HERE IS THE SF CHRONICLE ARTICLE:
Re-elect McNerney to Congress
Monday, October 27, 2008
Democrat Jerry McNerney, who unseated veteran U.S. Rep. Richard Pombo two years ago, has approached his job as if he would face a tough fight for re-election. He has returned to his sprawling district almost every weekend. He has raised about $3 million.
Still, there was no avoiding a challenge in the 11th Congressional District, which includes both suburbs and rural areas in eastern Alameda, Contra Costa counties and western San Joaquin County. Republicans hold a narrow 41-38 percent registration edge over Democrats.
Republican Dean Andal, a Stockton businessman who formerly served in the state Assembly and on the Board of Equalization, has been hammering the theme that McNerney is too liberal for the district. Andal has attempted to make an issue of McNerney's vote for the $700 billion bailout. Andal also has pledged to oppose any increase in federal taxes - and has advocated a reduction in capital gains taxes. He has criticized the freshman congressman for voting against certain spending bills for the Iraq war.
McNerney responds to such attacks in a measured, thoughtful way. He acknowledged that the bailout bill was a calculated risk - and was heavily opposed by constituents who contacted him - but he was persuaded it was necessary to stabilize the economy. He noted that legislators addressed his serious concerns with the Bush administration's initial proposal: the absence of oversight, transparency and taxpayer protections, and the assumption of executive power. His votes against war spending bills were driven by his determination to include a timeline for a phased withdrawal. Andal's attempt to portray McNerney's war votes as "immoral" or a betrayal of the troops is a cheap shot. McNerney has said that one of his inspirations to run for office was the military duty of his son, who had volunteered for the Air Force after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
McNerney, in his soft-spoken, direct style, acknowledges that he is still learning the ropes in the House. However, he already has demonstrated a refreshing willingness to work hard for his constituents, and to take politically risky votes for what he believes is right for the country. He deserves a second term.
-SF CHRONICLE
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