From Congressman-elect Jerry McNerney: "A Very Big Thank You" (and video from our victory party)

It's been an incredible whirlwind week since I was elected on November 7 as your Congressman-Elect in California's 11th Congressional District. Today, I'm spending my first full day in Washington, D.C., taking the first steps to being sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives in January.

I owe my election to you. When others said I would not be able to overcome an entrenched incumbent with millions of dollars, you believed otherwise. Without your steadfast support, winning would not have been possible.

Thank you.

Winning a Congressional seat is an incredible undertaking. It certainly takes money and lots of it. But anyone who thinks it’s all about money is sadly mistaken. What it really takes is heart, passion, commitment, and the accumulated intelligence of hundreds of supporters.

In our incredible victory, these ingredients created the people power that overcame a 2-to-1 disadvantage in fundraising, shocking the pundits and power-brokers. I may have initially stood up and decided enough was enough, but it was the tidal wave of people -- who decided to make a real difference and step up with time, energy, and love of country -- that created the real change. 

I was overwhelmed by what happened in the last six weeks of the campaign. We saw the wave building, week by week. We saw the tide coming in, day by day. More people every day working, walking, phoning, filing, delivering signs, mailing, recording data, and doing everything that needed to be done. In the final days of the campaign, it reached a crescendo that loudly resonated on Election Night.

It was truly a thing of beauty. It was awesome to see people of all kinds, all ages, all walks of life, coming out to make a real difference: People who chose to take action, no longer satisfied with the status quo. Whether you were able to volunteer or contribute your hard-earned dollars, you made this amazing victory possible.

Because of your volunteer and financial support, we had an organization in place capable of managing this incredible onslaught of people power. Spearheaded by intelligent and passionate citizens who dedicated months of their lives to our campaign for change, we, together, stood up and changed the direction of our beloved country.

I have no way to fully express my appreciation and honor for what you have done. But I asked our staff to work over the last few days to create a special victory video for those who could not be there on Election Night.

The video provides highlights of the speech I gave at our Victory Party, footage of our Get Out The Vote campaign across the district, and excerpts of volunteers talking about why they decided to join our campaign for change.

You can watch our 6-minute Victory Party Video by clicking here.

We have won an election. And now it's time to chart a new direction for the 11th Congressional District and America. In the coming weeks, I will be communicating with you about our agenda. Meanwhile, many wonderful ideas from the grassroots helped our people-powered campaign over the last few months. The campaign may be over but our dialogue is not. I would like to hear your ideas for how we can move our district and our great nation forward.

Please send your thoughts to "newideas@jerrymcnerney.org".

As your Congressman-Elect, I will do my absolute best to bring positive change, hope and optimism to our country. That’s my pledge to you for the work you have done.

Thank you for your support. Thank you for your trust. I look forward to being your voice in Congress.

P.S. I have received hundreds of emails and phone calls congratulating me on our victory. I wish I could share them all with you. However, you can share your thoughts with me and others. In the comments to this post, please tell me (and everyone) what this election means to you.

Comments

[Dan W.]

Beautifully done video, Vince!

[Brian Leubitz]

Thanks and Congratulations Jerry! The netroots has been so supportive of your candidacy since 2004, and I know so many people who are extremely proud of the way you ran this race. I'm sure you will make an excellent Congressman!

[Sienna]

I am thrilled by this victory. We are all in this together and the survival of our world and our environment are crucial to every single American. Thank you all on-the-ground volunteers. I could not be there but supported you in spirit 100%. We have beaten back a truly corrupt antienvironment incumbent and it's a great thing.

[Vicki]

Jerry and Mary,

It's been an honor and a pleasure to work with you and I thank you for giving me a chance and a means to take my country back.

[Richard Holmes]

Dear Jerry:

Congratulations, and thank you! We are glad that a responsible candidate is now representing the 11th district, a candidate who realizes that caring for the environment IS caring for the people.

Best regards,

Rich Holmes

[Vicki]

Jerry and Mary,

It's been an honor and a pleasure to work with you and I thank you for giving me a chance and a means to take my country back.

[Dr. William Spier]

Here on the Eastcoast (Brooklyn, and next to the Great Bridge,)we knew that California air would be cleaner if the smog called Pombo was cleared.

Good work folks. Jerry will serve you well.

[Alan]

Jerry, this is how you can thank us...

An honest, ethical, transparent, professional, competent government - composed of *Public Servants*. People who will do their best to address the very real problems facing us - and who will work with other ideas & philosphies to achieve workable solutions.

So - get to it. And keep us posted.

[Alec Bash]

Jerry, thank you! After 6 years of Bush's failed adinistration, we finally have some checks and balances, and know there is light at the end of the Bush abyss.

Thank you for taking on this race, for sacrificing so much for the country we love, and for all you will be doing to give common sense and Global Warming the priority they demand.

[Rich]

Jerry, it is absolutely terrific that you won. It is even better that you've set up a blog to keep in touch with your online constituents. This sets an example for everyone in congress of what 21st century people-powered politics will look like, and I'm thrilled be a part of it. We've got your back, Jerry!

[Kevin G. Hart, MD]

This is part of the text I sent to Tim Hunt and the Editor of the Tri Valley Herald:

I believe that all Americans should look at this election as a triumph of our constitutional and democratic system. When a political neophyte runs for congress because it is the right thing to do, wins the nomination without even the backing of his own party, insists on running a clean campaign and beats a powerful congressional committee chairman in a gerrymandered district despite the personal support and fund raising of both The President of the United States and The First Lady of the United States, it tells everyone that the owners of the government are still the people.

Your campaign has restored my faith in our system. I'm sure there will be difficult choices ahead for you as you take office. Stick to your principles and integrity and you will make us all proud to have you as our congressman.

[Stephanie Friedman]

Jerry, you are exactly the kind of person who should be serving in Congress: a thoughtful, aware, "everyday" citizen who is willing to stand up and to sacrifice so much in order to give voice to those who have no voice. Just watching the faces of the people around you at the victory party should be enough to tell you what you've done for everyone in your district and for many of us throughout the Bay Area. Thank you, Michael, for starting the ball rolling, and to the disciplined, tireless volunteers who gave of themselves to make it happen.

[Jane McCoy]

Hi Jerry,

I'm one of your many campaign workers. My confidence in democracy was sustained by the election outcome. It nourished the belief that people can really make a difference. It was a good day for all Americans.

I am very hopeful that your expertise will be utilized in Washington. Perhaps a good book to read to gain great perspective would be Thom Hartmann's book, "What Would Jefferson Do?"

My only advice, choose good counsel.

Congratulations again, and know that many good wishes follow you to Washington.

Jane McCoy
Las Positas College
History Professor

[Pat Britton]

To all of you...I could only contribute money to this very important campaign...I live in Sonoma county and I reported constantly to hard working friends here about this campaign. We are all still in awe and elated. This was an important win and you have our support out here in the wine country...go get 'em Jerry

[David Guggenhime]

Restore Ethics and accountability in our elected officials.

As a soon to be sixty-two year old informed citizen, I have become disillusioned by both parties. Please work to live down the reality that we have the best elected officials money can buy.

Regards,

David G.

[morris chay]

Dear Congressmen,congradulations
on your win, I am a life long Democrat,which means I don"t vote for Republicians 99.9% of the time
I am also a born-again christian
and as such realize we have got to respect thoses concerns about abortion,and the parinoid fears concerning Gay people,however these last 12 years seem to have been more about outright hatered,hypocrocy,and
lining one"s pockets on the part of those people who proclaim to speak with moral lience,so for me
this is nothing short of an answer
to my personel prayers, God bless
I wish our party all the very best

[Frank Steinberg]

Jerry,

Congratulations on your election to Congress!

Now the real work begins, I have very high expectations for my new Congressman, Jerry McNerny. What’s important to me is National Security (to include securing our borders) and Social Security. Since you are a mathematical genius fixing Social Security should be a walk in the park.

Please represent the 11th district of California proudly in Washington DC and don’t give into the special interest groups. We the people of the 11th district elected you to represent US not them.

Finally and most importantly NEVER betray your oath of office; to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America from ALL enemies foreign and domestic.

Your old coworker at Kenetech/Windpower

Frank Steinberg
Ripon, CA

[The Drew Family]

Jerry, We've had calls and messages from friends in Florida, Sonoma, Oakland, LA and the UK congratulating us on your victory. You gave us the chance to participate in something noble. We and many good people across the country are delighted to have you representing our 11th district in the new Congress!

Best wishes and thanks to the whole McNerney family. You all represent what is special about California and what is great about America.

[Peter Bowen]

Jerry,
At 2:30 AM, 11/8, I emailed everyone I know, "Pombo Is No Mo".

You did it. We did it. Make us proud.

PB

[Tim Dowling]

Thank you for working so hard at winning. It was a wonderful feeling to see you win, and to have played a part in it. Good Luck in Congress- act on your principles- and remind all you meet to do the same- it will be a new concept for most of them.

Tim Dowling

[Redshift]

Hi, Jerry,

I'm a long-distance supporter in the DC suburbs, and it seems like I've been wanting Pombo out of there forever. I'm glad we have such a great congressman to replace him, too! Let me know if you need any help getting settled in!

[Terry Leach]

Dear Jerry:
You, and the incredible volunteers working on your campaign, including and especially Vicki, have done so much already to restore voters' faith in democracy. Thank you.
Stay healthy...surround yourself with wise counsel, including individuals who represent different points of view...find time alone with your family, and continue to stay connected to the voters who put you in this position....
All the best....
Terry Leach

[david kahne]

Dear Congressman McNerney,

I was happy to support you in your defeat of Pombo. As I know you will be a force for change in your new responsibilities, I will continue to support you. We need strong leaders who will help us to make the changes we need to keep our country strong and fair.

Good luck to you in Washington.

Cheers,
David Kahne

[Anne Carey]

Dear Congressman-elect,

What a thrill to celebrate your election -- most especially because it was such a profound demonstration of how the grassroots can work for the common good. Even Howard Dean acknowledged that this was so, and I thank you for your commitment to standing up for integrity and transparency in our civic life. Your example will encourage others to challenge corrupt and (apparently) entrenched power. It was a privilege to support you with small donations from time to time, and I know you will represent well the citizens of the 11th District.

Peace and blessings,
Anne Carey

[Floyd Cranmore]

Congratulations of course!
Now get ready to start leading the way on clean energy -- Bill Clinton was right, its the business opportunity of the future. And you're our opportunity for the future, we put our trust in you. (I took 2 Republican women to hear him endorse you and have heard from others who voted Democratic this time.)
FYI: Reps. Waxman and Berman are oldhands who can help you to get acquainted with your new post.
There's a lot to do, and to try in a bi-partisan effort, for the main stream.
But please save some bit of time to look into the big-oil & Republican economic "attack" on California after the 2000 election, as punishment for voting Democratic. It was akin to a "hostile takeover" by Enron, that stole our $8B surplus for their coffers and left us with a state deficit; just as the rich tax cuts did it for the federal deficit. Perhaps restitution might be found. Early on the LA Times had ran a very detailed report, but quickly dropped it though, of the extremely close, very personal ties between Bush and Ken Lay.