SF Chronicle: McNerney "stakes out issues, watches his back"

In an extensive front-page article in today's San Francisco Chronicle, reporter Zachary Coile profiles how Congressman Jerry McNerney is bringing his passion for science to Capitol Hill:

Fellow lawmakers say McNerney's scientific background, his curiosity and diligence have proved to be his best assets. House Science and Technology Committee Chairman Rep. Bart Gordon, D-Tenn., said he can't remember the freshman skipping a single committee hearing.

"He's very conscientious in his attendance and his preparation," Gordon said. As one of the few scientists to serve on the committee, Gordon said, "he brings a unique perspective."

McNerney has pledged to be a key advocate for boosting funding for science. He helped lead an effort in the House earlier this month to pass legislation that would double the National Science Foundation grants. "We need consistent government support and involvement in order to get results," he said.

Of course, this focus is a distinct departure from that of his predecessor:

McNerney -- who stunned the political world by defeating House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo in November -- is cutting a much quieter path through Congress than his cowboy-boot-wearing Republican predecessor from Tracy, who sought to use his clout to rewrite many of the nation's environmental laws.

In his first five months, McNerney is focusing on the little things: He's requesting highway money to ease traffic congestion back home from his seat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He's holding regular "Congress at your corner" coffee klatches to get to know his constituents. He's formed an agriculture advisory panel to hear what fruit and vegetable growers in San Joaquin County want out of the forthcoming farm bill.

That attention to constituent detail isn't stopping Karl Rove and company from attacking the Congressman:

Republicans believe his seat is ripe to be taken back. A secret political memo by an aide to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove -- exposed by House Democrats -- shows that the White House picked McNerney as their No. 3 target among 20 top House races in 2008.

"Karl Rove and the White House have him in their crosshairs -- there's no doubt about it," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who has been given the job by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of leading the effort to re-elect House Democrats.

Republicans may be underestimating how difficult it will be to unseat McNerney next year, Van Hollen said.

"The most important thing a member can do is No. 1, establish a strong constituent outreach and relations effort at home -- and he's doing that -- and No. 2, to get to work on issues that are important to people in his district, and he's doing that," Van Hollen said. "He's making his mark on a range of issues."

McNerney is using his background as a wind energy engineer to carve out a niche as the Democrats' leading in-house expert on renewable energy. Pelosi gave him a plum assignment on the new Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, assuring him a high-profile spot to air his views.

Click here to read the rest of the Chronicle article, including pulled quotes from Jerry McNerney on Iraq, global warming, and immigration.

Comments

[Judy Simpson]

I am not happy over yesterday's SF Chronicle article on Jerry's vote with regard to wait and use diplomacy to end the war in Iraq. I feel betrayed. My husband and I who are in our seventies, spent three whole days walking the precinct here in Brentwood to espouse Jerry's words of being against the war. These days were hot, the walks were tedious, and we are angry. Why politicians tell us one thing and do another is a very good reason to stay home and not vote.

[Robert Becker]

copy, letter to the Chronicle:

Do Congressman McNerney supporters forget so fast the extremist loudmouth he deposed? As McNerney doesn't always toe House Speaker Pelosi's line, neither should those who helped defeat Richard Pombo get riled up over one tactical vote against George Bush's War. I disagree with McNerney here, but is there any question he steadfastly rejects more war in Iraq, seeks prudent withdrawal, and sticks to his declared principles?

I hope East Bay voters didn't dump a rightwing ideologue in hopes of getting a leftwing partisan -- or anyone's pawn. This distant McNerney fan is delighted with the Congressman's overall performance and his success across a District that remains a fierce battleground. A trained scientist turned savvy fundraiser and politician, McNerney "the rookie" is remarkably unchanged since he campaigned on old-fashioned American values like knowledge, planning, and accountability!

For me, this first termer is already a winner, making him a model for other benighted Districts still held captive by Bush zealots.

[Joy Montgomery]

Jerry - You restore my faith in "the system." It can work.