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.

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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

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Representative Jerry McNerney (CA-11)

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

McNerney to deliver speech on Iraq War tonight

BREAKING: McNerney to deliver speech on Iraq War tonight

"Congressman Jerry McNerney will deliver a speech tonight on the floor of the House of Representatives outlining his opposition to President Bush’s plans for escalating the war in Iraq. The speech will take place sometime between 6-9 p.m. PST tonight (Tuesday, Feb. 13) and will be available live on C-SPAN. The text of his remarks will be available soon." (source)

Comment at Jerry's Blog.

*update: Congressman McNerney's full remarks available at Jerry's Blog.

"“It is with great sadness and steely resolve that I stand up tonight on the issue of the Iraq and the President’s plan to escalate the conflict.“I’m saddened because the misguided and mismanaged conflict has become a tragic disaster and a genuine threat to Middle East stability and global security.

“The escalation will cause more violence in the Middle East and will weaken our nation."" (more-at-source)

Pombo Ally, Tom Delay Has A Conspiracy Theory...

Pombo's old buddy, Tom Delay says George Soros and Hillary Clinton beat Richard Pombo.

Apparently the two of them were the one's knocking on doors, making phone calls, and getting out the vote. They must have cast all of the one-hundred and ten-thousand votes for McNerney. Clinton and Soros had to have been what forced the Republican Party to adopt a culture of corruption that pushed away even their own base. They probably also forced the neo-cons in the White House to push for war with Iraq which turned public opinion completely away from the GOP. It's also they're fault that Pombo ran a wasteful campaign, wasted tax-payer money (quite often), and was beholden to corporate special interests.

Of course this is not really new. Last December, Delay said the same thing:

"DeLay named Clinton loyalists Harold Ickes, Sidney Blumenthal, James Carville, Paul Begala and Joe Lockhart as the masterminds behind the left-wing coalition. He said that these groups, more than anything else, contributed to the GOP’s fall this November.

“I have never seen a more powerful coalition,” he said.One such example of the coalition’s power played out precisely as planned in California’s 11th District. Republican Rep. Richard Pombo was toppled after facing an onslaught of attacks from the left." (source)

He wrote this as a follow-up on his blog, "there is a left wing conspiracy." (source)

Tom Delay was indicted on charges of money laundering and conspiracy.

Hank Shaw also refutes Delay's false claims.

So This Is What Pombo Was Doing Last November...

PAC money poured into mayor race
Reports show about $200,000 spent to endorse Tracy pro-growth candidate

"In the race for Tracy's first new mayor in more than a decade, a Sacramento-based political action committee poured in more money than both candidates spent running for the city office.

Not only has the amount of money spent raised some eyebrows, but so have some irregularities on the documents filed with the city Jan. 29.

HAT PAC, which has ties to local developers and former U.S. Rep. Richard Pombo, spent more than $200,000 in October to help Tracy Mayor Brent Ives defeat slow-growth activist Celeste Garamendi, according to campaign finance reports.

Ives, whose own campaign spent about $40,000 on the election, defeated Garamendi by 1,600 votes, slightly more than 10 percent of the ballots cast in a race that brought the city's polarized viewpoints on growth to the surface.

...

The committee spent the bulk of their money on mass mailers sent to voters' homes. It also ran television ads on cable channels CNN, Fox News and MSNBC, according to the finance reports." (source)

More McNerney News

CCTimes: Local veterans rally to keep care home McNerney makes plea at final meeting

"A lot of us like it here," said Tracy resident George Briggs, 83, a veteran of three wars. "You modernize this place a little and this would be ideal. It's a different atmosphere here."

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"We really need it there," said Ruby Brawley, a Korean War veteran from Modesto

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Rep Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, said at Friday's meeting that he hopes there is enough room in the Department of Veterans Affairs' budget for nursing homes in both places. He said the Livermore area's large population of veterans warrants consideration of a facility there.

"We should be expanding, not cutting, veterans' services, and I'm hopeful that the panel will ultimately agree with me," McNerney told the panel. "As we look at future options for the use of Livermore, we must keep in mind that increasing numbers of veterans will be looking to the VA for care as overseas conflicts continue.

"Livermore is in an ideal location to support soldiers returning to life at home," McNerney continued. "This facility has stood the test of time and offers a welcome respite for men and women from the Tri-Valley area. I strongly urge this panel to preserve the Livermore VA, and expand health care options for veterans in the region." (source)

KCInfo: Scientists Praise New Clean Energy Legislation
Bill Would Save Money, Create Jobs, Promote Rural Development

"The Union of Concerned Scientists today praised the introduction of a House bill that would gradually require utilities to generate 20 percent of their electricity from clean, renewable sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass, by 2020.

The renewable portfolio standard (RPS) bill, introduced by Reps. Tom Udall (D-NM), Todd Platts (R-PA), Mark Udall (D-CO), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Chris Shays(R-CT), Diana DeGette (D-CO), and Jerry McNerney (D-CA) would create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, save consumers money and promote economic evelopment in our rural communities, according to a UCS analysis of the bill.

"A renewable portfolio standard should be passed this Congress," said Alan Nogee, UCS Clean Energy Program Director. "The bill gives the American people what they asked for in the election*a smart, cost-effective strategy to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and get America on a track toward energy independence. And because power plants are a primary source of heat-trapping emissions, this bill can be an important part of solving global warming."" (source)

Record: McNerney's first bill headed to floor

Tri-Valley Herald: Freshman lawmaker makes first visit to Manteca McNerney meets with city officials as part of tour of district

More Bills & Resolutions

Bills and Resolutions not already covered, sponsored or co-sponsored By Rep. Jerry McNerney.

Info from Thomas Loc on 2/12/07:

H.R.551 Home Ownership for America's Veterans Act of 2007

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing, and for other purposes.

H.R.365 Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007

To provide for a research program for remediation of closed methamphetamine production laboratories, and for other purposes.

H.RES.97 : Providing for Operation Iraqi Freedom cost accountability.

H.J.RES.18 : To redeploy U.S. forces from Iraq.

H.R.137 : Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007

To amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting, and for other purposes.

H.R.197 : To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a 5-year extension of the credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources.

H.R.380 : Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2007

To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the importation of prescription drugs, and for other purposes.

H.R.476 : To amend title 5, United States Code, to make noncreditable for Federal retirement purposes any Member service performed by an individual who is convicted of any of certain offenses committed by that individual while serving as a Member of Congress, and for other purposes.

H.R.503 : To amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.

H.R.539 : Buildings for the 21st Century Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase and extend the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction.

H.R.589 : Get Real Incentives to Drive Plug-in Act

To promote the development and use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and for other purposes.

H.R.620 : Climate Stewardship Act of 2007

To accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by establishing a market-driven system of greenhouse gas tradeable allowances that will limit greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, reduce dependence upon foreign oil, and ensure benefits to consumers from the trading in such allowances, and for other purposes.

H.R.670 : Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy Act

To promote the national security and stability of the United States economy by reducing the dependence of the United States on foreign oil through the use of alternative fuels and new vehicle technologies, and for other purposes.

H.R.782 : Fair Currency Act of 2007

To amend title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that exchange-rate misalignment by any foreign nation is a countervailable export subsidy, to amend the Exchange Rates and International Economic Policy Coordination Act of 1988 to clarify the definition of manipulation with respect to currency, and for other purposes.

H.R.925 : To provide emergency agricultural disaster assistance for agricultural producers, manufacturers, and workers in the State of California, to appropriate funds for Pacific salmon emergency disaster assistance, and for other purposes.

H.R.972 : To provide compensation to individuals who, during the Vietnam conflict, were employees of the Federal Government or contractor employees of the Department of Defense and suffered disability or death from exposure to Agent Orange.

McNerney & 230 Members Of Congress Co-Sponsor The Employee Free Choice Act

AFL-CIO: CO-SPONSORS OF THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT

"The Employee Free Choice Act, supported by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, would level the playing field for workers and employers and foster economic growth for America's middle class. The following members of the U.S. House of Representatives co-sponsored the bill (H.R. 800) in the 110th Congress." (source)

McNerney Round Up

McNerney’s man in Manteca already working on 2008 re-election bid

"When the election results rolled in back in November, Bill Perkins had something to smile about.

The San Joaquin County Democratic Central Committee Chairman had spent months leading up to the opening of the polls canvassing and campaigning for Jerry McNerney, who handily defeated seven-time incumbent Richard Pombo in a highly Republican district where he was pegged as a shoe-in for reelection for the majority of the campaign.

And even though McNerney has gone to Washington, Perkins’ personal commitment to the Democratic Party and his allegiance to McNerney haven’t slowed a bit.

“We’re working on the 2008 campaign right now,” said Perkins, who took a large role in Central Valley political circles after moving to Manteca four years ago. “Everybody was excited that he pulled it off, but we realized that we only had two years to make sure we were ready for the next election.”" (source)

Record: No relaxation for McNerney as footsteps of 2008 grow louder

"Jerry McNerney shocked the political world in the fall by defeating Tracy Republican Richard Pombo. Now that he has finally made it to Capitol Hill, the Pleasanton Democrat is not about to give up his seat without a fight.

January should be time for a lawmaker to concentrate on making laws, but McNerney sits in one of the nation's most precarious seats. He does not have the luxury of looking past 2008.

Republicans are lining up to challenge McNerney. Nearly every political oddsmaker in the nation has the 55-year-old on their endangered species list. McNerney flies home virtually every weekend, pressing the flesh and listening to his new constituents." (source)

CCTimes: McNerney to chair House floor proceedings

"On Wednesday from 8-10:30 p.m. EST, Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, will chair the proceedings of the U.S. House of Representatives as Speaker pro tempore. Interested folks may view the House proceedings live on C-SPAN." (source)

Record: Representative to wield gavel

"Anyone who wants to watch the proceedings should tune in to C-SPAN today from 5 to 7:30 p.m." (source)

Meet Congressman McNerney at Stockton and Pleasanton Open Houses

CaMajority Report: California Netroots Launches Fundraising Effort - Calitics Act Blue page

'McNerney pushes for change on Iraq'

"H.R.508
Title: To require United States military disengagement from Iraq, to provide United States assistance for reconstruction and reconciliation in Iraq, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6] (introduced 1/17/2007) Cosponsors (33) Latest Major Action: 1/17/2007 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, Rules, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned." (source)

Tracy Press: McNerney pushes for change on Iraq

"The proposed law would pull American troops stationed in Iraq out of the Middle East within six months, and it would withdraw defense contractors working for the U.S. from Iraq over the same period.

It would cap at 500 the number of government workers assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, ban long-term U.S. military installations and spend $500 million to tear down American fortresses there.

The law would compensate Iraqi civilians killed, injured or financially harmed by the U.S. military since the war began nearly four years ago withup to $10,000 apiece.

And it would earmark $3.5 billion to rebuild the country, its professional workforce, its cultural heritage and its health care system." (source)