From Congressman-elect Jerry McNerney: "You're invited to a new era (and a holiday party!)"

First, let me thank you for the wonderful comments and congratulations you have sent to me since I was elected to Congress on November 7. Words can not express the gratitude I have for your incredible outpouring of support.

It's been an amazing few weeks since that historic day. I've spent a great deal of time in Washington and here at home getting oriented to the honor of representing you as well as working with our new Democratic leadership to advance a new agenda for America. I am so excited about the future and what we can do together in the coming years -- including transforming our district into the "Silicon Valley of new energy technology".

I would like to celebrate this new era with you at a Holiday Party on either December 15 and 16. But, even if you can't attend one of these celebrations, please continue to read this very important message.

To find out where the Holiday Parties are and to RSVP, please click here:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute_holiday06.asp

In the last few weeks, my finance team has been calculating the cost of our campaign for change. You'll be happy to know that we exhausted every cent of your generous contributions to win. Not one penny was spared -- in fact, despite being vastly outspent by an entrenched incumbent, we raised and spent over $2 million to win this seat for the people.

Your small contributions, averaging less than $200, were the fuel for this unprecedented people-powered win -- the ONLY congressional defeat of an incumbent in California and the ONLY congressional defeat of a powerful committee Chair in the House of Representatives.

But, as expected, we did incur some campaign debt. Just over $69,000, as of the last report. And now, to close the books on 2006, launch our new campaign to win in 2008, and realize our vision for the district and the nation, we need to eliminate that campaign debt before January 1.

You can help me by either:

1) Attending one of our Holiday Parties on December 15 or 16,

OR

2) Simply contributing whatever amount you can afford at:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute_holiday06.asp

Even if you can NOT attend a Holiday Party, please click the link above and then, when asked to RSVP, simply click "None -- I'm just contributing". Any amount that you can afford is welcome!

While we may have spent slightly more than we raised to win, it was obviously an investment in the future of America. From broadcast advertisements to on-the-ground field organizing in every corner of the district, we did everything we could to empower our grassroots volunteers to victory on Election Day.

You have been there for me every step of the way and I hope that you can find a way to help us once again. Please help me reduce our campaign debt today so we can get started on changing the direction of America tomorrow!

It doesn't take much. Whether it's $20 or $2,000, please contribute what you can today at:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute_holiday06.asp

Remember, even if you can't attend a Holiday Party, simply click "None -- I'm just contributing".

Again, I thank you for your steadfast support. When the pundits and power-brokers said I would not be able to defeat an entrenched incumbent who outspent me nearly 2-to-1, you believed otherwise. Without you, this historic victory would not have been possible.

And now, we are going to Congress. Together.

Happy holidays to you and your friends, family and loved ones.

P.S. Stay tuned for future communications regarding some exciting new initiatives and events. Things are moving on many fronts, and as soon as the details are firm, I will alert you via email.

P.P.S. I would love to talk with you about our agenda for change in the coming year and what you think it will take to achieve that agenda. The best opportunity to talk in the next few weeks will be at one of our Holiday Parties on December 15 and 16.

Please click here to find the locations and RSVP!:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute_holiday06.asp

Comments

[Peter G Cohen]

Dear Jerry, I supported you to defeat the disasterous Pombo (a new breed of pig.) How did I know that you'd be a statesman?
I am particularly pleased by your emphasis on reforming lobbying. My own slogan is "information only!" Can we level the playing field so that unions and NGOs get the same hearing as the major military corporations? We can hope, and we DO! Thanks and Stay Strong, Peter