiers’ medical records from the Defense Department to the Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring that cases do not fall through the cracks.

“I am particularly pleased that this bill will also address post traumatic stress disorder and other stress-related injuries – some of the hallmark injuries of the Iraq war,” Rep. McNerney said. “The bill requires the Department of Defense to develop a plan to help prevent PTSD from developing in servicemembers.”" (source)

Lodi News: 'We have to preserve farmland' - Congressman McNerney stops by to address concerns of Lodi residents

"Lodi's congressional representative spent most of the day Thursday discussing local issues that included Highway 12 safety improvements and preserving farmland.

Congressman Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, started the day meeting with the San Joaquin Council of Governments in Stockton before a round of meetings with business leaders and residents in Lodi.

McNerney addressed about 100 concerned citizens at the School Street Bistro on a variety of topics ranging from growth in the San Joaquin Valley to universal health care and the war in Iraq. He said he supports an agricultural greenbelt around Lodi to preserve the city's personality." (source)

Record: McNerney hosts transportation meeting

""We need to make sure that San Joaquin County isn't overlooked when state and federal dollars are being doled out," McNerney said."We're all spending more time in traffic and less with our families, and today's summit allows us to draw attention to our successes as well as the future transportation needs of the region."" (source)

Tracy Press: The challengers

"Assemblyman Guy Houston, R-Livermore, and former Assemblyman Dean Andal look like they are set to vie for the Republican nomination to challenge Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, in the 2008 congressional election.

Republican Richard Pombo, who became a senior partner at Oregon-based Pac/West Communications after he lost the district to McNerney in November, on Friday said he hasn’t decided whether he will try to win back his old seat in 2008." (source)

Rep. McNerney: Supporting one of our own in a time of need

Record: GOP launches early attack on McNerney

Record: S.J. poised to take center stage in 2008 elections

McNerney Blog: You did it again!

Morgan Hill Times: Congressman McNerney Visits Live Oak High School

Tri-Valley Herald: Ripon girl meets president, McNerney

Record: Stockton's namesake school honors Chavez

CVTimes: Central Valley congressman names small business advisory panel

Lodi News: McNerney creates health care board

VVBusiness Times: Central Valley congressman names ag advisory panel

Tri-Valley herald: 'Election protectors' prep for '08 - Group says Bay Area had good intention, but can still improve

Progressive Connection: It's Howdy Doody Time

McNerney Blog: KGO-TV: "Political Climate Changing With Global Warming"

SNTP: Goodbye — Hello

Rove Targets McNerney

Calitics: Karl Rove Is Afraid of You

Ca 11: McNerney is on Karl Rove's hit list

TPMCafe: Check Out Karl Rove's List Of Targeted 2008 House Races

McNerney: You did it. Again!

McNerney email: "I am speechless.

You did it. Again!

You voted. You e-mailed your close friends. You called your family. You text-messaged everyone in your cell phone. You contacted your online friends on MySpace and Facebook. You posted diaries and comments on Daily Kos, Calitics and other blogs.

Because of you, Senator John Kerry will be announcing that I am a winner in his “March Madness” online campaign competition! Because you decided to get out the online vote, Senator Kerry will now ask 3 million people to get out their checkbooks for our campaign.

I am truly humbled and honored by your people power -- the amazing strength of the grassroots and netroots. Thank you so much once again for your enthusiasm, activism and support.

You are revolutionizing politics as usual."

Aghazarian Stays Out Of Ca-11

Record: Aghazarian to run for Senate

Tracy Press: "Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian, R-Stockton, will run for state Senate in 2008, when Sen. Mike Machado, D-Linden, is termed out of office." (source)

Cal Majority Report: "Assemblymember Guy Houston -- a Democratic opposition researcher's dream candidate -- now appears to be the frontrunner for the GOP Congressional nod in the sprawling Bay Area/Central Valley district represented by McNerney. Houston has won narrow victories in his Assembly district, which overlaps a chunk of the Congressional district. Houston was recently described in the Contra Costa Times as a legislative lightweight with a boatload of court problems after being sued for ripping off senior citizens in financial dealings." (source)

Other GOP News

Alameda County GOP courting blacks

CD 11: NRCC rips McNerney on Iraq

McNerney Meets With Local Veterans

Stockton Record: "McNerney Talks Health Care with Concerned Vets"

"The Stockton Record covered Congressman Jerry McNerney's Listening Tour for veterans and military families in Stockton on Saturday.

Perhaps the hottest topic was the prospect of opening a new VA facility in San Joaquin County"
(source)

Veterans share similar experiences in Pleasanton

"The Contra Costa Times covered Congressman Jerry McNerney's second Listening Tour session with veterans and military families on Saturday -- this time in Pleasanton.

And the veterans there were just as concerned about access to the Livermore VA nursing home, which the Veterans Affairs administration is considering closing" (source)

Last Chance To Vote For Jerry In March Madness Contest

Sen. John Kerry: "In 2008, the Republicans will launch an all-out assault on our majority in Congress. Our Democratic majority must be sustained and a strong show of early fundraising is the best way to show that we stand by those who want to change the direction of our country. Below, we've got a great slate of candidates, and we need your help to choose who to support in this first round of fundraising. So choose two from among the strong Democrats in each column, two House members from the left and two Senators on the right. Deadline for voting is Sunday, March 25 at midnight ET, so vote now! Thank you!" (source)

http://www.johnkerry.com/action/marchmadness/

Vote For Jerry!

Jerry's Blog: "Senator John Kerry has just launched an online Congressional competition today called “March Madness”. Similar to the NCAA Final Four, eight candidates are competing and the stakes are huge. If we win this, Senator Kerry will ask his 3 million supporters to support my campaign financially before the crucial March 31st Federal Election Commission deadline.

We can win with your help! Please take just a few seconds to vote right now:

http://www.johnkerry.com/action/marchmadness/" (source)

MCNERNEY ANNOUNCES LISTENING TOUR EVENTS WITH VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES

PRESS RELEASE
Jerry McNerney

MCNERNEY ANNOUNCES LISTENING TOUR EVENTS WITH VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES

March 20, 2007

"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) announced two listening tour events he will hold with veterans and military families in Stockton and Pleasanton on Saturday, March 24.

“I want to hear directly from veterans and military families about the kinds of issues they face in getting the help, treatment and benefits they deserve,” Rep. McNerney said. “As we in Congress consider legislation affecting veterans and their loved ones, it’s important to me to actually talk to the people that would be affected.”

Details of the two listening tour events appear below.

Pleasanton
Saturday, March 24
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Pleasanton Library
400 Old Bernal Ave.
Pleasanton, CA 94566

Stockton
Saturday, March 24
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cesar Chavez Central Library
605 N. El Dorado St.
Stockton, CA 95202" (source)

McNerney, House Pass Sunshine Bills

Gilroy Dispatch: Local Reps, House Pass Four Bills to Mark Sunshine Week

"Local congressional representatives passed four bills Wednesday aimed at increasing transparency in the federal government.

Representatives Mike Honda (D-Campbell) and Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) voted in favor of all four bills, breathing new life into open-government legislation, marking Sunshine Week with votes to protect whistle-blowers, smooth freedom of information requests, and compel presidential libraries to disclose more about their donors.

"These measures are important because they'll help make sure the government is ethical, open and accountable to the American people," Congressman McNerney said in a written statement. "I promised during the campaign that I'd work to change the culture of corruption in Washington. With this week's action plus the ethics reform we passed in January, I'm happy to be making good on that pledge."

The House still has to vote on H.R. 1362, which addresses no-bid contracting. The five bills coincide with this week's annual campaign by open-government advocates to draw attention to a need for accessibility and accountability in the fight against abuse and waste." (source)

Tracy Press: You have right to know, and why

"Sunshine Week is a nationwide initiative to continue the discussion about the importance of transparency at all levels of government and freedom of information. It is about your right to know what your government is doing, and why.

It began seven years ago when journalists in Florida launched Sunshine Weekend, a coordinated editorial effort to enlighten and empower Floridians to play a more active role in their government. In 2005, the American Society of Newspaper Editors expanded the campaign to all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

During this week, media across our nation have admonished the secrecy in bad government and highlighted the examples where good government has let the “sunshine” in.

A success story happened this week when the House, with support of our congressmen, Democrats Jerry McNerney and Dennis Cardoza, overwhelmingly approved four open-government measures." (source)

SunshineWeek.org:

"The House of Representatives on March 14 passed four measures during Sunshine Week that promote and preserve open government, including a bill to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act.

"Today, Congress took an important step towards restoring openness and transparency in government," said Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and a co-sponsor of the bills.

"Over the past six years, the Bush administration has done everything it can to operate in secret, to avoid public scrutiny, and to limit congressional oversight. I am pleased that Congress is reversing this course by passing four critically important good government bills with strong bipartisan support," he added.

The bills passed and the votes were: H.R. 1309 (308-117) to strengthen FOIA and improve public access to government information; H.R. 1255 (333-93) to nullify an executive order limiting access to presidential records; H.R. 985 (331-94) granting improved protection to federal whistleblowers; and H.R. 1254 (390-34) to require the release of presidential library donor information.

For more information, including links to the bills, visit the Committee's Web Site." (source)

McNerney Works To Bring Jobs To Ca-11

The Independent: "McNerney Says Green Bill Would Bring Jobs to District"

"This week's edition of The Independent, a weekly newspaper serving Pleasanton, Livermore and Sunol, highlights Congressman Jerry McNerney's support for the PROGRESS ("Program for Real Energy Security Success") Act -- a "bill that will help give the United States more energy independence in the coming years, and create as many as 800,000 jobs"" (source)

Bulletin: McNerney bill may help Manteca wetlands plan

Manteca Bulletin: McNerney bill may help Manteca wetlands plan

"Congressman Jerry McNerney’s proposed Healthy Communities Water Act of 2007 could provide critical funding for an innovated Manteca proposal to create wetlands using reclaimed wastewater.

The plan being championed by Mayor Willie Weatherford would divert reclaimed wastewater from the municipal treatment plant to 200 acres designated as open space in southwest Manteca near the San Joaquin River.

...

The bill — McNerney’s first — passed the House last week on a 368 to 59 vote.

“My bill creates a grant program that allows cities and water agencies to apply for money to do innovative and creative water projects,” McNerney said. “Based on what Mayor Weatherford and other city officials told me when I met with them last month, Manteca’s proposal to use recycled water to create wetlands in the city sounds like it would qualify. I’d encourage the city to apply and would work with city officials during the application process and through the (Environmental Protection Agency’s) eventual decision. This is an example of one of the benefits of the Healthy Communities Water Supply Act. It lets local officials decide what works best for them.”" (source)

Guy Houston: Another Richard Pombo?

CCTimes: "Democrats ... point to Houston's unresolved legal troubles in a case involving seniors who say they were defrauded by Houston and his father as a sign of possible ethics problems, an issue that helped defeat Republicans nationwide in 2006.

...critics say he votes lockstep with conservative and business interests.

An analysis of his campaign contributions from the last election appears to support his critics' views. Nearly 60 percent of the $1.4 million he raised came from developers and related industries, and political organizations.

...

Houston twice voted no on legislation to raise the minimum wage and opposed the state's 2006 global warming bill." (source)

McNerney Appointed to Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming

For Immediate Release

03/09/2007

Pelosi Announces Members of Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming

"Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today the Democratic members of the newly created Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Congressman Ed Markey of Massachusetts will chair the Select Committee.

“The members of the new Select Committee I am appointing today are outstanding for their creativity, diversity of experience, and knowledge of energy and global warming issues,” Speaker Pelosi said. “I have great faith in their ability to lead our efforts to confront these serious challenges. Global warming and energy independence are urgent issues that have profound implications for our nation’s economic competitiveness, national security, environmental quality and public health. The wide-ranging expertise of these members will be critical in finding viable solutions that stimulate our economy, promote jobs, and protect our environment.”

Chairman Markey said: “We are facing an issue that will test the capacity of democracy to respond in time to affect the fate of the planet. We have the technology, the ingenuity, and the experience to reverse the inexorable buildup of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. I look forward to working with my colleagues to find the consensus needed to move boldly and quickly. I am honored that the Speaker has asked me to help make the response of the 110th Congress proportionate to the threat.”

The House has a long history of creating Select Committees focused on crucial issues. The authority to legislate on energy and climate change will remain with the committees of jurisdiction, which have been asked by Speaker Pelosi to produce legislation on global warming and energy independence by June. With a large number of committees exercising jurisdiction over issues affecting energy and climate, the Select Committee will provide the coordination of information on these critical issues.

The Select Committee will hold hearings and investigations locally, nationally, and internationally to gather the information needed to protect our national security and the environment. It is charged with recommending to the Congress policies, strategies, technologies and other innovations to reduce the dependence of the United States on foreign sources of energy and prevent global warming.

The new Select Committee on Energy Independent and Global Warming will raise the profile of these crucial issues in the Congress, the media, and the public eye and will target the younger generation—who have the most at stake—using cutting-edge means of communications.

The House approved the creation of the Select Committee yesterday on a vote of 269 to 150, with 44 Republicans voting in favor. The Committee’s official duties will end when this two-year session of the House ends.

The Democratic members of the Select Committee are listed below (Brief bios below):

· Congressman Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Chairman
· Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon
· Congressman Jay Inslee of Washington
· Congressman John Larson of Connecticut
· Congresswoman Hilda Solis of California
· Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth of South Dakota
· Congressman Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri
· Congressman John Hall of New York
· Congressman Jerry McNerney of California" (source)

"Rep. Jerry McNerney: Prior to his election to the House from California’s 11th District, Congressman McNerney was a wind energy engineer and a renewable energy expert.
· House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee: Water Resources and the Environment Subcommittee
House Science and Technology Committee: Energy and Environment Subcommittee" (source)

McNerney's First Bill Passes House

Jerry's Blog: House overwhelmingly passes first McNerney bill

"Today, the Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007, authored by Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-11) and sponsored by Rep. Ellen Tauscher (CA-10), passed the House by a vote of 369 to 55.

The Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007 will authorize $125 million in funding for projects that increase usable water supply by encouraging innovation in water reclamation, reuse, and conservation. The bill provides funding for a grant program that requires a fifty percent local funding match.

“This bill authorizes funds to develop alternative sources of clean drinking water, as well as water for agricultural and industrial purposes,” Rep. McNerney said. “That’s an important consideration this winter in California with lower than normal rainfall totals and a Sierra snowpack just 65 percent of its normal size – sources that are essential to the state’s water supply.”" (source)

Scripps: McNerney wins approval of water bill

"Score one for the San Joaquin Valley freshman.

...

"Everyone recognizes the need for clean water," McNerney said. "It doesn't matter where you live or what your political persuasion is. We all need clean water."" (source)

Tracy Press Editorial: Water money is worthy measure

"At a projected five-year cost of $86 million in grants, House Resolution 700 isn’t a biggie, but it is significant that McNerney, whose 11th District runs from the Delta to Santa Clara County, would co-author it with a neighbor, Rep. Ellen Tauscher, D-San Ramon. Some of McNerney’s constituents are supplied with fresh Delta water through the Tracy pumping plant, while others depend on the tributaries that flow from the Sierra for their agricultural and recreational livelihoods. The quality of that water is endangered.

Declares McNerney: “Our communities’ need for a clean, reliable water supply has never been more evident. Despite recent rain, much of Northern California has experienced a record dry winter. Not only that, but increasing global temperatures will have an impact on the melting snowpack that provides water for much of California.”

Hence, the need for alternative water sources through recycling and wastewater reuse that are gaining interest in California and across the nation. Offering a 50-50 money match of $125 million to municipalities, industries and agri-business to implement their projects is a sensible approach to water conservation if there are willing participants." (source)

CCTimes: McNerney passes first bill

CVBusiness Times: Congress moves forward on increasing water supplies

Listen To McNerney Speak On The Bill

LodiNews: Water bill could help Lodi with groundwater cleanup

TracyPress: Water bill flies through House

Tracy Press: McNerney pushes for Progress

Tracy Press: McNerney pushes for Progress

"Congressman Jerry McNerney and a handful of other representatives will introduce a bill to the House of Representatives on Monday that would force the federal government to lead the charge against global warming.

The so-called Progress Act suggests the government double its commitment to use and research cleaner fuels for its fleet of 630,000 vehicles, with a focus on hydrogen and fuel cell work, plug-in electric hybrids and advanced diesel and variable compression engines.

Such massive federal investment would result in the “widespread availability of technologies that can double the current average vehicle efficiency,” according to McNerney’s office.

The bill would also establish the first commission to bring government, industry and academic leaders together to discuss energy alternatives. The commission would then pass its recommendations to Congress. The new law would create a grant program to encourage the private sector to invest in building bio-fuel pumps, tanks and plants around the country. And it would require the government to put more money into commuter, freight and transit trains." (source)

McNerney Continues To Be Accessible

Manteca Bulletin: Congressman, coffee & chat

"Jerry McNerney learned something he didn’t expect Saturday morning — at lest one constituent is fed up with roadside litter.

“I’ve noticed that myself (crossing the Altamont),” the first-term congressman said.McNerney was in Manteca Saturday morning listening to constituents at the Main Street Cafe as part of his Congressman at Your Corner series of informal meetings.

While roadside litter may not be a federal issue or rate up there in importance with the Iraq War or alternative fuels, McNerney said that is exactly what he wanted to hear.

“I’m excited about having the chance for people to share their concerns,” McNerney said.

Over two dozen people chatted with the congressman during the hour-long gathering. Issues they brought up ranged from worker’s compensation, health care, and veterans issues to immigration — all staples on a typical congressman’s plate." (source)

Tri-Valley: McNerney holds court on corner - Congressman, Manteca voters discuss hot topics over coffee

Record: Seuss is red, white and read all over America

Record: Look who's now a lobbyist

Record: Look who's now a lobbyist

"Here's our advice to lobbyist Richard Pombo of Tracy: Don't run for political office again.

No sooner had the 109th Congress adjourned than Pombo was hired by Pac/West Communications, an Oregon-based lobbying and public relations firm that represents many of the same interests for which Pombo advocated so intensely as chairman of the House Resources Committee.

...

Pac/West no doubt will compensate Pombo well. His interests mesh with much of what the lobbying group is promoting.

However, after being paid to advocate for these special interests, it's hard to imagine Pombo ever successfully lobbying voters on his own behalf in the future.

Maybe that's a good thing." (source)

Ca-11 News Round Up

Rep. Jerry Mcnerney (D-Ca-11)

Record: Constituents get face time with McNerney

"McNerney shook hands and listened intently to the estimated 40 people who lined up to chat with the freshman congressman, who upset seven-term incumbent Richard Pombo in November. Aides scribbled notes and talked to several of the constituents afterward.

"I want people to know we're here for them," McNerney said shortly before leaving for a similar session later Monday at a Tracy coffeehouse. "People come in here with things they're passionate about, and all I have to do is tap into their passion."

...

Emery and several others who spoke to McNerney at Sherwood Mall said they couldn't recall Pombo, R-Tracy, being so accessible.

"This is wonderful with him coming and talking to anyone in the mall," Emery said. "I wish every congressman would do this."" (source)

CC Times: McNerney drops in on a Pleasanton Safeway

"The freshman congressman who last fall unseated Republican giant Richard Pombo stood inside a Morgan Hill Safeway on Wednesday, offering an ear to his new constituents.

Lobbyists pay to have this kind of face time with members of Congress. But inside the darkened supermarket (the power was out) Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, was ready -- eager, even -- to hear what District 11 residents had to say, no cover charge needed.

...

McNerney this week launched what will be a running series of hourlong, face-to-face meetings with constituents. McNerney spokesman Andy Stone said the staff chooses "community hot spots" such as grocery stores and shopping centers, "because it's where people congregate naturally."

...

Since launching the "Congress at Your Corner" program, McNerney has visited Stockton -- where he chatted with folks inside a shopping center's food court -- and Tracy, where the setting was a coffee house." (source)

Jerry McNerney: Why supporting the troops means opposing the President

"Last week, I joined with my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, in casting a vote against President Bush's proposal to escalate the war in Iraq. I did so because it is my duty to do everything I can to bring about a responsible end to the violence and make sure our troops have the support they need.

...

Recently, the Washington Post reported that the Marine Corps and Army brigades that the president proposes to send to Iraq don't have enough advanced armor kits for Humvees. These "up-armored"' Humvees offer our troops the best protection against the roadside bombs that have caused so many of the casualties in Iraq. In addition, reports also show shortages of trucks and other crucial equipment such as jamming devices and radios. Lodging and logistical support is also reportedly in short supply.

This demonstrates the severely misguided nature of the president's proposal. A plan for military action must include necessary resources to achieve the objective. The president's plan doesn't do that. Another critical consideration is the impact the dispatch of an additional 21,500 combat soldiers -- along with thousands of support personnel -- will have on our military.

Already, our ability to meet future challenges is strained. Deploying additional troops will significantly hinder our ability to effectively wage the global war on terrorism. In fact, it is the global terrorist threat that still must be addressed in a comprehensive way." (source)

Tracy Press: Iraq occupation ‘misguided’

"Congressman Jerry McNerney, a California Democrat from the 11th District, voted to support a symbolic Democratic resolution Friday that opposes troop increases and calls the occupation of Iraq “misguided and badly managed.”

McNerney supports a public timetable for withdrawal, even though he said he is worried about the effect of pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq. He said that Iraqi police and military forces, if trained properly, could quell the country’s violence without the presence of U.S. troops.

...

McNerney said Iraqis should take care of Iraq’s security, while the U.S. should rely more on diplomacy.

...

“I am very, very concerned (Bush and his administration) are looking for a pretext to bomb Iran,” he said, adding that he would not vote to send America to war against Iran."" (source)

Jerry McNerney: Bush’s strategy harmful to U.S.

KCBS: McNerney wants "straight answers from the Bush Administration"

Record: House condemns surge in troops to Iraq

Environment California: McNerney bill a 'win-win' deal

Lodi News: Lodi businesses applaud new small-business tax relief bill

Lodi News: McNerney, Cardoza decry lack of transportation funding

Richard Pombo (R-PAC/West)

Merced Sun: Pombo returns to Washington as lobbyist

"Former San Joaquin Valley congressman Richard Pombo is stepping through the revolving door to work for a lobbying and public relations firm that specializes in Western resource issues.

It's a match made in political heaven, Pombo's fans and critics agree." (source)

Record: Pombo lands job with Oregon lobbying group: Ex-congressman hasn't ruled out another election

"The former congressman from Tracy said the day he conceded defeat to Pleasanton Democrat Jerry McNerney that he would focus his energies on the cattle ranch he runs with his brothers. But the itch to re-enter the policy wars over land rights, endangered species, mining, oil drilling, farming and fishing was too strong.

Pombo took a job last week with the Oregon-based lobby shop Pac/West Communications, a group that had fought along with him over the years.

...

But even as he spoke excitedly about his new career, Pombo said he still might challenge McNerney to regain his old seat.

"To be honest, I haven't made 100 percent sure I'm not going to run," Pombo said Friday. "I'm just going to wait it out and figure this out when things settle down. I want to see if this is something I want to do again."" (source)

Carl Pope: Just When You Thought It Was Safe

"Richard Pombo has moved on to a more appropriate line of work; he has become a lobbyist for a firm that specializes in representing the Neanderthals of the American economy -- companies that make their profits from irresponsible exploitation of natural resources, not the innovative deployment of human skill and technology.

The firm in question, Pac/West, is based in Oregon, but Pombo will be representing it in California. Pac/West Communications last year won a $3 million contract with the state of Alaska to coordinate a campaign for opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration -- something Pombo of course supported.

The company's President, Paul Phillips, understandably has a soft spot for the kind of ethical challenges Pombo consistently ran into in his political career. In 1990, while in the Oregon legislature, Phillips was fined $17,000 for soliciting employment from Nike from his legislative office. He later served as Nike community affairs director.

Pombo has followed a similar trajectory with Pac/West. A year ago Environment Science and Technology reported that Pombo had close ties to Pac/West. Pac/West created the sham Save our Species Coalition that fronted for Pombo's bill to gut the Endangered Species Act. It hired Steve Quarles, the DC lobbyist who wrote that bill, then created an "astro-turf" program to make it appear that Pombo enjoyed public support for his efforts to endanger wildlife. For his part, Pombo urged industry contacts to support Pac/West. And, in August 2005, Pac/West returned the favor by hosting a fund-raiser for Pombo in Wilsonville, Ore., where the firm is headquartered. Paul Phillips donated $1000 to Pombo's campaign. Members listed on IRS documents as directors for Project Protect, another PacWest front group, donated an additional $3000." (source)

ANG: Pombo signs on as lobbying consultant

"Defenders of Wildlife President & CEO Rodger Schlickeisen, whose organization's lobbying arm helped lead the battle to unseat Pombo last year, said he's not surprised to see Pombo land this job "with the special interests because, as far as we're concerned, that's where his heart and his mind resided anyway.

"It does challenge the notion that he kept trying to instill in his constituents ... that he was not a man of Washington, that he had not bought into the establishment, that he was not in bed with the special interests," Schlickeisen said." (source)

DCCC Announces Frontline Members: McNerney...

DCCC Announces Frontline Members

"The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee today announced the Members of DCCC Frontline program for the 2008 cycle. As a result of the DCCC’s historic success last November, 29 Members have qualified for the Frontline Program this cycle. The Frontline Program will be chaired by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), the former Chairman of the DCCC, will continue working with Frontline Members this cycle.

Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said: “In November, the American people sent a clear message for change. The Frontline Members are already hard at work for the American people by restoring honesty and openness in government, re-establishing fiscal responsibility, strengthening our national security, and giving everyone a shot at the American Dream. The Frontline Program will give our Members an added boost so they can continue focusing on the issues their constituents care most about.”

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the chair of the Frontline Program, said: "Our Frontline Members inspired the confidence of their constituents during their campaigns for Congress. They made the commitment to move our country in a new direction. They are our Majority Makers. The Frontline program will build on their strengths, providing them with the money, message and strategy they need to successfully position themselves for reelection in 2008."

The Frontline Program

The Frontline Program is a partnership between the DCCC and Members which lays the ground work for the 2008 cycle by supporting and expanding their fundraising and outreach operations. This competitive program requires members to meet aggressive fundraising goals, accelerate volunteer and recruitment efforts, and increase on-line networking.

Last cycle, the Frontline Program’s early success helped make half of the most competitive Democratic seats safe by the fall of 2006, allowing the DCCC to expand its offensive opportunities. Democrats have an outstanding record of defending tough seats with battle tested incumbents and have successfully protected 95 percent of their incumbents since 2002. In 2006, Democrats did not lose a single seat.

Frontline Members

...

Representative Jerry McNerney (CA-11)

...

Please support our Frontline members by contributing here." (source)