Reformer McNerney accessible to public in first three months, supporters say

U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney was swept into office last November by voters who thought the government had mishandled the Iraq war and Congress had become too corrupt.

After ridng the wave of public opinion to his beneift, McNerney has now been in office for more than three months and supporters say he's accessible and working on vital reforms. Critics, however, say McNerney hasn't done much in office and has a tenuous hold on his Congressional seat.

Few predicted McNerney's victory over long-time incumbent Richard Pombo in the Republican-leaning district that includes northern San Joaquin County and the eastern Bay Area. He has worked to create an image different from Pombo, who had faced questions about his ethics after reported ties to lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

"He's been a breath of fresh air compared with his predecessor," said Craig Holman, Capitol Hill lobbyist for Public Citizen, a congressional watchdog group. "On day one, he voted for sweeping ethics reforms. He represents a sea change on Capitol Hill."

Just before the Easter recess, McNerney co-sponsored a bill to eliminate the House Ethics Committee and replace it with an outside commission made up of former Representatives who are not lobbyists. The bill would take some Congressional oversight out of the hands of Congress and give it to an independent board.

"We needed to do something and this seemed like a good first step," said McNerney, an alternative energy specialist. "We need to get people to know that leaders are doing their work. We need to get their trust."

The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., was co-sponsored by McNerney and nine other Democratic lawmakers, including seven other freshmen. Washington-based Common Cause, a watchdog organization, applauded McNerney and others for the attempt at ethics reform.

"It's a bold piece of legislation, especially for a group of freshmen," Common Cause spokeswoman Mary Boyle said.

Some, however, think McNerney has done too much listening and not enough acting.

"How's he doing, who knows? He doesn't talk about his position on issues other than telling our troops when they should pull out," said Steve Ding, Pombo's former chief of staff.

Ding said McNerney has a tenuous hold on his seat and the national Democratic Party will make sure he brings money to his home district.

"He's one of the most endangered freshmen in the nation," Ding said. "He'll be given $80 million to spend in the district."

Back home in District 11, McNerney has been making frequent visits to local leaders and often drops in on coffee shops to listen to his constituents' concerns. McNerney calls it "Congress at your corner," and he said it is a vital part of doing his job back in Washington.

McNerney's key votes

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Yes — HR1: This bill implements many of the remaining recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Passed in the House 299-128.

Yes — HR2: This bill raises the federal minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour. Passed in the House 315-116.

Yes — HR4: This bill would allow the government to negotiate directly with drugmakers for lower prescription drug prices for individuals using Medicare. Passed in the House 255-170.

Yes — HR5: This bill would lower the interest rate on student loans. Passed in the House 356-71.

Yes — HR6: This bill would repeal tax cuts to oil companies and mandate that they pay a fee to remove oil from the Gulf of Mexico. It would also fund renewable energy programs. Passed in the House 264-163.

Yes — H Con Res 63: This measure expresses the House's disagreement with President Bush's planned troop buildup in Iraq. Passed in the House 246-182.

Yes — HR1591: This bill authorizes additional funding for the war in Iraq and imposes a timeline for troop withdrawal. Passed in the House 218-212.

Source: Project Vote Smart

"I enjoy meeting people," he said. "I enjoy the give and take. I need their input to be a good representative in Washington."

Part of his message is bringing jobs and federal funding to San Joaquin County, and he has created and met with advisory boards on an almost weekly basis. The boards, made up of local leaders, are tasked with informing the Congressman on districtwide issues such as transportation, business and health care.

McNerney said his advisors are a diverse group of people including some conservatives that do not necessarily support him, such as businessmen and farmers.

"I need to get realistic feedback not just an ivory tower," he said. "I need to hear the other side."

Local leaders have lauded NcNerney's accessibility. Lodi Mayor Bob Johnson has met with the Congressman at least four times since he has taken office.

"Lodi is a Republican community and we may not be on the same page, but he has been accessible," he said. "He's been here a lot and he is available. I have to compliment him for that."

Republicans think McNerney's seat is ripe for the picking in 2008. California Assemblyman Guy Houston, R-San Ramon, whose district includes Galt, is considering running against McNerney.

"He's more liberal than the district is," Houston told the Associated Press recently. "People voted against Richard Pombo not for Jerry McNerney. They're not going to be able to use that next time."

City Manager Blair King said the city has talked to McNerney about federal aid for Lodi's groundwater cleanup, it's wastewater treatment plant upgrade and transportation issues such as bringing commuter rail to town. He said the Congressman hasn't made any promises but has listened to Lodi's needs.

"All we are asking for is someone to listen to our agenda," he said. "He's expressed a willingness to listen."

At the county level, Supervisor Ken Vogel said McNerney has listened to issues ranging from preservation of farmland to the condition of the San Joaquin Delta levees.

"He's made a great effort to get to know the district and to have people know him," Vogel said.

Contact reporter Matt Brown at mattb@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

Emmett Morgan wrote on Apr 22, 2007 7:22 PM:

" Make no mistake, McNebbish is a lockstep democrat who will be licking Pelousy's feet and kissing her ring to get money for re-election and he will not tug on his demonrat leash. His sole assignment is to curry her favor and he will do it like no other bootlicker could. "

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cmd wrote on Apr 22, 2007 1:46 PM:

" most of the foot work done on the hill is done by the congressional aides. walk into one of their offices, average age on the hill is 28 with the chief of staff usually being the oldest. the leg staff does the research and the foot work, the congressperson is the mouth piece and casts the votes "

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T $ C wrote on Apr 21, 2007 8:18 AM:

" Three months and he's a failure? ROFLMAO Pombo's 12 years didn't accomplish a thing except graft and corruption and now Mr. McNerney is stuck with the mess. I've called his office in DC and spoke to his aide twice last month and he's very aware and capable of doing his job, although I feel we need younger minds and thoughts to lead this failing country. "

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