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

Comments

[Jacquelyn S. Cramer]

I am a resident of Indiana and proud of my two senators, one Repulican, one Democrat who are concerned with animal welfare. I read your opponents record and am shocked, horrified and disgusted. I cannot take a vacation in that section of California as long as Richard Pombo is in office. Good luck to you! Jackie Cramer

[Robert S. Becker]

Letter to SF Chronicle

Congressional battle a Bush referendum

Rather than decipher which candidate is more pro-veteran, I propose a simple way to distinguish Iraqi hawk Richard Pombo from war-critic Jerry McNerney. Simply ask whose policy will produce more live veterans after the war ends -- and whose plan produces more dead non-veterans. The issue goes beyond how we got into Iraq but how soon we get out -- and how many G.I.s will survive the slaughter.

Pombo obediently stays whatever course Bush sets -- today slogging on until "the job is done," a phase now as empty as stay the course. A vote for Pombo is a vote for Bush, that it's okay to permanently occupy Iraq with a final cost upwards of one trillion dollars. Staying the Bush-Pombo course means more soldiers in body bags and more survivors with lifelong injuries and medical costs.

A vote for McNerney is the clearest way for the Bay Area to emphatically reject Bush, his war, and foreign policies. If you think Iraq is a huge mistake, sending Democrats like McNerney to Washington is the only way Californians can force the White House to find another course. Return Pombo and you reinforce permanent bases in Iraq, just like we have in Korea, Cuba, and Germany.

When does this country take stock and learn from our failed, pre-emptive invasion, crippled by the incompetence of Bush, Cheney, and Rumfeld? Sure there are other campaign issues, but nothing presents such a clear Bush referendum -- and the choice between life, meaning fewer dead soldiers vs. more unjustified sacrifice, lost limbs, and ultimately fewer options to protect our national security.

Robert Becker
Mendocino CA