Jerry McNerney's website

Help us raise $50,000 by June 30!

Our opponent and his shadowy DC Republican friends are launching an all-out attack to take this seat, and we are doing everything we can to fight back.

Please help us reach our goal of raising $50,000 by June 30.

TIME.com just ranked us in the top 10 House races this fall, and Freedom's Watch (the group that brought you smears about Jerry's stance on national security and Iraq) are back, launching a new series of robocalls in the district--and have budgeted $200 million to dump into races this fall.

With your help, we can stand up to these groups and spread the truth to our friends and neighbors. Please contribute $55, $40, or whatever you can to tell these groups we will not listen to their lies!

ActBlue: Knock Out The Fear And Smear

Dear Friends,

Last week Jerry came under attack from a Republican-controlled group that flooded local airwaves with false adn misleading ads.

But don't take my word for it.  The Stockton Record called the organization "a shadowy, Republican connected political action group."

These false and deceptive attacks are not the last we'll face this campaign.  With your help, we'll make sure they don't go unanswered.  This is the worst kind of political tactic, playing off people's fears to scare Americans into support for Bush Administration policies that chip away at our cherished liberties.

What you can do today: Contribute
An ActBlue page has been set up by concerned activists to help us fight these attacks - 17 freshman in all.  Contribute via my website or ActBlue.

Click below to see the false and misleading ad.

This group has spent millions of dollars playing this ad across the country and has saturated local television stations in Northern California targeting Jerry.  And what's worse?  This shadowy organization doesn't even have ot reveal who is funding the ads.  National Republican groups have named our race their #2 target - meaning this latest round of inflammatory ads are only the beginning.

We kno wthe facts are on our side.  Even FactCheck.org, an independent analyst, says the attacks are misleading - calling the ads' claims "simply not true".

Help Jerry fight back now against this distored campaign and set the record straight.  We are working hard to raise $25,000 in the next three weeks to fight attacks such as these.  Your help is essential.  Please give $5, $25, $100 - whatever you can - today.

Sincerely,

Robbyn Umland
Finance Director
McNerney For Congress

PS - Please send your support today! Ask your friends, family, and neighbors to help Jerry fight back against these falsehoods by donating $5 or $10.  Copy the link in your web browser's Address box and email this blog to friends and family!

Historic energy bill passed today

On Friday, I reached out to ask you and others like you for help. And hundreds responded. I'd like to personally thank all of you for your help now and for everything you have done over the past months and years.

As we approach the end of the year, and the important fundraising deadline, I turn to you once again. I'll be frank: I need you to give what you can. Donations of $15, $20, $40, or any amount come together and give us the strength and resources necessary to continue our fight for change.

I am back in Washington for the week, working hard for a better national energy policy. I am proud to report that just this afternoon we passed an energy package that includes an increase of vehicle fuel efficiency standards - for the first time in 32 years! The bill also makes other solid investments in our energy independence, including my bill to increase research and development funding for 21st century geothermal energy technology.

While not perfect, and unfortunately without a renewable electricity standard and production tax credits, this bill is an important step, one of many such steps we must take to address climate change and move our country in a new direction. I can't wait to come back after the holidays to continue the fight.

Last year, nearly half of the support that enabled us to run a ground-changing campaign came from donations under $100. Every contribution makes a huge difference. When many voices come together, change happens.

As you prepare to enjoy the holidays with your family and friends, please take a moment to consider my request. There are only a few days before the end of the year to make our goal, to show our opponents that we are on the offense and to show how we continue to lead. Please click here to make a donation of any amount now. 

Again, thank you. I look forward to working with you over the coming year and hope you will be there with me.

Your Friend,

Jerry

P.S. For coverage on this historical bill please click here and here.

 

 

 

One person can make a difference

One person really can make a difference.

In just my first nine months in Congress, I’ve already set in place an agenda that’s making a real difference for America. That’s why I want to make sure we have a continuing dialogue about the important issues facing our nation.

With my background in wind and other forms of new energy technology, I recently helped to pass landmark energy legislation that will lead our nation to energy independence, make us more secure, create new, good-paying American jobs, reduce energy costs to consumers, and fight global warming.

I was particularly proud that the legislation we passed included a bill I wrote and introduced to increase research and development funding for cutting edge, 21st century geothermal technology.

Can you invest in America’s energy independence by supporting my re-election campaign and making a contribution in whatever amount you can afford today?

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute

Two months ago, I was honored to lead a bipartisan, all-freshman Congressional delegation to Iraq. It’s one thing to read the reports about what is going on in Iraq. It’s another thing entirely to witness it firsthand.

I returned from Iraq with a deepened understanding of the challenges we face there, a renewed commitment to our young men and women in uniform, and an even stronger determination to bring our troops home by implementing a withdrawal timeline with firm beginning and end dates.

I feel privileged to have been able to be your eyes and ears in Iraq, and to have been instrumental in writing and passing legislation to protect the environment and advance our energy security. None of that would have been possible without your support in my campaign for Congress. Now I’m asking for your support again.

It’s true – one person can make a difference. You made a difference once before by helping me defeat Richard Pombo. Can you make a difference once again by contributing to my re-election campaign today?

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute

As Number 3 on Karl Rove’s hit list for 2008, I need every dollar to wage an ambitious re-election campaign against an opponent who has the full financial support of the national Republican Party. In fact, he’s here in Washington, D.C. today (I just ran into him outside the Cannon Building) meeting with the National Republican Congressional Committee.

They will raise enough money to mount a vicious Rove-style attack in 2008. If we are to withstand the big money and attack politics we will need to raise a large amount before our FEC filing deadline of September 30, 2007. I need your help to do it.

Can you contribute $250, $100 or $50 and show the Republicans that we won’t be an easy target?

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute

Helping make a difference isn’t just about giving money. It’s about sharing ideas, as well. I would appreciate it if you took just a few minutes to tell me what you think and share your concerns for the future of our nation and the world. I read and take to heart your comments so, after contributing, please post your comments on the form provided. Or, if you can not contribute, please post your comments on my blog or e-mail them to me at "info@jerrymcnerney.org".

You can also call our campaign office at (925) 833-0643 to express your opinions.

Thank you for everything you do.

P.S. I value your support and commitment to our shared values and thank you for believing in my ability to make a difference. With the Republican Party rolling out the big guns to raise money, I once again call on you to help make a difference. Please contribute to our campaign before the September 30th FEC deadline.

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute

"Being his own man": Stockton Record editorial praises Congressman McNerney

Add the Stockton Record to the list of San Joaquin County newspapers that did not endorse Congressman Jerry McNerney in 2006 but now recognize that Jerry is keeping his promise to be a different kind of Congressman for the people of the 11th Congressional District.

A few months ago, the Lodi News-Sentinel wrote that Jerry McNerney had "proven us wrong" praising McNerney for being open, transparent and accessible to constituents in Lodi and surrounding areas.

Now, the Stockton Record editorial board is recognizing that Jerry McNerney is committed to being a public servant more than a politician:

"McNerney... is working to convince Valley residents he’s their man in the nation’s capital. Even Republicans who don’t like his politics have to admit he’s a quick study, engaging personality and a determined representative."

This praise for Congressman McNerney is just one highlight from the Record's editorial today highlighting McNerney's well-received effort to improve the lives of people residing in the 11th Congressional District:

Seven months into his first term in the U.S. House of representatives, the Democrat from Pleasanton also has become an enthusiastic advocate of the potential of Stockton and San Joaquin County.

[...]

McNerney is enthusiastic about the widespread Valley-Bay Area district’s economic potential, rich agricultural base and location as a California transportation crossroad.

The Record also recognizes Congressman McNerney for his unique and refreshing approach to representing his district:

Without experience in elected office, McNerney went to Congress determined to be different, transparent, honest and accountable.

[...]

He’s pursued an interesting, unique agenda: part science, math and alternative energy and part anti-Iraq war and noticeably pro-veteran coupled with a desire to help 11th District residents directly.

You can read the rest of the Stockton Record's editorial here.

Did you know Richard Pombo's "longtime friend" is running against me?

"Jerry McNerney (is) a Goliath-slaying changer who has sprinted since arriving in Washington, D.C. He's already in the Republican Party cross hairs, so it remains to be seen if the Democratic representative from Pleasanton becomes a political Halley's Comet." ~ Mike Klocke, Editor, Stockton Record, May 27, 2007

You may be wondering -- why is it so important for us to raise “$100K in 5 days” before Saturday night’s critical Federal Election Commission campaign finance deadline?

Because the Republican Party’s right-wing smear machine is already raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to defeat us.

Did you know that the Republicans are already waging a strategic campaign to return this seat to a “longtime friend” of Richard Pombo?

Did you know that Karl Rove has personally placed me as #3 on his campaign hit list?

Did you know that the National Republican Congressional Committee has launched a swift-boat style smear site on me called “The Real Jerry McNerney”?

Without your help, I can’t fight back. To prevent these extreme right-wingers from stopping our movement before it changes Washington, I need your financial support today – and before Saturday night’s critical FEC deadline.

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/FightBack

The election is 16 months away and they are already on the attack, spending thousands of dollars to give this seat to Richard Pombo’s hand-picked friend -- a Republican candidate praised by a GOP consultant who knows him as "one of the most conservative members who ever served in the (California) state legislature.”

Did you know that the NRCC has spammed voters in our district with over 100,000 shameless email attacks on me?

Did you know that the NRCC started airing attack ads on local radio stations grossly distorting my voting record?

Did you know that the NRCC followed up these brazen radio ads with automated “robo-calls” to people’s homes?

Can you show Karl Rove and the NRCC today that every single time they attack, you will fight back?

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/FightBack

I’ve said it before. I’ll say it again. I did not run for Congress to be a politician. I ran for Congress to be a public servant.

When I made my “earmark” requests public to keep my promise to you to be open and accountable, I knew the NRCC would try to use this transparency against me. But, even though most of my colleagues are not releasing their records, I am releasing mine.

When I decided I had no other choice but to deny President Bush another blank check to wage his endless war in Iraq, I knew the NRCC would crank up their smear-and-fear machine. But, against the conventional wisdom of pundits inside Washington, I voted “No” on the supplemental funding bill.

You may not think it’s urgent and important to financially support my campaign today. But, if we’re going to stand up for ethics and reform in Washington, I really do need your help today.

In whatever amount you can afford, please stand up for me before Saturday at 11:59 p.m.

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/FightBack

Remember -- every single dollar you donate today is a down-payment on making sure we can defend ourselves against Republican smears and propaganda designed to scare and confuse good folks just like you and me.

Like I said the other day, please consider donating today as if your democracy depends on it. It does.

Thank you again for everything you are doing to support our movement.

P.S. Time is really running out. Only a few hours remain before Saturday’s FEC campaign finance reporting deadline. Right now, $25,000 separates us from this critical goal (you can track our progress at jerrymcnerney.org). The only way we will be able to make it is if you decide to help me fight back by contributing now:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/FightBack

Oh, and, if you have a few more minutes after you contribute, can you share you thoughts with me as well? Just click the link above to write me a quick note telling me what you think. I really enjoy reading your feedback!

What you want: "Give 'em hell, Jerry!"

“The saying, for those of us old enough to know it, was "Give'em Hell Harry". Now it is revised for this time and place: "Give'em Hell Jerry!!" Keep up the good work!” – Joe, a teacher who wishes to remain anonymous

On Monday, I asked “what do you want?” Nearly 48 hours later, your wonderful responses are still flowing into my email in-box (a few of them are included below).

Many of you shared your passionate thoughts about the war in Iraq while letting me know that you strongly support my “No” vote to deny President Bush a blank check to fund this endless conflict. You also wrote to me about the bill I recently authored to increase the development of geothermal energy -- an important initiative crucial to the movement to stop global warming and make America energy independent.

Stephanie, a software engineer, got right to the point: “Yes, end the war, save the planet. We need you in Congress!”

Whether it’s standing up to President Bush on Iraq or standing up to Big Oil on the climate crisis, I am honored to be your Congressman. Together, we are fighting to turn our country in a new direction and reverse the catastrophic blunders of the Bush administration. Without your support, this profound change would not be possible.

That’s why I need your help today to actualize this change before it’s too late. In whatever amount you can afford, can you stand up for our movement before this Saturday’s all-important Federal Election Commission deadline? 

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/StandUp

The war and global warming are not the only important issues on your mind.

A number of you also wrote to me about “earmark” reform, with one doctor asking that I “make it a top priority to make public all ‘earmarks’ written into bills.” As you may know, earmarks are individual project funding requests that Members of Congress make on behalf of their constituents to help fund projects like water treatment plants, roads, reading programs, or community health centers.

In the past, however, the earmark process has been shrouded in secrecy, allowing some lawmakers to slip in expensive projects that offered little public benefit. Fortunately, your focus on fundamental reform is helping us shed sunlight on the kind of “Bridge to Nowhere” boondoggles that have far too often bankrolled the special interests at the expense of the public interest.

You know that I did not run for Congress to be a typical politician. I ran for Congress to be a public servant committed to openness, transparency and accountability. That’s why, on Monday, I released all of my “earmark” requests to the public. And I’m strongly encouraging my fellow congressional members to do so as well.

If you want a public servant working for you every day to change the way Washington works, please stand up for me before Saturday’s FEC deadline and contribute. Whether it's $25, $50, $500, $1,000, or the $2,300 maximum, I need your individual support today to keep up our momentum.

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/StandUp

Changing the way Washington works is a long-term process. But it’s not going to happen if we don’t support the elected representatives committed to that change. That’s why my request to you is so urgently important. With Karl Rove targeting me as #3 on his campaign hit list, I need your help and I need it now.

Whether it’s your hard-earned dollars or your passionate feedback, please contribute as if your democracy depends on it. Because it does. From the war in Iraq to global warming and government reform, change starts with you. And it starts right now.

Thank you again for everything you are doing to build and sustain our movement.

P.S. Time is running out. We are asking our supporters to raise “$100K in 5 days” -- by Saturday at 11:59 p.m. – the end of the FEC’s campaign finance reporting period. The only way we will be able to make this critical goal is if you decide to stand up and contribute ASAP. You can also share your thoughts with me as well:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/StandUp

To track our progress to Saturday's goal, just go to jerrymcnerney.org and refresh the front page to watch "The Bat" fill up minute-by-minute, contribution-by-contribution!

What do you want? I want to know.

What do you want? I want to know.

Do you want to end the war in Iraq as soon and as responsibly as possible? I do. That’s why I voted “No” on the Iraq supplemental funding bill one month ago. I could not give President Bush another blank check to wage this endless war.

Of course, the Washington pundits and power-brokers -- who thought we couldn’t defeat Richard Pombo by standing strong on the war -- scratched their heads again. How could I, with Karl Rove targeting me as #3 on his campaign hit list, defy the Beltway conventional wisdom?

If you want a Congressman who is going to follow his conscience on issues as important as the war in Iraq –- instead of the political expedience of these “opinion leaders” -– I need your support before Saturday’s vitally important Federal Election Commission campaign finance deadline. And I need your feedback.

I stood up against President Bush and the pundits and power-brokers on Iraq. Will you stand up for me before this Saturday’s FEC deadline? And give me your feedback? 

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/StandUp

It's not required, but after you contribute, our "Thank You" page will provide an opportunity for you to contribute your thoughts directly to me as well. On Wednesday, I will select the best posts and share them with you in our next email. (If you can not afford to contribute at this time, you can still post your comments to the "You Tell Us" section of our web site.)

What do you want? I want to know.

Do you want to end America’s addiction to oil, make our nation energy independent and stop global warming? I do. That’s why I authored the Advanced Geothermal Energy Research and Development Act of 2007, a bill to develop geothermal energy using heat from the ground to create electricity. This bill unanimously passed out of the House Science and Technology Committee just last week.

Geothermal energy is readily available, clean, domestically produced and will help America develop a new energy technology economy. Most importantly, it will contribute to ending the global climate crisis.

I stood up against anti-environmentalist Richard Pombo so we could fundamentally change our nation’s priorities on global warming. Will you stand up for me before this Saturday’s FEC deadline? And tell me what you think as well?

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/StandUp

Of course, the pundits and power-brokers are probably wondering why I am focused like a laser beam on the environment –- an issue that pollsters argue is unlikely to make a difference in the next election.

They just don’t get it. I did not run for Congress so that I could spend two years worrying about being re-elected. I ran for Congress to serve the people of the 11th Congressional District and our nation.

I did not run for Congress to be a politician. I ran for Congress to be a public servant.

If you want a public servant on Capitol Hill fighting to change the way Washington works, please stand up for me right now before Saturday’s FEC deadline. Whether it's $25, $50, $500, or the $2,300 maximum, I need your individual support urgently. And I need your feedback.

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/StandUp

By contributing whatever you can afford before Saturday's crucial deadline and telling me what you think, you will send a strong and clear message to the pundits and power brokers that, together, we are going to put an end to politics as usual.

Because that’s what we all want.

Thank you for everything you continue to do to build our movement.

P.S. This week, we are laying the foundation for 2008 by asking our supporters to raise $100,000 in the next five days. Are you curious if we will be able to make this important goal? Just like you did when you watched "The Boot" fill up last year, you can track our fundraising progress this week in real-time. Just go to jerrymcnerney.org and refresh the front page to watch “The Bat” fill up minute-by-minute, contribution-by-contribution!

On June 23rd and 24th, Jerry and Mary McNerney invite you to...

Jerry and Mary McNerney would like to invite you to join them in sampling some of the best wines in America from wonderful wineries located in the 11th Congressional District.

On Saturday, June 23rd, you can join Jerry and Mary for lunch at Lockeford's own Vino Piazza, fast becoming one of the most popular wine spots in Northern California.

Vino Piazza

For more details and to RSVP for the Vino Piazza event, please click here:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/wineweekend

On Sunday, June 24th, you can take a scenic train tour through Niles Canyon with Jerry and Mary while wine tasting, enjoying tasty appetizers, and catching up with friends and fellow supporters.

Niles Canyon Railway

For more details and to RSVP for the Niles Canyon Railway Tour, please click here:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/wineweekend2

If you enjoy good wine and good people, please join Jerry and Mary for these unique events. With the all-important June 30th Federal Election Commission campaign finance reporting deadline fast approaching, these are great opportunities to support Jerry's re-election campaign and have fun while doing it.

We are looking forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

Nicholas Hatten
Finance Director
McNerney For Congress

Lodi News-Sentinel editorial: McNerney has "proven us wrong"

The Lodi News-Sentinel editorial board chose not to endorse Jerry McNerney last year, choosing instead to endorse incumbent Richard Pombo. But they are now realizing why Jerry was endorsed by 53% of voters on November 7.

According to the editorial writers, their newfound appreciation for McNerney "boils down to respect for voters. McNerney has shown it in recent weeks."

Being a citizen Congressman means being open and accessible to constituents across the district -- a quality that the Lodi News-Sentinel feels compelled to praise:

We liked McNerney personally but felt he was too raw and perhaps too low-key to be an effective Congressman.

So far, he's proven us wrong.

He seems to be in Lodi practically every week, chatting and sipping coffee with local citizens. He recently held a open-door meeting in Lodi on No Child Left Behind.

As Ken Davis, the Lodi Unified trustee, put it: "Sometimes the policy needs to be fixed. I'm just glad he's here to listen."

McNerney has also formed local advisory groups on education, health, business and agriculture.

The man seems intent on listening and responding. Clearly, the proof will be in the pudding. Will he deliver leadership and federal dollars to help with our region's varied needs, including health care, transportation and land use challenges?

Time will tell.

So far, though, our congressman has lived up to his promise of being ethical. He has far exceeded our expectations as an honest and assertive communicator.

[...]

While the Lodi-News Sentinel may disagree with the Congressman on certain issues, they are now understanding why citizens across the district actively decided to elect Jerry to Congress.

You did it again!

I would like to invite you to talk with Jerry on Saturday. But first, I have some wonderful news to tell you.

On Monday, your votes helped Jerry McNerney win Senator John Kerry's national "March Madness" campaign competition. Because of you, Senator Kerry sent over 3 million people an email today asking them to support Jerry.

Tonight, you did it again. We asked you to "Hit a Home Run for Jerry" by raising $300,000 before the Federal Election Commission's March 31st midnight deadline. And, just a few minutes ago, you hit it out of the park-- a full 24 hours before the deadline.   

Please don't stop now. If our community is going to fight back against Karl Rove's placement of Jerry on his political hit list, the smear web site that Rove's Republicans launched against Jerry on Thursday, and the 100,000 emails they are spamming to voters in our district, we need your help to finish the FEC quarter strong:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/fightback

I just talked with the Congressman and he told me that he wanted you to know how grateful he is to you. Time and time again, you have demonstrated your incredible enthusiasm and generosity for him. In our phone call, Jerry was truly humbled and amazed at the depth of your commitment.

If you would like to talk with Jerry as well, you have two great opportunities on Saturday. You can meet with the Congressman either online or in-person and ask him the questions that concern you the most about the future of our country and the world.

---

JERRY LIVE-BLOGS ON FIREDOGLAKE.COM SATURDAY (1-3 pm PST)

The first opportunity is a special one for the netroots. Jerry will be live-blogging on firedoglake.com's "Blue America" from 1-3 p.m. PST (4-6 p.m. EST) on Saturday (March 31).

You don't blog? Doesn't matter. You can still log in and post questions to the Congressman as he answers them as fast as his fingers can type. Although you don't have to contribute to post a question, this is a blog-raiser so please consider contributing to Jerry McNerney at Blue America's special ActBlue page:

http://www.actblue.com/page/blueamerica08

Jerry was just added to this special ActBlue page a few days ago, and of the five excellent candidates listed, he's got a lot of ground to make up (in 2006, Blue America's netroots activists raised over $25,000 for Jerry). By the end of Saturday, we want Jerry to be the top netroots candidate, in terms of both total donors and total dollars raised.

Whether you are able to live-blog with Jerry on firedoglake.com or not, you can still help Jerry move up the Blue America donor standings by contributing any amount right now at:

http://www.actblue.com/page/blueamerica08

---

TALK WITH JERRY AT SATURDAY NIGHT'S ICE CREAM SOCIAL

You can also talk with the Congressman in-person at "Jerry's Ice Cream Social" in Dublin from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday night. At this special event, Jerry will talk about his first 84 days in Congress and what you can do to help him move America in a new direction.

Even though Jerry has been criss-crossing the district and the country, many of you have not talked with him since he was elected in November. Jerry is looking forward to seeing you again and sharing some ice cream, so don't miss it!

The Ice Cream Social will be held on the 2nd floor of our campaign headquarters at 6250 Village Parkway in Dublin. 

Please RSVP by sending an email to "RSVP@JerryMcNerney.org" or call 925-833-0643.

Although campaign contributions are not required to attend the Ice Cream Social, contributions will be accepted at the event just in time for Saturday's midnight FEC deadline.

---

Thank you again for winning the Kerry competition, breaking the $300,000 Bat, and taking the time to talk with Jerry on Saturday.

Remember, without your people power, none of this would be possible.

Eden James
Online Content Director
McNerney for Congress

P.S. If you can't make the Ice Cream Social or the live-blogging session on Saturday, please consider making a contribution before the clock strikes midnight!

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/fightback

When They Attack, We Fight Back

It’s only March, 2007. But it might as well be November, 2008.

Yesterday, our campaign got hit with a one-two punch. First, a scandalous House hearing unearthed a secret document from a deputy of Karl Rove revealing that the GOP “architect” is targeting me as #3 on his political hit list.

Then, the National Republican Congressional Committee carried out Rove’s hit yesterday with “The Real Jerry McNerney” -– launching a slick Swift Boat-style web site that smears my record of service to you in Congress. The NRCC plans to promote this deception site by spamming voters in our district with over 100,000 e-mails.

Make no mistake. I will respond to this malicious assault on my character and my record. But, I can’t fight back without your help. To stop the right-wing political hacks plotting to kill our movement before it changes Washington, I need your support today -– before this Saturday’s critical Federal Election Commission campaign finance reporting deadline.

Can you show Karl Rove and the NRCC today that every single time they attack, you will fight back?

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/fightback

You knew -- after we soundly defeated Richard Pombo – that the Republicans would stop at nothing to regain their power and take this important seat back. But did you know their character assassination would start the day I was sworn into Congress?

That’s right. On January 4, my first day in office, thousands of voters across our district received outrageous mailers from the NRCC attacking me. They haven't let up since then. And now, 19 months before the election, the GOP is ramping up its smear machine to a whole new level.

Just like Speaker Pelosi did when she told President Bush yesterday to “stop with the threats because there’s a new Congress in town,” we need to show Karl Rove and the NRCC that every time they attack, you will fight back.

Please make your contribution count now, before the urgent March 31st FEC deadline:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/fightback

Together, we have built a community of citizens determined to take their government back. You supported me with your time and money -- to stop the lies and cure the culture of corruption infesting Washington. I promised that I would vote for real ethics reform in Congress. I delivered on my promise, but our fight continues.

Now, with your timely financial help, we can show Karl Rove and his NRCC cronies that their continued intimidation tactics will only fuel our campaign to change Washington.

On Tuesday, we set a crucial campaign goal of raising $300,000 for this election cycle by the widely-watched FEC quarterly reporting deadline – 11:59 p.m. this Saturday, March 31. And, with less than 70 hours left to go, we still need to raise $35,000.

If we are going to make this important goal, we need you to dig deep right now. Please consider contributing $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, or any amount up to $2,300 – the federal maximum:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/fightback

This is it. We have less than three days left to make a statement to the pundits and the press that we will have the resources to fight back against the distortions deceptively crafted by Karl Rove’s hatchet men in the bowels of the Beltway.

I know you can do it, just like you did in 2006. And just like you did earlier this week when you helped me win Senator John Kerry’s “March Madness” competition.

Once again, thank you for speaking truth to power and taking this campaign into your own hands.

P.S. Curious if we will be able to make our goal by midnight on Saturday? Just like you did with "The Boot" last year, you can watch your contributions added in real-time by refreshing our dynamic Bat on the front page of JerryMcNerney.org.

March Madness: Time to "Get Out The Vote"!

I have some good news and some bad news for you.

Yesterday, I asked you to vote for me in Senator John Kerry's "March Madness" online competition, similar to the NCAA Final Four.

If you haven't voted yet, please take just a few seconds to vote right now:

http://www.johnkerry.com/action/marchmadness/

This isn't just any competition -- if we win this, Senator Kerry will ask his 3 million supporters to support my campaign financially before the crucial March 31st Federal Election Commission deadline.

The good news is that you have already submitted thousands of votes. The bad news is that, if we are going to win, we will need many more votes from people you know -- but I may not know. We need you to help this campaign go "viral."

The first step was easy. It took less than a minute to vote. Now, just like you did in 2006 when we defeated Richard Pombo, I need you to Get Out The Vote -- the votes of your friends, family and neighbors:

http://join.jerrymcnerney.org/tellmyfriends

At that page, you will find the text of a message that you can send to your friends about why you are voting for Jerry McNerney in the March Madness competition. It only takes a few clicks to tell your friends about my leadership on the Iraq War, global warming, health care, and the deplorable treatment of our veterans.

http://join.jerrymcnerney.org/tellmyfriends

As you know, we're going to face fierce competition in 2008 as the Republicans do everything they can to take back this important seat. They've already sent baseless mailers to voters attacking me. Now they are planning a major voter registration drive in the district.

We need to win "March Madness" so we can provide the early funds necessary to hire campaign staff and put volunteer boots on the ground as soon as possible.

That’s why I need you to tell your friends to vote for me in John Kerry’s congressional competition today. Can you take just a minute to let them know right now?

http://join.jerrymcnerney.org/tellmyfriends

Please don't just stop there. You can take this competition to a whole new level. Take just a few more minutes to do any one or more of the following actions:

1. Forward this email message to your friends.
2. Call your family.
3. Text-message everyone in your cell phone.

That's what you did to defeat Richard Pombo in 2006 and that's what it will take to win now.

And, again, if you haven't voted, please vote as soon as possible:

http://www.johnkerry.com/action/marchmadness/

Thank you for everything you do!

P.S. To win this competition, we need you to vote now and spread the word as soon as possible. Votes are already being cast and the deadline is Sunday at 9 p.m. PST!

VOTE: http://www.johnkerry.com/action/marchmadness/

SPREAD THE WORD: http://join.jerrymcnerney.org/tellmyfriends

IMPORTANT: although the directions at JohnKerry.com ask you to vote for two candidates, you will increase our chances of victory if you vote for just ONE candidate.

Stem cell research advocate Michael J. Fox endorses McNerney for Congress

Today Michael J. Fox strongly endorsed Democratic congressional candidate Jerry McNerney. As a vocal proponent of medical research, Fox is supporting candidates who support all forms of stem cell research in races where their opponents simply do not.

"America is about hope, about promise, about always moving forward, and we deserve leaders who are willing to deliver that hope to their constituents," Fox stated.

"The idea of restricting one of the most promising areas of research is shortsighted. We have no way of knowing where the next break will emerge," Fox continued.

Stem cell research has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people living with diseases and disorders including cancer, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and even Parkinson's disease.

Fox is committed to electing to Congress individuals like Jerry McNerney who will support expanding the current policy on stem cell research. McNerney's opponent, Rep. Richard Pombo, voted to uphold President George W. Bush's veto of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act in July 2006 and had previously voted against the legislation.

"I enthusiastically support and endorse Jerry McNerney for Congress. By supporting stem cell research, Jerry McNerney puts America on a path that speaks to who we are as a nation," Fox concluded.

For more information on Jerry's position on stem cell research, including clips from the McNerney for Congress stem cell research press conference last Monday, click here!

For more information on Jerry's position on stem cell research, including brief video clips from the McNerney for Congress stem cell research press conference last Monday, click here!

More "Newspapers for McNerney": Pleasanton Weekly & Danville Weekly endorse Jerry!

Jerry's newspaper endorsements continue to pile up.

The Pleasanton Weekly and the Danville Weekly, serving Tri-Valley residents, just endorsed Jerry McNerney. This follows recent endorsements from the Modesto Bee, San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle, The Independent, and the Sacramento Bee.

In the Pleasanton Weekly endorsement and the Danville Weekly endorsement, the editors listed off the familiar litany of reasons not to support "one of the nation's worst and most arrogant members of Congress," and then transitioned to why Jerry McNerney is the right man for the job at the right time:

Republicans and Democrats in the Tri-Valley should be embarrassed to be represented in Washington by a congressman with Pombo's values, ethics and political positions.

The better choice is Jerry McNerney, 55, a Pleasanton resident who has attracted bipartisan support in his effort to unseat Pombo. An engineer, McNerney has devoted the last 20 years of his career to the development of viable wind energy technology and is currently CEO of a start-up company that will manufacture wind turbines.

Far from being a political ideologue, McNerney represents the kind of citizen activist who wants to work on solving important problems, not use those problems to curry favor with special interests and as a way to raise campaign contributions.

Not surprisingly, with the fundraising help of special interests and campaign visits by both President Bush and Vice President Cheney, Pombo will far outspend McNerney in this campaign.

But Tri-Valley residents and their tradition of supporting moderate candidates can make a real difference in this election if they vote in sufficient numbers for Jerry McNerney. With a strong victory here, Pombo's San Joaquin county support can be overcome, and one of the nation's worst Members of Congress can be replaced with a person committed to ethical representation and to developing a sustainable national energy policy.

With the support of community opinion leaders like the Pleasanton Weekly and Danville Weekly, we can win, but we need your help.

If you live in the Tri-Valley area and would like volunteer for Jerry, please go to our Events page and find an opportunity to get involved!

Eden w/ McNerney for Congress

P.S. you can see all of Jerry's endorsements here.

BREAKING: More McNerney Momentum -- Sacramento Bee endorses Jerry!

The editorial hits just keep on coming.

First, the Modesto Bee set off an editorial firestorm by endorsing Jerry McNerney -- the first time the Bee has ever editorialized against Richard Pombo's re-election to Congress.

Then, the San Jose Mercury News endorsed McNerney, telling readers that Pombo was "a national disgrace to the Republican Party" and "deserves defeat."

The next day, the Los Angeles Times opined about Richard Pombo's "wacky" right-wing extremism as a "Congressman We Could Do Without."

Later that day, the San Francisco Chronicle joined the growing chorus or editorial endorsements, calling Pombo "an embarrassment" and describing Jerry McNerney as a candidate who "brings a low-key probity that the district and House deserve."

Twenty-four hours ago, the New York Times wrote a scathing editorial ("Mr. Pombo's Map") that excoriated Pombo for his shameful giveaway of billions in corporate welfare to Big Oil in his "Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act." The final sentence said it all: "When we try to envision the America that Mr. Pombo has mapped out for us, all we can see is a nation committed to devouring itself, one barrel of oil at a time."

And now, the largest newspaper in the Central Valley -- with thousands of readers in the 11th Congressional District -- has come out in favor of Jerry McNerney:

SACRAMENTO BEE
Editorial

McNerney for Congress
Pombo personifies all that ails Washington
---
Published 12:00 am PDT Friday, October 20, 2006
---
During his 14 years in the House of Representatives, Richard Pombo has represented the 11th Congressional District, which stretches from San Joaquin County to Santa Clara County. Along the way he has amassed a dubious list of financial supporters -- development interests, Indian gaming tribes, oil companies, foreign mining concerns and some of the most corrupt people in Washington, D.C. To earn that support, Pombo has embraced potentially disastrous environmental policies; suggested selling off national parks; tried to engineer giveaways of natural resources; and embraced drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and off both coasts. The Resources Committee he chairs has made a few favored gaming tribes extraordinarily wealthy.

All of these interests have returned his support in the form of contributions. Various lists put contributions to Pombo at $7.3 million during his congressional career -- including mountains of money raised at lavish events hosted by lobbyists and those who have business with his committee. He has taken money from admitted political fixer Jack Abramoff, and he was a protégé of disgraced House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. No wonder one watchdog group listed Pombo among Washington's 20 most corrupt representatives.

This record speaks for itself -- and loudly enough that voters should get the message and return Pombo to private life.

In his place, they should elect Democrat Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton.

McNerney is a political neophyte, a Ph.D. engineer who attended West Point, once worked at Sandia National Laboratories and now owns a wind power company. He wants to develop alternative energy to create power and jobs. Wonkish and facing a charisma deficit, he has so far eschewed big corporate contributions -- meaning he will be thoroughly outspent.

This, like any election with an incumbent, is a referendum. While Pombo has been effective in a few high-profile issues -- such as helping to broker a settlement on rewatering the San Joaquin River -- he has worked even harder for a host of special interests. He is at the diseased heart of the quid-pro-quo process that defines Washington politics today. To send him back to the Capitol endorses a system we can no longer tolerate.

And while his strident environmental views have caused us concern in the past, the idea he floated this past term about selling off parks was over the top. It's just one of many such ideas.

McNerney's more practical approach contrasts admirably. Pombo got headlines by trying to gut the Endangered Species Act, but his plan went nowhere. McNerney suggests negotiating changes to the act while preserving its goals.

If you prefer the politics of extremes; if you're OK with selling off national parks; if backroom deal-making and tainted money suit you; if you embrace out-of-balance budgets and the concentration of wealth -- Pombo's your man. But he is no longer representing the true interests of his district, state or nation. That's ample reason for voters to send Jerry McNerney to Congress.

The Sacramento Bee's endorsement is very significant, given its crucial role in covering issues important to voters in the San Joaquin Valley. This major endorsement gives Jerry's campaign for change even more momentum against the millions of dollars Richard "PAC Man" Pombo is raising from special interests to run ridiculous attack ads on Jerry.

To fight back and capitalize on this great news, we need YOUR ENDORSEMENT now:

Contribute to the Cause.

Walk and Talk to Voters (this weekend!).

Request a Yard Sign.

Phone From Home (new!)

Do All of the Above!

With absentee ballots already being cast, there are only 18 days left to convince voters that America needs a new direction. If you can make a commitment to take some kind of action for Jerry each and every day between now and November 7, we can replace Richard Pombo with a true public servant who will make you proud each and every day he serves you in Congress.

Click here to make your commitment now.

Eden James
Online Content Director
McNerney for Congress

P.S. Jerry can pull off one of the most incredible victories in congressional campaign history, but to do it we need your renewed financial commitment to pay for the field operations and media buys it will take to compete with Pombo's millions right up to Election Day. It doesn't matter how much you contribute, as long as you contribute. Whether it's $20 or $2,000, please help Jerry "be the change" right now:

http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/contribute

Every. Contribution. Counts.

Letter to the Editor: "Republicans back Pombo's Rival"

From time to time, we post excellent Letters to the Editor on Jerry's Blog.

Gordon Barbosa wrote the following letter, published by the Modesto Bee yesterday:

Republicans back Pombo's rival

Congressman Richard Pombo must be in trouble. The Republican Party is giving heavily toward his campaign in order for him to run negative ads against his Democratic opponent, renewable energy expert Jerry McNerney. McNerney has raised the majority of his money from his grass-roots campaign.

Why have two lifelong Republicans (Pete McCloskey and Tom Benigno) who ran against Pombo endorsed McNerney? They say they believe Pombo is corrupt and out of touch with the average American.

McNerney has been endorsed by Wesley Clark, retired four-star general and supreme Allied commander of Europe, and retired Air Force Lt. Col. William Evans, who said, "Jerry is the kind of honest person who supports the needs of American veterans."

Are you ready to put our nation back on the right track? You have an opportunity to, by voting Democratic on Nov. 7

GORDON BARBOSA

Patterson

If you would like to write a letter to the editor, check out our cool letter-writing tool. It even counts words for you as you type!

On our LTE page, you'll find the following "Seven Secrets" to writing letters to the editor:

Seven Secrets to Writing Letters to the Editor

1. Shorter is better. Get to the point quickly. Aim for about 100-150 words (our LTE tool  counts   words for you!).
2. Make it compelling. Grab the reader in the first sentence with something provocative or entertaining.
3. End with an image. Create a metaphor that visually sticks in the reader's mind.
4. Don't make it too analytical. You only have a few words.
5. Put passion into your words. If you feel strongly about something, let those emotions show.
6. Proof your copy for spelling and grammar mistakes.
7. And, most importantly, make sure the facts you cite are accurate!

$1 Million for McNerney (see Jerry's new direct mail pieces!)

Two years ago, Jerry McNerney's campaign was just an asterisk in the polls. Now, because of your steadfast support, Richard Pombo is in very deep trouble.

How much trouble? According to Hank Shaw of the Stockton Record, the National Republican Congressional Committee has already dropped over $120,000 in polling and direct mail to save Pombo in a district it once considered "safe." By hammering voters with negative attacks on Jerry, the NRCC is hoping it can significantly depress turnout on Election Day.

Meanwhile, according to Shaw, there are unconfirmed reports that Senator John McCain just cut a television ad for Richard Pombo. This, after Pombo received fundraising favors from Vice President Dick Cheney and House Majority Leader John Boehner. “This is unprecedented for Pombo,” said Shaw. “Normally, he's the one helping other candidates.”

We’ve got Pombo on the ropes. You can deliver the knock-out punch right now:

http://www.JerryMcNerney.org/contribute    

There is no doubt that Pombo’s internal polling reflects our internal polling. Those results show that — when people know what we’re fighting for — we can earn their vote. But, to reach tens of thousands of voters, we have to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars.

You are the reason why Pombo is calling on Beltway big shots to bail him out. Your people power – not Washington fat cats or Big Oil cronies – has helped Jerry raise just over $900,000 for this election cycle, which means we’re about to break the biggest goal of our campaign: $1 Million for McNerney!

Please help Jerry hit the $1 million mark right now by contributing $50, $100, $250, $500, or any amount up to the $2,100 federal maximum!

http://www.JerryMcNerney.org/contribute

Your hard-earned dollars will be well spent. And we’re willing to back up talk with results. This week, likely voters in our district are receiving two pieces of direct mail from the McNerney campaign:

“How do I know Jerry McNerney Will Protect Our Veterans?” (featuring Michael McNerney)

Click the pic to see the full piece!

“Enough is Enough” (featuring Pete McCloskey)

Click the pic to see the full piece!

These direct mail pieces cost tens of thousands of dollars to produce and mail to tens of thousands of voters. Effective direct mail pieces do not grow on trees.

You can help Jerry pay for these mail pieces by contributing whatever amount you can afford right now!

http://www.JerryMcNerney.org/contribute

This race is ground zero for real change, right now. You and I know we can’t afford two more years of unchecked single-party rule. With your timely contribution, we can defeat Richard Pombo in November and restore honesty, integrity and accountability to Washington.

Thank you for everything you are doing to help Jerry take down Pombo and take back Congress.

A.J. Carrillo
Campaign Manager

P.S. Check out this cool new feature at our brand new web site: After you contribute, your amount will be dynamically added to “The Boot” -- right before your eyes! You can check back multiple times per day to track how close we are getting to “$1 Million for McNerney”!