« April 2006 | Main | June 2006 »
Pictured are some of the 23 volunteers who showed up at a recent phone banking event to call undecided voters and tell them about Jerry McNerney and his vision for the 11th Congressional District.
McNerney for Congress has a number of volunteer events scheduled every day through Election Day. See our Calendar to see how you can get involved!
This is the most important message I’ve ever written to you.
Almost one month ago – even before we received polling data that I would defeat Richard Pombo if the general election were held today -- my campaign manager sat down and talked with me about what it would take to win the Democratic primary election on June 6:
Don’t get me wrong. A.J. knows that winning this primary will require people power -- a grassroots movement of concerned citizens willing to put their feet on the street over the next seven days to get out thousands of votes.
Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to contact every voter via neighbor-to-neighbor contact. To win the primary, we need to pay for the direct mail it takes to reach tens of thousands of households in the next week – voters that we could never touch in-person.
Because of your wonderful generosity, we blew past our May 17 FEC deadline goal of $50,000. Since April 1 -- the beginning of the FEC reporting period – we have raised just over $68,064!
The best part? As expected, our Washington-backed opponent raised more money during the reporting period. However, our campaign still received over FOUR times as many contributions ***from folks within the 11th Congressional District*** than our opponent. Besides our volunteer roster, there may be no better measure of the depth of our local grassroots support.
To pay for our final targeted mail piece and the expensive cost of waging a full-scale GOTV operation across the district over the next seven days, we need to raise more than $32,000 by Election Day – for a grand total of $100,000 for the quarter.
With your support, our staff and volunteers are doing a wonderful job getting the word out. We’re doing everything we possibly can to reach every voter across the 11th Congressional District – walking, calling, tabling, and leafleting. Your support of our final mail piece will allow us to put the campaign in a position to win crucial votes over the next seven days.
Reaching these targeted households is critical. In fact, getting these voters to the polls will determine whether we win or lose. Unfortunately, because it is way too expensive to go on TV or radio, a SIGNIFICANT number of voters are still undecided. As a result, this election will come down to how well we organize over the next week.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support you’ve already provided to my campaign, no matter how large or small the contribution in time or money. As you know, small donations are driving our campaign forward -- over 75% of our total contributions from April 1 to May 17 were below $250!
We’ve come a long way since launching an implausible write-in campaign to face Richard Pombo two years ago. Now, in these final days of the 2006 primary campaign, I hope I can count on your support once more.
Thank you so much for everything you are doing to help us win now and defeat Richard Pombo in November.
Let’s get this done!
Jerry
p.s. If you can’t afford to contribute, please consider volunteering for the campaign between now and Election Day. We will hold over 20 events in the final four days of the campaign (June 3-6), including several precinct walks and phone banks across the district. To get plugged in immediately, please check our web site calendar or contact Eden at eden@jerrymcnerney.org as soon as possible!
p.p.s. In these final days, your financial support -- no matter how small or large the contribution -- is absolutely crucial to our campaign’s success. Please contribute $35, $60, $100, $250, $500 or any amount up to the federal maximum right now!
When you think of Memorial Day, you may think of barbeques, beaches, fairs and family. While Memorial Day is certainly a time for rest and relaxation, sometimes the intended purpose of this special day can be overshadowed.
As we all know, Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. We have a duty as Americans to remember their incredible sacrifice, if just for one thoughtful moment.
Today, you have an opportunity to recognize the meaning of Memorial Day. At 3 p.m. (local time), join millions of other Americans by pausing for one minute of respectful silence for those who have died while serving in the armed forces. During this minute, several television and radio stations throughout America will air "Taps" simultaneously.
On this important day, I would also like to tell you about an organization that a volunteer (and veteran) passionately told me about last week.
"Operation Helmet" is a grassroots nonprofit organization that provides blast-protective helmet upgrade kits to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Founded by Dr. Robert Meaders, a former naval flight surgeon and ophthalmologist, Operation Helmet has been providing Kevlar helmet upgrade kits to troops for over two years.
The organization's web site is:
http://www.operation-helmet.org/
If you would like to listen to an interview that Air America's Al Franken did with Dr. Meaders recently, click here.
Please visit Operation Helmet and consider making a contribution to this vital organization. Rest assured that Operation Helmet is a legitimate nonprofit organization and that your contributions will actually go to the cause of protecting our troops and saving lives.
Thank you for your time and consideration on this solemn day.
Sincerely,
Jerry
Jonathan Singer of MyDD ("Direct Democracy for People-Powered Politics") interviewed Jerry McNerney by phone, and posted the transcript of the interview today:
Link: MyDD Conversation with CA-11 Candidate Jerry McNerney
(The interview is also available for listening, as a 12.7 megabyte .WAV file here.)
A brief excerpt:
Singer: You talked a little bit about posting on Daily Kos and the netroots. If there's one message you'd like to send out to the readers of the progressive blogosphere, what would that be?McNerney: I think the important thing in this context really is that the internet, the netroots, the blogging... all that stuff has opened up democracy in a way that wasn't possible before, and I think it really empowers our democracy. So I really challenge people that would be interested to keep participating and to broaden this sphere of influence, because this is how we take America forward as a country of the people rather than a country of the corporations.
Read more here.
Wow.
I am speechless.
I don't know how I can possibly express to you the depth of my appreciation for what you just did for our campaign.
As of midnight last night, you have contributed well over $50,000 -- blowing right past the ambitious FEC deadline goal we set last Thursday. As soon as the final numbers are confirmed, we will report to you the exact amount our incredible grassroots and netroots supporters raised together.
On behalf of everyone, thank you for contributing your hard-earned dollars to our campaign.
You should have seen the joy on the faces of our staff and volunteers as the e-mail bell on Vicki's computer dinged every time we received a new contribution this week. Eden, Nicholas, Judy, Bill E., and Bill O. were all smiles. A.J. was sick today and had to stay at home (those 20-hour days apparently took a toll), but that didn't stop him from calling the office right up to the deadline to see if you would fill the boot before midnight.
Your commitment to our campaign is simply overwhelming. You are why I am running for Congress. You are why I will continue to fight for what's right. You are the renewable energy source that continues to fuel our campaign.
With your help, we've come a long way. But we've got a long way to go. Now that you've given your hard-earned dollars to our campaign... I need to ask you for something even more valuable.
Your time.
With 18 days left before Election Day, this campaign is now in your hands. Do you believe to the core of your soul that we need to move America in a new direction? Do you believe that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and Richard Pombo need to be held accountable? Do you believe our troops should come home as soon as possible? Do you believe in our vision to help make America energy-independent by transforming our district into the Silicon Valley of renewable energy?
Do you believe?
If the answer is "Yes!" I need you to make a firm commitment right now to volunteer ONE day or night to our campaign before Election Day.
If one seat can take back Congress from the Rubber-Stamp Republicans, one day can change the world.
DONATE ONE DAY FOR DEMOCRACY!
Can you participate in the campaign tonight? This Saturday or Sunday? What about May 27 or 28? Or June 3, 4, 5, and 6 -- the final "Get-Out-The-Vote" weekend right up to Election Day?
Or ANY DAY or NIGHT in the next 18 days?
If the answer is "Yes!" I need you to e-mail our Grassroots Field Director, Eden James (eden@jerrymcnerney.org), right now with your "One Day for Democracy" pledge to the campaign.
If you can contribute "One Day for Democracy," please tell Eden:
1) where you live and where you would like to volunteer
2) whether you would like to walk neighborhood precincts, talk to voters on the phone, or work in the office
3) what day(s) or night(s) you are willing to volunteer between now and Election Day. You can volunteer for any length of time, of course, but most of our "shifts" range from 10-1, 1-5 and 5-9 pm (on weekdays) to 9-2 (Saturdays) and 3-8 pm (Sundays).
Please bring your friends -- the more, the merrier!
IMPORTANT: Please write "ONE DAY FOR DEMOCRACY" in the SUBJECT LINE of your e-mail to Eden (eden@jerrymcnerney.org).
Once you send your e-mail message to Eden, he will reply with specific details based on where you live and what opportunities are available to get involved in your area (you can check out many of the volunteer opportunities by clicking on "Calendar" at www.JerryMcNerney.org).
Last night, we scaled the highest peak of the campaign. But this is like climbing Mt. Everest -- the next peak is even higher. If you can donate just One Day for Democracy right now, we'll all be sitting on top of the world on Election Day.
Do you believe?
I believe in you.
Jerry
p.s. We can turn this country around. Together. One day at a time. But if you can't donate a day, please consider making one more financial contribution to the campaign before Election Day. As A.J. said yesterday before we filled the boot... Every. Contribution. Counts. Thank you!
It’s been a crazy-busy day at the office so we haven’t been able to post the latest update on the boot until just now!
The numbers are in -- the boot is at a staggering $49,044.63 as of 2 pm.
What a wonderful showing of support!
Jerry is overwhelmed by your generosity. He has been beaming about it all day!
We’ve still got 6 hours left. Can you put us over the top?
I'm absolutely amazed. You are less than $1,000 away from blowing past our most ambitious goal of the campaign. If you are arriving home right now and checking your e-mail, please kick the boot before midnight!
http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute
On Thursday, Jerry will be sending everyone a special message that will provide an update on the boot as well as details on what you can do in the last 19 days to win the June 6th Democratic primary so we can send Pombo packing in November!
There are just a few hours left until the 11:59 pm deadline. Got some loose change in your cookie jar? Contribute some change for change!
Without you, Jerry’s campaign would not be possible. THANK YOU so much for your ongoing commitment and support.
Eden James
Grassroots Field Director
Last Wednesday, we received the amazing poll numbers showing Jerry leading Richard Pombo 46 to 42 percent.
Late last night, I received the number that could actually make defeating Pombo possible:
That number demonstrates yet again that Jerry's campaign is fueled by the best renewable energy resource of all -- People Power. Last Thursday, we asked you to "Give Pombo the Boot!" and, several large and small donations later, you are extremely close to "filling the boot" that will kick Pombo out of Washington for good!
If you can raise $4,200.37 by 11:59 p.m. tonight, we can make the most important milestone of our campaign -- raising $50,000 by tonight's all-important Federal Election Commission deadline. And, once again, you'll show the pundits and power-brokers in Washington that it doesn't take fancy fundraisers in New York City to win the Democratic primary in San Joaquin County.
You are thisclose to filling that boot to the brim. Thisclose to raising enough to help Jerry stay competitive with his Democratic primary opponent's fancy out-of-state fundraisers. Thisclose to showing the pundits and power-brokers that the grassroots and netroots can take down Pombo and take back Congress in 2006.
Thank you so much for everything you are doing to help Jerry restore honesty, integrity, and accountability to Washington. This incredible campaign for change would not be possible without you!
A.J. Carrillo
Campaign Manager
Your generous pre-primary contribution will help cover the cost of our next "Four-County Canvass" precinct walks on May 20/21 and May 27/28/29 as well as our final Get-Out-The-Vote drive June 3, 4, 5 and on Election Day. SAVE THE DATES and stay tuned for more details!
Check out Jerry McNerney's blog post that became the #1 most recommended diary on Daily Kos today!:
Jerry McNerney, running in CA-11 against Richard Pombo (and leading Pombo 46% - 42%, according to a Stan Greenberg poll just released) posted the following comment to the Jerome a Paris recommended diary posted earlier today.
As many of you may know, Jerry McNerney is a renewable energy expert with a background in wind energy engineering. On our web site, Jerry has posted a Clean Energy Innovation Plan that is the centerpiece of his vision to transform the 11th Congressional District into the Silicon Valley of renewable energy.
I thought Jerry's response to Jerome was good enough to turn into a diary for Kossacks. If you have comments for Jerry, please post them below. Jerry is at a campaign event right now, but he will be getting back late tonight and will try to respond to your comments.
A.J. Carrillo
Campaign Manager
McNerney for Congress
-----
WIND ENERGY AND THE FUTURE
Thank you, Jerome, for your work here.
I started working as an engineer in wind energy in 1978...
Back then, the technology was crude and we had a very steep learning curve. We suffered just about any kind of failure imaginable. We had new structural engineering problems because the random loads generated fatigue issues never faced before. The low speed aerodynamics were new, often operating in or near stall. Control theory advanced to manage random loads. Attacking these problems was a challenge that we enjoyed.
We dreamed of the day when wind energy would become a part of the accepted utility mix. I remember clearly when the movie "Rain Man" was released and there was a scene in which they passed the Palm Springs wind farms. I was in Massachusetts and there was a gasp in the audience.
We certainly know more now. We know the disadvantages of wind energy, which Jerome has been even handed in describing. Development of the industry over time has seen the problems become manageable. Wind energy displaces fuel from being burned and in many cases has capacity value. With the advent of plug-in hybrid vehicles or other forms of using storage, wind power will have more capacity value...
Read the rest of Jerry's diary at Daily Kos
Until now, most political pundits and power-brokers assumed that it was nearly impossible to defeat Richard Pombo in November.
Like a lot of “intelligence” coming out of Washington these days, it turns out that they were wrong.
According to a poll just released, Jerry McNerney would defeat Richard Pombo, if the general election were held today. The poll, conducted May 1-3, shows McNerney leading Pombo 46% to 42%. The poll was conducted for the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund by respected polling firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and includes a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%.
According to today’s Stockton Record, well- respected Republican political analyst Allan Hoffenblum – “who had downplayed the potential competitiveness of the race before” – said he might have to change his mind:
“It’s a sign of deep, deep trouble (for Pombo). It's not easy to get a voter to say they'd fire an incumbent," said Hoffenblum. "This could really be a horse race.”
We now face the biggest challenge of our campaign. The “Washington Consensus” that Pombo is somehow unbeatable is now history. As a result, the stakes have been raised to an unprecedented level.
With the next Federal Elections Commission filing deadline coming up quickly on Wednesday, May 17, the media and political insiders will be looking to see which Democratic primary candidate is most likely to defeat Pombo in November.
Richard Pombo should return this tainted money immediately and explain to California voters what his relationship was with disgraced lobbyist Neil Volz.
To clean up Washington, Congressman Pombo needs to do two things: One, return the tainted money that he has once again taken. And number two, vote for real ethics reform, not the dog and pony show that masquerades as an ethics reform bill.
The corruption in Washington is costing Californians at the gas pumps, in the air we breathe and the water we drink and in the cost of health care and prescription drugs. This 'pay to play' system in Washington is hurting California families and I say enough is enough.
-- Jerry McNerney
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| 30 |
