Progressive Democrat Issue 111: CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Jerry McNerney Already Under Attack

Last week I predicted that Congressman Jerry McNerney would be one of the top targeted new House members of 2008. Republicans are dying to get CA-11 back. Well, my prediction came true sooner than I expected. For those who wonder why I sometimes plug things way in advance, THIS is why. Republican campaigning against Congressman McNerney has already begun. This comes from Congressman McNerney:

It's almost unbelievable. Some have said it's unprecedented.

First, glossy attack mailers from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) arrived in the mailboxes of 11th District voters on January 4 -- the very day that I was sworn into Congress. People across the district and pundits across the country shook their heads in disbelief.

Then the NRCC released an email titled "Jerry McNerney and 'Pelosi One'" that sought to directly link me by association to their fabricated flap over Speaker Nancy Pelosi's air travel. Again, to the best of my knowledge, no other member of Congress was the target of a similar email from the NRCC.

As if that wasn't enough, disgraced former Speaker Tom DeLay rose from the political graveyard trying to score cheap political points by calling me "weak" and making the absolutely ridiculous claim that -- get this -- "George Soros and his Shadow Party" was responsible for your grassroots victory over Richard Pombo, "with the card signed by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton."

They will stop at nothing to take this important seat back from us -- even before they actually have a candidate.

When they attack, we have to fight back. That's why I need your help now. And beyond...

We can't rest. I've only been in Congress for 55 days, but these smear tactics show that we will need to defend ourselves for the next 21 months.

Please don't worry. I'm not going to be distracted by their desperate manuevers. As you know from reading my blog, I've been focused like a laser beam on doing the people's business from Day One. From introducing my first bill and helping our new Congress pass historic legislation in our first 100 hours to taking a strong stand on Iraq and other vitally important issues, I'm leveraging your ongoing support to help steer America in a new direction.

That's why they are scared. Tom DeLay, the NRCC and their cronies in Washington were shocked that our people-powered campaign -- an army of grassroots and netroots supporters -- defeated a sitting House Committee Chair for the first time in a decade. Now, finally out of power after years of rampant corruption, they are scraping up whatever slime they can to take this seat back.

If we are going to realize our vision for this district and America, I need you to make a long-term commitment now by making a single contribution or a recurring monthly contribution to my ongoing campaign for change.

As I've said before, we, together, can help our nation kick its addiction to oil. We, together, can push our elected leaders to pro-actively address the climate crisis before it's too late. We, together, can bring a responsible end to the tragic war in Iraq.

Will our victory in November be the beginning of a new era? Or a footnote in American history? It's up to you.

Please seriously consider making a single contribution or recurring monthly contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500 or any amount up to the $2,300 federal maximum...

Some say "freedom isn't free." Well, neither is change. It often comes at a cost -- you have to fight for it. If enough of us band together right now, we can move mountains. And make history. Just like we did in 2006.

Thank you for everything that you continue to do.

P.S. If you can think about how thrilled you were the morning after the November election, then you know how important it is that we keep this seat in 2008 and beyond. We can do it. But if we are going to win again, it's going to take another big push from the grassroots and the netroots.

To donate to support Jerry McNerney, one of the most grassroots of progressives and a champion of alternative energy, please go to my Act Blue Page and donate (McNerney is bottom of the page). It is not too early and a small donation now can help a HUGE amount by 2008.

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