Battered Landscape for a California Democrat

NY Times ^ | 10/20/10 | Jessie McKinley

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But as Bay Area commuters populated — and liberalized — the district’s new suburbs, Mr. McNerney appeared to be a symbol of its new complexion: moderate, mild-mannered and more concerned with local issues than national battles. That, however, was then. Today, many of those new suburbs sit in a region with some of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. Since 2006, the district has lost more than 30,000 residents. And while unemployment statewide is more than 12 percent, the rate is more than twice that in several towns in the 11th. All of which is obvious to Mr. McNerney. “People are worried,And they don’t know exactly who to blame.” The answer may be him. He is facing a strong challenge from David Harmer, a lawyer and businessman who is running on a platform of restoring freedom, cutting spending and promoting “American exceptionalism.” “I believe that America is an exceptional nation, founded by exceptional statesmen, who drafted an exceptional declaration, which is universal in its application, but which was exceptional in its use as the definition of nationhood and as a starting point for the formation of a government,” Such high-minded constitutional talk is red meat to local Tea Party groups, who have volunteered for Mr. Harmer’s campaign in droves. And while his campaign headquarters are dotted with photographs of Ronald Reagan — who said Republicans should never speak ill of their own — he has taken a more critical view of the party. “I’m an American first, I’m a conservative second,” Mr. Harmer said. “And I happen to be a Republican because I perceive the Republican Party is marginally more hospitable to my point of view.” Despite his ambivalence, Republican leaders have named Mr. Harmer, 48, one of their “young guns,” meaning an attractive and seemingly electable candidate.

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Let's keep the heat on Jerry - while Jerry and the Dems are placing their hopes on their negative campaigns - voters need to focus on issues. The choice is clear - McNerney wants you to believe he is a moderate, but he has rubberstamped Obama's agenda over 95% of the time. He is a puppet of Pelosi. David has a totally different view on issues and is more in touch with constituents in the 11th District - actually, he is readily available to meet with voters and listen to their concerns and ideas. There is less than a week towards election day and we need to continue our support albeit donations or volunteering to help get David elected. McNerney has the deep pockets of the Dems and Unions and David needs your help to counter their continued support of the Obama/Pelosi/Reid agenda! Go David!