Progressive Democrat Issue 110: CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Congressman McNerney

One of the best pick ups of 2006 was Jerry McNerney's defeat of Republican Congressman Pombo in the CA-11 House district. Here we got a corrupt Republican incumbent defeated by a man who resigned from West Point to protest the Vietnam War and became an engineer working to make wind power an economic reality. This was a race that no one thought we'd win, but the grassroots did wonders, making it an unexpected competitive race that we finally won. McNerney was endorsed by President Bill Clinton, Senator Barbara Boxer, General Wes Clark and Democracy for America...and even my own area's Democracy for NYC took a strong interest in his election. McNerney was inspired to run by his son Michael, who, in response to the 9/11 attacks joined the Air Force.

But it will be one of the top targets for Republicans to win back in 2008. We already know this will be one of the seats we have to defend the hardest. Visit McNerney's website to find out more or to volunteer. You can donate to his campaign (remember, early money is CRITICAL!) through my 2008 Act Blue Site (go to bottom of the page). If nothing else, learn about California's freshman Congressman and keep him in mind for later support.


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