Houston, Pombo Mull Running In '08

Hotline: Comeback Kids?

"Richard Pombo (R) is considering a repeat run, despite being upset by Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA 11). His ethical missteps and environmental views would again invite third-party attacks and money." (source)

CCTimes: Houston mulls run for House

"ASSEMBLYMAN Guy Houston, R-San Ramon, is headed next month to the nation's capital, where he will talk with national party leaders about a possible run for U.S. House District 11.
Republicans hope to reclaim the GOP-leaning district after seven-term incumbent Richard Pombo of Tracy lost in a major upset to Democrat Jerry McNerney in 2006.

Houston will meet in mid-February with Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, the National Republican Congressional Committee chairman , and other leaders in meetings arranged by Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield.

Houston, a former Dublin mayor, terms out of the Assembly in 2008. Many termed-out Assembly members set their sights on a Senate seat, but unfortunately for Houston, he lives in an overwhelmingly Democratic Senate district.

...

Although few expected the former congressman to seek re-election, Houston says he held off until Pombo sent a signal as to his plans.

That signal came last week when Roll Call, a Washington, D.C., paper, reported that Pombo was in job talks with Oregon-based PAC/West Communications, a public relations and issue advocacy firm whose client list includes labor unions, Safari Club International, and health care, timber and oil interests." (source)

Shaw/Record Blog: CD 11: Rico and Devin for Pombo!

Recordnet.com: Perennial candidate out of race for good

McNerney's First Bill

McNerney introduces first bill

Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney is introducing his first bill -- the Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007 -- along with Rep. Ellen Tauscher. The bill will authorize $125 million in funding for projects that increase usable water supply by encouraging innovation in water reclamation, reuse, and conservation.

“Right now, parts of California are poised to break records for the driest January ever,” Rep. McNerney said in a press release. “Not only that, but increasing global temperatures will have an impact on the melting snowpack that provides water for much of California. This bill authorizes funds to develop alternative sources of clean drinking water, as well as water for agricultural and industrial purposes.”

According to the press release, the Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007 "amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize alternative water source projects. Importantly, it will provide a necessary source of funding for ideas like aquifer storage and retrieval and membrane filtering technologies that have the potential to greatly increase our ability to use water more effectively and efficiently."

“I am excited about this act, which encourages innovation by authorizing funding for pilot projects to develop water supplies through conservation, management and reclamation,” Rep. McNerney said. (source)

CCTimes: McNerney's first bill goes to subcommittee

CVBT: Congress considers funds to improve rural water supplies

McNerney visits with Lodi leaders, talks transportation

CBS: Legislation Would Help State's Water Supply

McNerney On The State Of The Union

ANG: Bay Area delegates give Bush's State of Union an 'F'

"The Bay Area's House delegation — for the first time in years, an unbroken string of Democrats — reacted to President Bush's State of the Union address Tuesday night with disapproval, if not disdain.

...

Freshman Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, said he was awed by the spectacle at his first State of the Union, but not thrilled by the speech itself. "I didn't see very much to be excited about — he was relying basically on the same old arguments he has used before for the war ... I didn't see anything that was positive, that shows he has been listening to the American public."

Nor did McNerney hear anything substantial on energy or global warming, his own key issues. "He's not willing to make the real effort it's going to take to make it happen. ... What he's saying really relies on scientific breakthroughs that haven't happened yet."" (source)

"I am optimistic about the lofty, cooperative goals the president laid out," McNerney said. "Yet, at the same time, I know that the best predictor of the future is the past - and that gives me pause. In his last six State of the Union addresses, President Bush has addressed the need for a rational, comprehensive energy policy and the need to move towards greater energy independence. Yet America is now more dependent on foreign oil than when President Bush took office." (source)

"Freshman Rep. Jerry McNerney, a California Democrat, gave his extra ticket to his son, Michael McNerney, an officer in the Air Force Reserves." (source)

McNerney Opposes Escalating The War In Iraq

Rep. Jerry McNerney (1/12/07):

"(Bush) offered no real strategy for winning the war in Iraq or the broader global struggle with terrorism. Many military and foreign policy experts, including the joint chiefs of staff, have acknowledged that the president's proposal to increase troop strength is not a solution to the ongoing instability in Iraq.

"I believe that an influx of troops may actually worsen the situation on the ground. Not only that, but redeploying 20,000 additional troops to Iraq will stretch our already fully deployed armed forces even further."

In fact, the very consideration of redeploying troops to Iraq means we are distracted from the wider terrorist threat — especially in Afghanistan, where additional forces may be necessary to reign in the resurgence of al-Qaida and the Taliban." (source)

Pombo In Talks To Become A Lobbyist?

Hank Shaw/Record: Pombo re-emerges

"The former House Resources chairman [Pombo] is in talks with Pac/West Communications, an Oregon-based PR and lobbying firm that has a roster of timber and energy clients.

...

The firm already has inked a deal with Pombo's former staff director, Steve Ding, to open a California office in the state capital of Sacramento."

...

Pombo genuninely liked dealing with natural resources issues, and one of his proudest achievements was steering President Bush's "Healthy Forests" initiative though Congress (with Sen. Dianne Feinstein's help) Pombo has always been sympathetic to the logging industry, so this seems like a natural fit." (source)

Grist: Pombo goes through the revolving door

"Wigley and Pac/West are no strangers to environmental reform movements. Several years ago, Wigley led Project Protect, which helped pass the Healthy Forests legislation by lobbying Congress and running advertisements and opinion pieces to influence the public in timber-rich states.

...

In November 2004, Pombo recognized Wigley's work with Project Protect by sending a letter [117KB PDF] to the Forest Resources Assoc. recommending Wigley for an award. "Tim's efforts in leading the grassroots campaign 'Project Protect' without question helped position the Healthy Forests Restoration Act for successful passage in the U.S. Congress," Pombo wrote. Wigley received the award and a cash prize from the association a few months later.

In August 2005, Pac/West returned the favor by hosting a fund-raiser [1.2MB PDF] for Pombo in Wilsonville, Ore., where the firm is headquartered. Around this time, the Pac/West CEO Paul Phillips, a former Oregon state senator, donated $1000 to Pombo's campaign. Members listed on IRS documents as directors for Project Protect donated an additional $3000." (source)

Roll Call: Phase Two

"Former Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas (R-Calif.), who retired at the end of the 109th Congress, and ex-Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif.), who was defeated for re-election, are both closing in on new careers in the private sector. " (source)

Record: Pombo in talks to join Oregon-based lobbying firm

Jerry McNerney: 'A new direction' for the country

Jerry McNerney: 'A new direction' for the country
"As I traveled around San Joaquin County and the 11th Congressional District during the 2006 election campaign, I heard from many members of our community.

Some expressed deep concern at the multitude of ethical scandals in Congress.

Some were frustrated by what they saw as an inability of elected representatives to work together to address important issues.

Many people felt let down, disheartened and ready for change.

That's one reasons I ran for Congress. I stood up to say enough is enough.

I'm proud to report that in just the first few weeks, the 110th Congress has been able to address many of the concerns I heard during the campaign." (more-at-source)

California Congressional delegation pleads for help for freeze victims

CVBusinessTimes: California Congressional delegation pleads for help for freeze victims

"All 55 California members of Congress on Friday called for immediate federal assistance to farmers and ranchers impacted by the January freeze.

As much as $1 billion worth of citrus and other crops was destroyed by five days of sub-freezing temperatures in the Central Valley, Southern California and some coast areas.

It’s expected that 10,000 or more hourly workers in the citrus industry will lose their harvesting and processing jobs.

...

"I am happy to join all my colleagues from California in urging President Bush to approve relief for those impacted by the record low temperatures," adds U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, whose district includes parts of the Central Valley." (source)

McNerney & Democrats Pass '100 Hours Agenda' - America Supports - Bush, NRCC, & TP Don't...

The Results

Implement the 9/11 Commission Recommendations
PASSED - January 9, 2007 at 7:17 PM, 299 - 128 (Republicans in Favor: 68)

Increase the Minimum Wage
PASSED - January 10, 2007 at 5:10 PM, 315 - 116 (Republicans in Favor: 82)

Expand Stem Cell Research
PASSED - January 11, 2007 at 3:11 PM, 253 - 174 (Republicans in Favor: 37)

Allow Negotiation for Lower Prescription Drug Costs
PASSED - January 12, 2007 at 2:22 PM, 255 - 170 (Republicans in Favor: 24)

Cut Interest Rates on Student Loans
PASSED - January 17, 2007 at 5:35 PM, 356 - 71 (Republicans in Favor: 124)

End Subsidies for Big Oil and Invest in Renewable Energy
PASSED - January 18, 2007 at 6:09 PM, 264 - 163 (Republicans in Favor: 36)

McNerney Brings Clean Energy

Record: House passes renewable energy bill 264-163 - McNerney plays prominent role in the debate

"Freshman Rep. Jerry McNerney took his first turn in the congressional spotlight Thursday by playing a prominent role in a debate over legislation intended to wean America off oil and foster development of renewable energy sources.

The bill passed the House 264-163; McNerney and Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, voted for it, while Rep. Dan Lungren, a Republican whose district includes the Mother Lode, voted against it. Thirty-six Republicans did support the measure, however.

McNerney, who was a wind-energy consultant before he defeated Tracy Rep. Richard Pombo last fall, is emerging as a go-to guy on energy matters in a Democratic-controlled Congress eager to promote green energy sources such as wind, solar or biofuels.

...

The legislation would also scrap nearly $15 billion worth of oil industry tax breaks enacted by Congress in recent years. That tax money will now be used to promote renewable fuels such as solar and wind power, alternative fuels, including ethanol and biodiesel, and provide incentives for conservation." (source)

CCTimes: McNerney takes top billing on House energy bill
Freshman given co-honor, as part of Democrats' 100 hours agenda, in recognition of his downing Pombo

"A nearly 30-year veteran in the field of wind energy, McNerney vowed during the campaign to seek increased federal investment in alternative energy sources, including crops that could be grown in his congressional district for use in biodiesel.

And he and Pombo differed sharply on expanded domestic oil drilling in the Arctic National Wilderness Area and off the U.S. coastline, key components of the ousted lawmaker's energy bill." (source)

REP. MCNERNEY’S STATEMENT ON THE HOUSE FLOOR IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 6

"Rep. McNerney delivered the following statement on the floor of the House today, January 18.

“Mr. Speaker, the energy policy in this country is neither healthy nor sustainable.

“Every day, we import $800 million dollars worth of foreign oil. Not only does this put our economy at great risk but some of that money is going to the very people who could harm Americans.

“With our vote today on H.R. 6, we begin moving towards a rational, sustainable energy policy.

“After spending more than 20 years climbing wind turbines and developing new energy technology, I can tell you that we haven’t begun to realize the potential for job creation and sustainability in this industry. We need to be doing much more to expand the use of renewable energy. This bill is a first step to diversify our energy sources.

“H.R. 6 will end the billions of dollars in corporate welfare we have doled out to big oil companies currently enjoying record profits.

“By investing in new energy technologies, we will also create an entire spectrum of good paying jobs right here in America. In fact, passage of this bill will produce nearly one million jobs in the next three years, generating close to $30 billion in new wages.

“I am pleased that we are doing more than just paying lip service to expanding innovation in clean energy by following through on our responsibility to make the environment livable for future generations.

“Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working in a bipartisan way with my colleagues on the Science and Technology Committee to increase innovation and investment in our energy future.”" (source)

America Supports the 100 Hours Agenda

LATimes: Poll: Initial House bills get broad support

"A bipartisan majority of Americans strongly supports the bills that whisked through the House in the first days of the Democrat-controlled Congress, but many remain uncertain about where the party wants to lead the nation, a Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll has found.

Approval of Congress has increased since the midterm election ousted Republicans from their House and Senate majorities, and Democrats are viewed in a more positive light after two weeks in power, according to the survey.

...

The most popular item was the push to increase the federal minimum wage, which under the House bill would rise over two years to $7.25 an hour from $5.15. The increase was supported by 81 percent of those surveyed--including 66 percent of the self-described conservatives.

The student-loan rate cut that passed the House on Wednesday was supported by 79 percent of those polled. Legislation aimed at lowering prices in Medicare's prescription drug program, which passed the House last week, was backed by 80 percent.

Thursday's oil industry measure was supported by 61 percent. An expansion of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, passed by the House last week, was backed by 59 percent." (source)

AP: Poll Shows Support for Democrats' Goals - Strong support for Democrats' goals on minimum wage, prescription drugs

"Two of the Democrats' top goals _ a higher minimum wage and federal funding of embryonic stem cell research _ enjoy broad public support as the party takes control of Congress for the first time in a dozen years.

An overwhelming majority also supports making it easier for people to buy prescription drugs from other countries."

"Significant majorities also approve of the legislation repealing the tax breaks and subsidies for oil companies, enacting a new ethics package for Congress and increasing federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research." (source)

USAToday: Poll: Americans want Democrats, not Bush, at helm

"Democrats have taken control of Congress this month amid a wave of good feeling from the public.

A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken Friday-Sunday shows that Americans by nearly 2-to-1 want congressional Democrats, not President Bush, to have more influence over the direction the nation takes during the next year.

...

Democratic congressional leaders get their highest rating since Bush took office in 2001; 59% of those surveyed say their policies would move the country in the right direction. Republican congressional leaders get their lowest rating: 35% endorse their approach.

...

Half or more of those polled identify four issues as "extremely important" for the White House and Congress to deal with in 2007: Iraq, terrorism, government corruption and health care." (source)

Bloomberg: Survey: Majority of Americans back stem cell research

"More than two-thirds of Americans said they want the new, Democratic-led Congress to expand embryonic stem cell research, restricted since 2001 by President George W. Bush. The shares of stem-cell companies surged.

About 68 percent of respondents to a survey supported passage of a bill that would reverse the Bush restrictions within the first 100 hours of the new Congress, according to a poll sponsored by the Civil Society Institute in Washington. " (source)

"Seven in 10, 69 percent, favor the federal government making it easier for people to buy prescription drugs from other countries." (source)

CBS: Poll: High Hopes For New Congress - 68% Are Optimistic About 110th Congress

The Critics (NRCC, White House, Tracy Press)

CCTimes: NRCC blasts McNerney's votes

"The National Republican Congressional Committee fired an e-mail shot today across the bow of newly elected Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, calling him a stooge of the Democratic Party and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

" ... despite promising to put his district’s interests first in Washington, cast the following votes in the first 100 hours of Democrat control of Congress, siding exclusively with his party’s leadership, rather than the voters of the 11th District of California," reads the e-mail press release." (source)

WaPo: Stem Cell Bill Gets Bush's First Veto

AP Medicare price negotiation bill faces Bush veto

Tracy Press Editorial: McNerney authors government extortion

Jerry: Good news and bad news

Jerry McNerney: Good news and bad news for you

"I have some good news. And I have some bad news.

The good news is that I was just appointed to the House Science and Technology Committee as well as the Veterans' Affairs Committee -- in addition to my previous appointment to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

As a new member of these important bodies in Congress, I am thrilled to be sinking my teeth into some of the most important issues facing our nation and our district. In these committees, I will be able to research renewable and new energy technology initiatives, explore the impact of our climate crisis, and make sure our veterans are treated with dignity and respect on their return home from serving our country. As you can see, I am taking advantage of every opportunity I can to represent you -- and the issues I ran on -- in Congress.


The bad news?

On January 4, the same day that I was sworn in to our historic new Congress, negative attack mailers from the National Republican Congressional Committee targeting me appeared in the mail boxes of voters across the 11th Congressional District.

...

I'm not sure who is at fault but I do know this: after I defeated one of the most prominent and entrenched House incumbents in America, Republicans in the bowels of Washington are already targeting me for defeat. This mailer is a sobering reminder that they are cranking up their smear machine to take this seat back. They don't even need a candidate to do it.

As you know, I am not interested in the politics of personal destruction. I am interested in the politics of people power.

And, if we are going to realize that power, I need your help now.

Being elected to Congress and appointed to these important House committees is an incredible accomplishment for all of us. But, if we are going to realize our vision for this district and our country, it's going to take more than two years.

...

Support me now so that we, together, can help our nation kick its addiction to oil and turn our district into the "Silicon Valley of renewable energy." Support me now so that we, together, can push our elected leaders to realize the enormity of the climate crisis and what it will take for our country to change course and change the world. Support me now so that we, together, can bring a responsible end to the tragic war in Iraq and take good care of our troops when they return home.

...

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/commitment

Will our victory in November be a footnote in American history? Or the beginning of a new era in the history of the world?

It's up to you.

No matter what you decide to do, please know that I am eternally grateful for the opportunity you have given me to serve you in the People's House and I will do everything I can to make you proud." (More-At-Source)

Contra Costa Times: McNerney attacked 1 week into job

"The Bay Area's newest Congressman has been seated for only a week, and already the 2008 campaign against him has begun.

The National Republican Congressional Committee -- which spent about $1.4 million in 2006 trying to keep incumbent Richard Pombo in office -- has sent 11th District constituents its first mailer against newly sworn Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton." (source)

McNerney & Freshman Dems Sign Letter In Favor of Fair & Free Trade

“As you may know, in each of our campaigns the issue of trade and the impact of the Administration’s trade policy on working families, the environment, independent farmers and businesses in our districts were critically important. Vital to our electoral successes was our ability to take a vocal stand against the Administration’s misguided trade agenda, and offer our voters real, meaningful alternatives to the job-killing agreements, such as CAFTA, that the majority of our opponents supported.” (source)

H/T David Sirota

Letter Here.

McNerney Appointed To Veterans Affairs Committee

CCTimes: McNERNEY GETS VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SEAT

"The East Bay's newest congressman, Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, landed a seat Thursday on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

McNerney, who defeated incumbent Republican Richard Pombo of Tracy in the race to represent California's 11th congressional District, said he was "proud and humbled" by the committee assignment.

"With our armed forces currently engaged overseas, I can think of few greater priorities than to ensure that when our veterans return home they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve," McNerney said in a written statement." (source)


TracyPress: McNerney named to veterans’ committee, says local services are top priority

"Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, was appointed Thursday to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, a position he hopes to use to try to expand the Veterans Affairs clinic in French Camp and to try to prevent the Veterans Affairs hospital in Livermore from closing.

...

McNerney said he plans to return home to Pleasanton tonight, “thrilled about the stuff that we’ve accomplished.”

McNerney’s votes helped this week to raise the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, to instruct the government to implement 9/11 Commission recommendations and to amend the Public Health Service Act to allow stem cell research." (source)

'Republicans rally for 2008'

Tracy Press: Republicans rally for 2008

"After losing local representative Richard Pombo, along with the majority from both houses of Congress in the Nov. 7 election, nearly 100 local Republicans gathered Tuesday night at Chez Shari Restaurant, where they were urged to start fighting for victory in 2008.

Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian, R-Stockton, told the South San Joaquin Republicans to keep growing the “ever-expanding” Republican movement through volunteerism and hard work.

“You can’t look back and say ‘oh we lost and we’re withdrawing from the fight,’” Aghazarian said. “God knows we’ve lost some battles. God knows we’ve won some battles. But at the end of the day, we are going to win the war.

...

Pombo was scheduled to speak at the meeting, but his wife and paid political aide Annette Pombo said he was delayed at an airport. She told the crowd that their work was appreciated." (source)

McNerney Gains Seat On Science & Technology Committee

Hank Shaw/The Record: McNerney gets science post

"McNerney, a PhD in mathematics who has spent much of his career studying wind energy, appears to dig his new gig:

"I’m thrilled to gain a seat on the Science and Technology Committee and I can’t wait to delve into some of the committee’s issues, including research and development on sustainable energy initiatives, exploring the impact of global warming, as well as developing and engaging new homeland security technologies," he said in a statement." (source)

Howard Dean Recognizes Jerry McNerney, Grassroots, Netroots

Roughly Transcribed from DNC Chairman Howard Dean's, "Message to the Netroots" on PoliticsTV/Youtube.

Howard Dean: "Hi I'm Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. I want to thank all of you who voted and especially all of who got out and worked so hard for what turns out to be a really big win...."

"Nine out of the thirty-five races that were selected by the DCCC were winners. The rest of them were all folks who started on their own with enormous grassroots organization which the DCCC went out and helped find and finance. And there were some who didn't get any help from any of us, including the DNC, people like Carol Shea Porter and Jerry McNerney and John Hall...got very little help.

And it was all the netroots and the people knocking on doors, people going out and talking to their neighbors. That's the most important thing on politics. You can't win without television but you can't win if that's all you do is television and reconnecting people to each other is the new politics in America and you're doing it and you've got to keep doing it because that's how we win."

View the entire video on Youtube.

Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) - News Round Up

CCTimes: McNerney takes his official oath of office - Pleasanton Democrat makes speech in support of the ethics reform package - Fight just beginning for McNerney

"Eight weeks after voters swept underdog Democrat Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton into Congress amid a national anti-GOP wave, he took the official oath of office Thursday on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Free of that pesky tagline "Rep.-elect," 55-year-old McNerney then cast his first votes with Democratic colleagues in favor of a House ethics reform package that, among other things, bars Congress from taking gifts from lobbyists or accepting free rides in corporate jets.

McNerney also delivered his first speech on the floor of the House, a two-minute statement in support of the ethics bills." (source)

Tracy Press: McNerney pushes ethics reform after swear-in ceremony

"“It’s appropriate that the incoming Congress is making ethics reform one of its first acts,” McNerney said in his first statement in Congress, according to a transcript. “This issue is personally important to me and to all Californians.

"We need to provide Congress with a fresh start and improve the strained relationship that exists between voters and elected officials. Members of Congress should be held in high regard by the people they represent, and ethics changes will help repair years of damage.

“We must re-establish a positive relationship with everyone we serve and end this period of mistrust in government."" (source)

SFChron: No more free lunch for House -- ethics rules changed on first day

"Newly elected House Speaker Nancy Pelosi racked up her first legislative victory of the 110th Congress on Thursday, passing ethics reforms that will ban gifts and meals paid for by lobbyists and strictly limit travel for lawmakers funded by outside groups.

...

Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, who beat powerful House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo, in part by saying the Tracy Republican was in the pocket of the oil and gas industry, gave his first floor speech Thursday, calling for new rules to "improve the strained relationship that exists between voters and elected officials."

"In traveling throughout California, I heard from people who simply wanted to believe their representative again," McNerney said. "Today we're sending the message that we feel the same way."" (source)

The Record: McNerney to be sworn in to House seat

"McNerney's initial committee assignment is on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which he says will put him in position to solve some of the area's levee and road problems.

Two projects he has in mind will be to smooth access to Interstate 5 from Stockton Metropolitan Airport and the Port of Stockton. McNerney said he's also working with his environmental allies to find a way to dredge the port's Deep Water Channel." (source)

ABCNews10: McNerney Gets Settled in New Capitol Office
Marcey Brightwell's Report
News10 Good Morning Interview

CCTimes: Welcome to Washington, Rep. McNerney

The Record: Can McNerney live up to some Pombo vows?


McClatchy: New congressman begins term with a bull's-eye on his back

Tracy Press: McNerney touts reform in national address

AP: McNerney: Revive integrity

Tracy Press: McNerney says some issues too important for compromise

CalProgReport: ROLLING TO VICTORY IN THE NEW YEAR: GOOD NEWS FROM THE CALIFORNIA DELTA

CCTimes: `Dragon slayer' prepares for freshman Congressional term

Gilroy Dispatch: Getting Politically Involved Is More Than a Right, It's a Duty

Pombo & "109th Congress deplorable on civil rights"

SFChron: 109th Congress deplorable on civil rights, NAACP says


"The NAACP describes the performance of Congress on civil rights issues in 2005 and 2006 as "unacceptable" in a federal legislative report card released Wednesday.

Some of the issues the nation's oldest civil rights organization considers important include: education, raising the minimum wage, health care funding, community policing, gun control, Head Start, student loan funding, voting rights, HIV funding and housing.

...

...The region's only F went to Republican Richard Pombo, who was voted out of office in November." (source)

The Biggest Story Of 2006

The Record: The biggest stories of 2006

"The biggest stories of 2006 reflect the highs and lows of San Joaquin County life. The top 10, as selected by Record editors:

1
Richard Pombo lost his congressional seat to Jerry McNerney." (source)

Lodi New Sentinel: 2006: Year in review

"3. Election year surprises"

"...The anti-Republican backlash also came home as voters ousted Richard Pombo and elected Democratic challenger Jerry McNerney." (source)

The Record's Year in Photos

Tracy Press: Year In Pictures [2006]