New poll released; Pombo's troubles mount as Republicans move to McNerney

As a result of the latest independent poll showing Jerry McNerney leading Richard Pombo 48-to-46  percent (Constituent Dynamics, conducted Oct. 24-26), the San Jose Mercury News reports that the "GOP has launched a rescue mission in the final weeks of the campaign to save" Richard Pombo.

No matter how much money the Washington wing of the party throws at Pombo, the grounded reality is that Republican voters in the district are deserting Pombo in droves. How else to explain the polling in a district with party registration that significantly favors a Republican incumbent?

As the Mercury News reports, the exodus from Pombo is real:

But Pombo is in trouble for other reasons as well. While much of the district is still rural, more retirees and suburbanites have moved in -- even to Tracy, Pombo's home.

Real estate office worker Alice English said she usually voted Democratic but the big change this year was her husband, a Republican, would not vote for Pombo "because of all the negative ads they're putting out.''

"We used to cancel each other's votes," she joked. "Not this year."

We've heard the same thing from many voters -- and Republicans specifically -- who are sick and tired of Richard Pombo's relentless and misleading attacks on Jerry McNerney. They keep asking a simple question: why won't Pombo run his campaign based on what he's actually done for voters in the district over the last 14 years?

Of course, the answer is obvious: Pombo's record is paltry, especially given that he is Chair of the House Resources Committee. So, instead of running on a positive campaign based on legislative accomplishments, Pombo spends his time avoiding the media while spending millions of dollars running distorted fear-and-smear attack ads against Jerry McNerney.

Meanwhile, Jerry McNerney is running on issues and talking about what he'll do once elected to Congress. One of Jerry's first priorities? Stem cell research. Click here for clips from Jerry's press conference on stem cell research earlier this week.

More from the Merc:

Bill Evans, 70, a retired Air Force bomber pilot who moved to Pleasanton four years ago, opposes the Iraq war and has helped organize veterans for McNerney, whom he calls "a straightforward man of integrity."

You can watch a brief clip of Lt. Col. Evans talking about his admiration for Jerry McNerney here.

Maybe most telling was the reaction of Debbie Bennett, a Republican retiree from Danville. She voted for Bush twice but said she is "very disappointed in the war,'' and might sit out this election.

Whether they are supporting Jerry McNerney or staying home in protest, Republicans from Manteca to Morgan Hill are deciding that it's time for a change. Enough is enough.

Are you a Republican who wants a new direction for America and the 11th Congressional District? Join other Republicans for McNerney here.

Comments

[Robert S. Becker]

Finally, Bush unites -- but in opposition

George Bush once campaigned as a uniter, not a divider. Now he has his wish: majorities everywhere are uniting to oppose his war, his tax policies, his anti-environmentalism and his party's countless scandals.

Bush cronies like Richard Pombo are responsible for the failures, domestic and foreign, and warrants defeat. Jerry McNerney deserves all the endorsements coming his way. Bill Clinton's visit could well be the crowning of a new Congressman!

[Teresa Heinrich]

It's encouraging to see the multitude of McNerney signs in Morgan Hill, and today someome dropped off a beautifully worded leaflet. The writer said he is an immigrant who is interested in battling corruption in the US, and wants to send Pombo packing from Washington. Keep up the good work, volunteers!