For months, Karl Rove's cronies at the National Republican Congressional Committee in Washington have desperately tried to distort perceptions of how Congressman Jerry McNerney is serving his constituents.
Of course, there's just one major problem. Reality.
Today's Lodi News-Sentinel includes yet another example of how the Congressman is dedicated to connecting with constituents -- regardless of their party registration:
Local leaders have lauded McNerney's accessibility. Lodi Mayor Bob Johnson has met with the Congressman at least four times since he has taken office.
"Lodi is a Republican community and we may not be on the same page, but he has been accessible," he said. "He's been here a lot and he is available. I have to compliment him for that."
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Back home in District 11, McNerney has been making frequent visits to local leaders and often drops in on coffee shops to listen to his constituents' concerns. McNerney calls it "Congress at your corner," and he said it is a vital part of doing his job back in Washington.
"I enjoy meeting people," he said. "I enjoy the give and take. I need their input to be a good representative in Washington."
Not only is Congressman McNerney making himself very accessible to constituents across the district. He's made a distinct impression on voters by delivering on his campaign promise to clean up corruption in Washington.
Just before the Easter recess, McNerney co-sponsored a bill to eliminate the House Ethics Committee and replace it with an outside commission made up of former Representatives who are not lobbyists. The bill would take some Congressional oversight out of the hands of Congress and give it to an independent board.
"We needed to do something and this seemed like a good first step," said McNerney, an alternative energy specialist. "We need to get people to know that leaders are doing their work. We need to get their trust."
Getting the trust of voters and constituents across the political spectrum starts with being able to listen to a wide spectrum of voices, not just people who agree with you. That's why Congressman McNerney has formed local advisory boards to address issues important to residents of the 11th District.
Part of his message is bringing jobs and federal funding to San Joaquin County, and he has created and met with advisory boards on an almost weekly basis. The boards, made up of local leaders, are tasked with informing the Congressman on districtwide issues such as transportation, business and health care.
McNerney said his advisors are a diverse group of people including some conservatives that do not necessarily support him, such as businessmen and farmers.
"I need to get realistic feedback not just an ivory tower," he said. "I need to hear the other side."
This kind of straight talk is why one observer quoted in the News-Sentinel called Congressman McNerney a "breath of fresh air" representing a "sea change on Capitol Hill."
Keep this in mind the next time Karl Rove and his Washington henchmen launch their next specious attack on the Congressman.
You can read the rest of the Lodi News-Sentinel article by clicking here.
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