Jerry McNerney's website

From Jerry: "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 over $300,000 in the last six days -- more than we raised during the entire primary election cycle!

Your grassroots and netroots contributions are driving us forward at the most crucial moment of the campaign. Believe it or not, over the first 18 days of October, we outraised Richard Pombo. We did it despite George W. Bush raising over $400,000 for Pombo on Oct. 3 and with 98% of our contributions coming from individuals! Pombo still has three times as much money to spend on ridiculous TV attack ads, but we're closing the financial gap thanks to your generosity.

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 campaign finance reform. And, when I go to Washington, D.C., I will be beholden to you and no one else -- especially not the lobbyist fat cats who currently control Washington.   

Now in I need to ask you for something even more valuable.

Your time to GOTV.

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/GOTV

What does "GOTV" mean?

It means "Get-Out-The-Vote" -- the most important four words in political campaigns. GOTV programs are what win elections, especially when the grassroots are being outspent by an astroturf opposition. But without committed volunteers, GOTV programs will fail.

As my campaign manager said the other day, we will need a massive volunteer effort to defeat Richard Pombo's last-minute avalanche of attacks. I will NOT be elected to Congress if you do not join me between now and Election Day talking with voters face-to-face on the ground and neighbor-to-neighbor on the phones. It's as simple as that.

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/GOTV

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 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 clear your calendar and make a commitment right now to volunteer as many days to our campaign as possible between now and Election Day. That means pushing aside your weekend plans to volunteer and then asking your employer if you can take Election Day (Tuesday, November 7th) off from work to volunteer. Just tell your boss you want to take a "Day Off for Democracy"!   

That's what it will take to win.

Simply click the link below and you'll be sent to our "GOTV for Jerry" web page where you can find a variety of volunteer opportunities across the district.

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/GOTV

It's easy to sign up and even if you can't commit to that many days, you can still volunteer for any length of time on any day (shifts as short as three hours) between now and November 7th. The process takes about 2-3 minutes. Once you click "SUBMIT" you'll receive an auto-response confirmation email within seconds that lists your volunteer itinerary.

Beyond volunteering your time, the most important thing you can do is bring your friends! You know a lot of people who care as much as you do about the environment, corruption and taking back Congress, but just don't know that this opportunity actually exists. That said, please forward this message to as many of those people as possible and give them an opportunity to make real change, right now.

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/GOTV

Together, we have scaled the highest peak of the campaign -- almost $2 million raised for the entire election cycle. But this is like climbing Mt. Everest -- the next peak is even higher. If you can commit to this upcoming weekend and volunteer on Election Day, we'll all be sitting on top of the world on November 8th.

With 7 days left, this campaign is now in your hands.

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/GOTV

Do you believe?

I believe in you.

P.S. We can turn this country around. Together. One volunteer commitment at a time. But if you can't donate your time between now and Election Day, please consider making one more financial contribution to the campaign before Election Day. We still have to pay for the final push on TV, on radio, through mail, and in the field. If you can't be on the ground, your financial contribution could make the difference for a volunteer on the ground who can't contribute money but can contribute time:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute

Thank you!

McNerney outraises "desperate" Pombo

According to fundraising reports filed just released by the Federal Election Commission, Jerry McNerney outraised Richard Pombo during the first 18 days of October. McNerney collected more than $416,000, boosting his election cycle total to nearly $1.6 million. Pombo raised about $343,000 for the period, more than $50,000 less than he had purportedly received from an early October fundraiser with President Bush alone.

"Jerry McNerney is proud that small, individual contributions have helped his people-powered campaign outraise Richard Pombo's lobbyists and President Bush's friends," said McNerney communications director Yoni Cohen.

"The latest fundraising reports and campaign emails show that Pombo desperately needs more of George Bush's help. Jerry McNerney hopes the President returns to California and reminds voters that both Bush and Pombo are satisfied with the lack of ethics and integrity in Congress, and with the directions in which America and Iraq are headed."

Last week, Pombo sent an email noting he "desperately" needs assistance. The McNerney campaign continues to build momentum and has nearly $330,000 on hand.

In October's first 18 days:

• 2606 people contributed to Jerry McNerney's campaign
• 98% percent of contributions came from individuals
• The average contribution was $139.15

New radio reports cover McNerney vs. Pombo

Two radio reports were filed on the campaign in the 11th Congressional District this weekend:

The "California Report," broadcast on KQED FM 88.5, posted this overview of the campaign by reporter Cy Musiker:

National Parties Watch 11th Congressional District Battle

Across the country, Republican Congressional candidates are trying to fend off a Democratic challenge to their control of the House and Senate. In California, there's just one race that could tip the balance in that struggle. For 14 years, GOP incumbent Richard Pombo has held the 11th Congressional District, which joins a swath of the San Joaquin Valley with Bay Area suburbs. But this year his lock on the seat is threatened by Democrat Jerry McNerney.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN (link to archive page; requires Real Audio)

NPR's "Living on Earth" also posted this report by Ingrid Lobet:

Pombo Fights for His Seat

Republican Resources Committee chair Richard Pombo influences much of the environmental and energy legislation in Congress. Now he finds himself in the race of his life. Ingrid Lobet reports on the California congressman's changing district and the fierce effort by environmentalists to oust him.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN (link to archive page; requires Real Audio)

A full transcript of the "Living on Earth" segment can be read here.

Senator Dianne Feinstein endorses Jerry McNerney for Congress

United States Senator Dianne Feinstein today endorsed Jerry McNerney and praised his campaign for change. In her 2000 Senate run against former Republican Rep. Tom Campbell, Feinstein won Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Santa Clara counties by overwhelming margins.

"Jerry McNerney is not a politician," said Feinstein. "He is an expert on clean energy and that's just what we need in Washington – clean energy."

"One of the most important things we can do to protect our national security is to reduce our dependence on Middle East oil," continued Feinstein. "Jerry knows that global warming is a serious threat to California. He also knows that wind and solar energy are a big part of the solution. I am pleased to give my support to Jerry McNerney for Congress."

"I am honored to have Senator Feinstein's support," said McNerney. "Like Senator Feinstein, I will work with both Democrats and Republicans to address the pressing issues facing the people of California. Rich Pombo is a corrupt Congressman who works for the oil and gas lobbyists who fund his negative campaign ads. I will fight to bring clean air, good jobs, and real security to the people who elect me to Congress on November 7th."   

It's crunch time. Get your boots on the ground now...

As you know, this race is extremely close. Richard Pombo is running scared and now the National Republican Congressional Committee is pouring another $700,000 into the district to save Pombo (on top of the $600,000 the NRCC has already spent!).

And, earlier today, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added Jerry McNerney to its prestigious "Red to Blue" program, recognizing our campaign for generating grassroots interest and exceeding fundraising expectations.

It's crunch time.

Let me be clear. We will not win this race without a massive volunteer effort. We need to get your boots on the ground. Now.

There are several opportunities THIS WEEKEND to help Jerry win on November 7.

Please don't wait until the weekend before the election to get involved. We need you now more than ever.

Please join us in Stockton, Tracy, Dublin, Morgan Hill, Manteca, Brentwood, and Lodi on Saturday and Sunday as we spend just a few hours taking direct action for our democracy. You can click on any of the links below to find out more information!   

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Saturday, October 28

Manteca for McNerney PRECINCT WALK (9 am to 1 pm)   

Tri-Valley for McNerney PRECINCT WALK or PHONE BANK (from Dublin) (you choose 9 am - 1pm or 2-7 pm)

Tracy for McNerney PRECINCT WALKS (walk any time from 9 am to 7 pm) 

Stockton for McNerney Precinct Walk or Phone Bank (you choose 9 am - 1 pm or 3-7 pm)   

Lodi for McNerney PRECINCT WALK (12- 3 pm)    

Morgan Hill for McNerney PRECINCT WALK & PHONE BANK (come any time between 9:30 am and 6 pm)       

Brentwood for McNerney PRECINCT WALK (9-5 pm)

BRENTWOOD: Meet & Greet w/ Jerry McNerney (4-7 pm)    

    

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Sunday, October 29

Reminder: Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday

Tracy for McNerney PRECINCT WALKS (walk any time from 12:30 pm to 7 pm)   
                  
Stockton for McNerney Precinct Walk or Phone Bank (12-6 pm)

Tri-Valley for McNerney PRECINCT WALK or PHONE BANK (from Dublin) 2-7 pm             

Morgan Hill for McNerney PRECINCT WALK & PHONE BANK (12-6 pm)          

East Bay for McNerney SUNDAY PHONE BANK (Oakland, 5-9 pm)

San Francisco for McNerney PHONE BANK (5-9 pm)

Join Jerry McNerney, Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, Congressman George Miller, Assemblyman Johan Klehs, and Pleasanton Mayor Jennifer Hosterman for a Reception/Dinner in San Ramon (6 pm reception, 7 pm dinner)

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We need your support and your commitment right now to win on November 7th. Every phone call counts. Every door knocked counts. Every last voter counts.

Can you can commit to volunteering for Jerry? Please click on the links above and get your boots on the ground.

Thank you for all that you are doing to help Jerry defeat Richard Pombo!

A.J. Carrillo
Campaign Manager
McNerney for Congress

p.s. Can't walk this weekend? You can still support Jerry. With your financial support for McNerney for Congress (no matter the amount) you will help defeat one of the 13 most corrupt members of Congress and elect an honorable and courageous public servant who will fight for your interests – not the special interests – from his very first day in office. Show your support for real change right now at:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute       

DCCC adds Jerry McNerney to "Red to Blue" program!

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee today added Jerry McNerney to its prestigious Red to Blue program. McNerney's campaign was recognized for generating grassroots interest and exceeding fundraising expectations. Red to Blue highlights the premier Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers financial, communications and strategic support.

"There is a very clear choice in this race between the new energy and new direction being offered by Jerry McNerney and more of the same failed Washington policies from a divisive, partisan politician like Richard Pombo," said DCCC communications director Bill Burton. "Jerry McNerney has been added to the Red to Blue program because his campaign for change has energized voters across the district who are going to cast their ballots for a new direction this November."

"It is an honor and a privilege to be honored for my supporters' hard work and dedication," said McNerney. "Each day, my campaign welcomes new volunteers who are excited about the opportunity to restore ethics and integrity to Congress. Richard Pombo is a corrupt and radical Republican who rubber stamps George Bush's foreign policy failures. With the DCCC's help, I look forward to taking America in a new direction and changing our course in Iraq."

Stay tuned for more details as they develop...

From Jerry: The Final Push...

This is the most important message I’ve ever written to you.

According to my campaign manager, Richard Pombo has just dropped over $350,000 on a massive television advertising blitz scheduled for the final week of the campaign. With the polls showing a dead heat, Pombo -- as NBC11 reported on Monday -- is spending millions "fighting for his political life."

You made this possible.   

We've come a long, long way. From a longshot write-in to neck-and-neck with 13 days to go, our campaign for change is on the verge of making political history. You've been there every step of the way. And now, I need you to show your support one more time.

Richard Pombo is going to unleash an avalanche of attack ads to depress voter turnout and win ugly. Show Pombo your collective people power right now by matching him dollar-for-dollar. If we can raise $350,000 before Election Day, we can win!

Please contribute $25, $50, $100, $250, $500 or whatever you can afford up to the $2,100 federal maximum right now.

Shortly after our momentous victory in the Democratic primary, my campaign manager sat down with me and talked about what it would take to win the election on November 7:

Two million dollars.

It was a daunting number -- over six times as much as we had raised for the entire primary. But I knew we could do it. With 13 days to go, I'm thrilled to report that we have raised $1,651,200.50 -- over $700,000 in just the last month! We are now within striking distance of making this very pivotal and important goal.

To defeat Pombo, we need to raise $350,000 more by Election Day, for a grand total of $2 million for this entire election cycle. This money will pay for the final push -- TV, radio, direct mail ads and the expensive cost of waging a full-scale "Get-Out-The-Vote" operation across every corner of the district.   

Please contribute $25, $50, $100, $250, $500 or any amount up to the federal maximum right now!

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute

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 for our final push will allow us to put the campaign in a position to win crucial votes over the last 13 days of the campaign.    

Reaching these targeted households is critical. In fact, getting these voters to the polls will determine whether we win or lose. That's why it is so important to make sure we can pay for TV, radio, and direct mail necessary to contact these voters in the final days of the campaign.

Help us reach these voters right now -– please contribute whatever you can afford to help us raise $350,000 and match Richard Pombo on the air and on the ground before Election Day!

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute

We’ve come a long way since launching a write-in campaign to stand up to Richard Pombo two years ago. Now, in these final days of the campaign, I hope I can count on your support one more time, so we can make history together.

We can win. But only with your help.

Thank you so much for everything you do.

P.S. If you can’t afford to contribute, please consider volunteering between now and Election Day. We will hold dozens of field events over the final two weeks of the campaign, including several precinct walks and phone banks across the district. To get plugged in immediately, please check our list of volunteer opportunities this weekend as soon as possible!

P.P.S.  On Sunday, please come to the San Ramon Golf Club for perhaps the last opportunity to relax and socialize with other campaign supporters before Election Day. I'll be there. So will my wonderful wife, Mary. And, I'm very excited to announce that Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher will be our special guest. Please click here for more details!

SUNDAY: Join Jerry and Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher in San Ramon

San Ramon Golf Club Reception/Dinner
October 29th, 2006

The McNerney for Congress Committee
Cordially invites you to a
Reception/ Dinner for
Jerry McNerney

and special guest
Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher

6:00pm Reception
7:00 pm Dinner

San Ramon Golf Club
9430 Fircrest Lane
San Ramon CA 94583

$50 per person

PLEASE RSVP HERE:

www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute_san_ramon.asp

by Oct. 27th (Friday)
Or RSVP at 925.556.7077
or by E-mail: rsvp@jerrymcnerney.org

Paid for by the McNerney for Congress Committee
FEC# C00398644
Copyright © 2006

               

FACT CHECK: McNerney, Pombo on North Korea

Bush, Pombo Failed to Prevent Nuclear Weapons Development

The Jerry McNerney for Congress campaign responded to a corrupt incumbent's desperate and dishonest television advertisement. Afraid to defend the Bush/Pombo record on North Korea, Pombo is distorting McNerney's comments in a new television ad.

 

"For years, Richard Pombo ignored North Korea's nuclear weapons program." said McNerney communications director Yoni Cohen. "Pombo made time to visit the Northern Mariana Islands, but did not consider it important to go on Congressional fact-finding missions to the Korean Peninsula. On Pombo's watch, North Korea developed and tested a nuclear weapon. Unlike Pombo, Jerry McNerney will put America's national security interests ahead of lobbyists' travel requests."

 

CLAIM: "Jerry McNerney wanted our military to look the other way while North Korea developed nuclear weapons." (Pombo TV Ad, "Veterans").

 

FACT: George Bush and Richard Pombo looked the other way while North Korea developed and tested a nuclear weapon. The diplomatic, economic and military actions Bush and Pombo took failed to prevent North Korea from ejecting IAEA inspectors, withdrawing from the NPT, or producing enough plutonium to build four to six additional nuclear weapons.

 

Jerry McNerney believes North Korea is a dangerous threat and opposes North Korea's nuclear weapons program. McNerney wants the United States to "contain North Korea's nuclear program with diplomacy and economic sanctions, [but] would not rule out military options." (Tracy Press, 10/17/06).

 

Ironically, neither George Bush nor Richard Pombo supports the measure Pombo has criticized McNerney for supposedly opposing in an internet questionnaire. Neither Bush nor Pombo is currently pressing for the United States to "use military force to dismantle the North Korea nuclear weapons program."

Pombo: "I will continue to oppose stem cell research"

Jerry McNerney held a press conference yesterday, expressing his support for embryonic stem cell research.

Lisa Vorderbrueggen covered it in the Contra Costa Times:

... Flanked by a renowned stem cell research advocate, a San Ramon Valley pediatrician and a Danville mother of a 4-year-old daughter with cystic fibrosis, McNerney called embryonic stem cell research an integral component of his health care reform platform.

"Health care is a very important issue to me, and stem cell research is one part of that," said McNerney during a news conference held on the perimeter of a children's playground in San Ramon. "We need to move forward with stem cell research. Our country needs to support it as a tool for our health system."

Pombo has consistently sided with President Bush, who opposes the destruction of human embryos for stem cell research.

The congressman was among 180 Republicans who opposed a bill this past spring that would have expanded federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Defying a threatened presidential veto, Congress passed the legislation. Pombo voted against the motion to override the president's veto.

But Pombo said he voted the same day for federal funding of research on adult stem cells and previously approved embryonic stem cell lines.

"A fertile embryo is human life and I have consistently opposed destroying human embryos for research and I will continue to oppose it," Pombo said.

Vorderbrueggen reports that this is an issue that touches everyone, regardless of party registration:

Unlike other hot-button issues that divide conservatives and liberals, many Republicans support embryonic stem cell research, including Nancy Reagan, wife of the late President Reagan.

The voters in Pombo's district have supported it, too.

Proposition 71, a $3 billion statewide bond in 2004 to fund stem cell research, passed in District 11 with a 10 percentage point margin -- 55.5 percent to 45.5 percent -- although by a narrower margin than the rest of the state. District 11 stretches from Morgan Hill to Danville and encompasses most of San Joaquin County.

Pam Nett of Danville, who describes herself as "pro-life," said embryonic stem cell research could hold the secrets of a cure for cystic fibrosis, the debilitating disease that afflicts her daughter, Jessica. Stem cell replacement therapy, she said, could help repair Jessica's damaged lung tissue and DNA analysis could help lead to a cure for cystic fibrosis.

The actions of Bush and Congress to limit the funding "crushed me," Nett said. "A cure is 10 years down the road because it takes so long already. I'm pro-life, and I believe stem cell research will save the lives of millions of people."

Colleen Hogan, a pediatrician with the San Ramon Valley Primary Care Medical Group, and stem cell advocate Don Reed emphasized the need for the United States to tap into the thousands of embryos stored in fertilization clinics that will be destroyed.

Reed, who formed Californians for Cures after his son was paralyzed in a football accident in 1994, urged voters to select McNerney as the district's next congressman.

"I don't need Richard Pombo to make my family's medical decisions," he said.

If you believe we need a new direction on stem cell research, please tell your friends about Jerry's campaign for change.