Republicans for McNerney: McCloskey and Benigno Stand Behind Jerry

It’s not often that lifelong Republicans endorse a Democrat in a congressional race that could change the balance of power in the House of Representatives. At Wednesday’s press conference at McNerney headquarters, however, former Republican primary candidates Pete McCloskey and Tom Benigno decided to place their country above their party.

Communicating the frustration of so many patriotic Republicans who are troubled by Richard Pombo’s corruption, McCloskey and Benigno told the assembled throng on Wednesday that they believe Jerry McNerney is ready to restore honesty, integrity and accountability to Washington.

“You know, I never really thought I’d be doing this. I’ve been a Republican for 57 years. My family have been Republicans for four generations,” said McCloskey. “But I’ve concluded two things: Jerry McNerney is an honest man; Richard Pombo is not. I’m confident that Jerry McNerney is an honorable man who will vote his conscience.”

Former Republican congressional candidate Tom Benigno announced his endorsement for Jerry as well and talked about what it means for two prominent Republicans to stand behind Jerry McNerney.

"I have been a Republican all of my life, but Richard Pombo and his leadership have lost touch with us, and it's time for the corruption to end,” said Benigno. “I believe that this particular venue today -- Mr. McCloskey and I being here -- sends out a clear message to the people. I think the message is: we need change. We need change and I think the people are ready for it.”

If you've been following this race, you already know that people are inspired by Jerry's campaign to take down Pombo and take back Congress. On Wednesday, Jerry demonstrated his commitment to make that change a reality in November.

“We now have a choice,” said Jerry. “Do we want more of Richard Pombo protecting Big Oil or do you want to join me and start down a path that leads to energy independence and clean air? Do you want a congressman who continues to subsidize Big Oil or do you want someone who’s going to stand up and demand that the oil companies actually pay their fair share?”

“Here in the 11th district, do we want to continue to send Richard Pombo to Washington to cut shady deals that make him and his powerful friends richer, or do we want to restore honesty, integrity and accountability to Congress?”

Good people –- Republicans and Democrats –- can disagree on many issues, but there’s one thing we can all agree upon: the culture of corruption in Washington, D.C., has to end before it causes grave damage to our country.

That’s why Pete McCloskey and Tom Benigno –- as well as Jerry’s Democratic primary opponents Steve Filson and Steve Thomas -– have endorsed McNerney for Congress.

Just look at the following photos –- at yesterday’s press conference and at last month’s Democratic Unity breakfast –- to see how united Republicans and Democrats are in electing Jerry McNerney so he can send Pombo packing.

2006 is likely to be a transformative year politically and you are at the epicenter of that momentous change. You can make taking down Pombo and taking back Congress a reality by telling your friends right now that a refreshing change is sweeping through California’s 11th Congressional District.

Remember to tell them -- we ALL live in Richard Pombo's district!

Thank you for everything you are doing to help Jerry win in November!

Eden James
Grassroots Director

p.s. To defeat Pombo, Jerry needs your ongoing support. If you would like to express your excitement about these important endorsements, please make a contribution to McNerney for Congress now in any amount you can afford. Your financial support will give Jerry the necessary funds he needs to get on the air (TV and radio) and on the ground (neighbor-to-neighbor organizing) immediately!

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Press conference photo credits: Ted Overman, Progressive MediaWorks

Comments

[Lee W. Miller]

This is a great moment for people in the 11th District to see both Republicans and Democrats coming together to take back our country. One wonders how much corruption and foolishness the apathetic will tolerate. This is a test.

Special thanks to Pete McCloskey for taking on Pombo in his own party. You are a hero! When Richard Nixon bombed Cambodia I too was a Republican. I haven't been one since, but I like the old Republican values like fiscal responsibility.

[Blair Whitney]

I wish you the best of luck. I have given to your campaign even though I do not live in your district. I sincerely hope Pombo loses, he has been one of the worst representatives for our environment. The contrast between you two could not be more extreme, it is a real test for the people of your district.

Pombo will make global warming much worse, and you will help to alleviate this major problem. Congress is not addressing the problem of the need for clean, renewable energy and concrete ways to break our dependence on oil. I believe you will.

Good Luck.

[Tom Benigno]

Hello Everyone:

It was a great moment for me to join Mr. McCloskey in support of Jerry McNerney. I can't remember ever being a part of anything so important as this endorsment of Jerry McNerney.

It should send a signal to all voters that change is important. The defeat of Congressman Pombo in November is our responsibility.

Thank you
Thomas A Benigno

[Dianna Stern]

Coming together to support Jerry, you two are restoring my faith in America!

Thank you for doing the right thing at this crucial time for the 11th Congressional District. As a Republican, I look forward to working with you and working for Jerry. I'll be seeking funding from friends of both parties who live outside the 11th District.

[Holly McKinley]

I am encouraged to see two respected Republicans stand up with integrity to face the issues of corruption, energy, and environment for the benefit of our whole country, not just their party lobbyists! I hope your message resonates to countless districts around the nation - voters must embrace the fact that all politics are local, and we must defeat the corruption of this entire administration in each precinct.

I wish you all the best in November.

[Judy Williams]

It is critical to take back congress so we can start working on issues of importance to the American people. Thank you Pete McCloskey and Thomas Benigno for supporting Jerry McNerney and realizing the need for change in Washington.

What has Pombo done for the people in the 11th district?

[Dale Dickerson]

Excellent! Pete McCloskey has long been one of my Republican heroes and those are few and far between. Looking forward to working with your campaign as November approaches.

Richard Pombo must go!

[Margaret O'Day]

Republicans have thrown out a false choice for the voters. They claim that the choices are to "stay the course" or to "cut and run".

In reality, the only sensible and sane choice is to "CORRECT THE COURSE". They, (the current administration), have put us on a death and destruction course and it's time for sane people to rise up and "CORRECT THE COURSE".

Would you please use this in your campaign? We need slogans that people will pick up and and quote and I think that this could be one such slogan.

[Tom Benigno]

Ms. O'Day, you are correct in most of your statement but, I think that slogans are not the way to reach people. You need to get into their faces with the truth. I hope that we mirror that idea in our judgement to endorse Jerry McNerney.

God bless America.

Thank you.

Tom Benigno
Republican Congressional Candidate

[Tom Benigno]

Hi Judy Williams:

To answer your question "what has Pombo done for the people of the 11th?"

Wait until he is voted out and you will see a big difference overnight. I assume you were living here when he was elected, in 1992. He has been there for 14 years. Pombo was only 30 when he was elected. What could he have possibly known about Washington DC?

Thanks for the input.

Tom Benigno

[Joy Montgomery]

Hurray for two great Republicans who decided to put America and Americans before a party that has taken a wrong turn and lost touch with truly American values.

[Dave Kisor]

Bipartisan support? What a bizarre concept! The next thing you know, they'll start selling sliced bread.
http://pombointheirpocket.com/

[Neil Linden]

As of now, as I understand, Mr. Pombo has refused the League of Women's Voters invitation to debate Jerry. I honestly don't blame him, but lets all put some public pressure on Pombo to meet Jerry face to face. If nothing else, everyone needs to know that Mr. Pombo refuses to take on the challenge. That may be just as good as actually having a debate!

[Tom Benigno]

Everyone seems to be giving Congressman Pombo a chance to explain himself on his ties to Abramoff. Pombo had 8 different forums that Pete McCloskey and I had participated in, and he refused every one of them. Except the one in Tracy, I can't believe that now Pombo will not debate McNerney in an open question and answer session. The folks from Danville have asked Pombo to have a townhall meeting to get the answers. Do you think we will ever get them?

Tom Benigno

[Tom Benigno]

August 19th Alameda fair grounds. Yesterday Tom & I Joyce Benigno went to his Tom's High school Alumni Picnic. Classes from Fremont High 50's to the 60's and even some class Alumni from the 40's. A lot of great people, going over old year books to see how they all have changed.
I was really proud of my husband Tom as I watched him proudly hand walk his personel guest, Congress Candidate Jerry Mc Nerney through the crowds of about 250 class members that were present. As Tom walked around introducing Jerry, I seen something I have never seen in Tom before. Tom was beaming as he walked Jerry around introducing him to his old friends. As though he was his Jerry Mc Nerney's father. Tom seem to enjoy it as much as Jerry. I guess Tom has always been on the other side not really enjoying it as much being on the fireline of the question and answer side of the crowds. For sure the crowds seem to see the same thing,I did, asking Tom quote, " didn't you just run for that office". All and all it was a great day for everyone even if Tom wasn't the one who was to run against his Friend or foe Jerry Mc Nerney.

Truly
Joyce A Benigno