Jerry McNerney's website

$10,000 Challenge

Dear Friends, Last month, I told you how our Congressman Jerry McNerney is working hard to bring much needed change to outdated energy policies by helping to author the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.  Now he's gearing up to tackle the next big challenge: healthcare reform.   While our Congressman is hard at work bringing the change our country needs, rumors are buzzing about an opponent for 2010.  We even received reports that the National Republican Campaign Committee is already courting potential candidates.   We need Jerry McNerney in Congress taking on the tough challenges and working to improve our future.  I need your help to make that happen.   Today, I am launching a challenge to our supporters.  I challenge you to help us raise $10,000 by June 30th.   Click here to join today!   We need to show any potential opponents that they won't take this seat easily.  People like you and me, who support energy and healthcare reform, people who support a new direction for America, people who support a better future for our country, will step up to make our voices heard and protect the only expert in Congress from the renewable energy field. For example, last month I told you a little bit about how our Congressman is changing America's energy policy.  One of the provisions he wrote for the energy bill, the GREEN Act, or Grants for Renewable Energy Education for the Nation, helps create the next generation of American jobs.  This bill provides over $100 million in grants for renewable energy tech training to help to build a workforce ready for the clean energy economy.     Who, other than a renewable energy expert like Jerry, would have pushed for such a great idea to be included in a comprehensive energy bill?  That's the kind of creative, forward-thinking leadership we need in Washington to set us back on the right track.    So, how can you help?     First, donate.  $5 from 100 people is $500.  $10 from 100 people is $1,000.  And with all of the other possible combinations, a few hundred grassroots donations will go a long way and get us to $10,000 in no time.   Second, tell others.  Yes, we know 100 people.  But you know how we got to know them?   You.  You telling your friends and family, you forwarding an email, you telling them to check out what we've been doing.    You could give $5.  That's great, and we need it.  But, if you give $5 and  ask three friends to give $5, then you can quadruple your impact to $20. That would be fantastic!   We need to keep our Congressman Jerry McNerney in Congress.  We need to keep him writing groundbreaking legislation, like the GREEN Act.  And we need to keep those potential partisan opponents from gaining a foothold for this seat in 2010.   Please join our $10,000 Challenge today.     Thank you for all you do,   Robbyn ________ Robbyn Umland McNerney for Congress

Photos from San Joaquin First Responders Endorsement Press Conference

Yesterday, at McLeod Lake Park in Stockton, first responders from across San Joaquin County came together to endorse my campaign.

The Stockton Police Officers' Association, Stockton Professional Firefighters, the Lodi Professional Firefighters, and the San Joaquin County Deputy Sheriffs' Association all support my re-election to Congress because they know I will continue to stand with them.

Here's what some of the attendees had to say:

Lon Hudson, Stockton Police Officers' Association: “Congressman McNerney works hard to make sure we have the tools we need to respond to emergencies and save lives. His ability to bring home federal funds for police training equipment is critically important. Jerry McNerney listens to us and is a strong voice for us in Washington.”

Matt Baker, Stockton Firefighters' Association: “Jerry McNerney is a tireless supporter of first responders here in Stockton and throughout the district. He knows we can't do our jobs without support from our Representatives in Washington, and he supports us in any way he can. We are proud to stand with him today because he always stands with us.”

I am honored to have their support, and I look forward to continuing our partnership and ensuring they always have the tools they need.

BREAKING NEWS: Jerry earns Stockton Record endorsement!

Just posted online is the Stockton Record's endorsement of Jerry's re-election bid.

In two years, McNerney has worked on energy issues as well as health care, veterans affairs and education.

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His reasonable and measured view that the nation should explore all forms of energy has only two conditions: Is it cost-effective? And will it hurt the environment? The nation can be weaned from foreign oil within 10 years, as Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has said, but "it would take a World War II-type effort."

McNerney also makes a compelling case for a national effort on health care, because its cost is strangling businesses and families alike.

<snip>

[McNerney] has demonstrated a willingness to work both sides of the aisle, recognizing that cooperation among forceful moderates from both parties is the only way anything is going to change. He has been highly visible in the district. And he is fearless about meeting with groups who disagree with him, listening to them and explaining why he takes the positions he takes.

It only makes sense to return McNerney to office. His freshman term is nearly over, and his effectiveness as a moderate voice and as an advocate of the district should only increase.

You can check out the full endorsement here.

Morgan Hill Times endorses Jerry!

Today, the Morgan Hill Times endorsed Jerry's re-election!

The Times' ringing endorsement notes that "[Jerry] went to Washington to do what he said he was going to...", focusing on reaching across party lines to create sound energy policy.

Since being elected to the 11th California Congressional District in the fall of 2006, Jerry McNerney has demonstrated an ability to work with fellow Congress people, even Republicans, to create a sound energy policy to help our country increase oil production and remain environmentally sound. The former wind energy engineer hasn't disappointed voters. He went to Washington to do what he said he was going to do: help solve the nation's energy problems. He's helped Congress pass several bills that are doing just that.

The endorsement also points out what Jerry has done for Morgan Hill, such as getting the stalled Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project moving again, addressing perchlorate in the city's drinking water, and spending time holding Congress at Your Corner events and telephone town halls.

Check out the endorsement for yourself.

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.

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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

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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.

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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.