Local businessman Andal to challenge McNerney for seat

The district, which includes northern San Joaquin County and the eastern Bay Area, is slightly Republican leaning. McNerney, D-Pleasanton, surprised many political observers when he beat longtime incumbent Richard Pombo in November.

Andal, a Stockton resident, said homeland security will be a major part of his campaign.

"My main concern is how we are going to keep America safe," he said. "Congress has done a woefully bad job. We have very little control of our borders. Intelligence gathering is getting no attention."

A fiscal conservative, Andal derided the Democratic-controlled Congress for trying to roll back the Bush administration's tax cuts.

"The current group has spent a lot of time trying to raise taxes," he said.

"That's just not my philosophy. I think we should keep taxes low so that people can invest their money."

With the election still a year and a half away, Andal said he decided to throw his hat into the ring now in order to get a jump on recruiting volunteers and the multi-million dollar fundraising effort.

A former state assemblyman representing a district that included Woodbridge from 1991-94, Andal currently sits on the Lincoln school board in Stockton. In 1994, he was elected to the state Board of Equalization, which runs California's tax system. In 2002 he lost the Republican nomination for state controller to Tom McClintock.

Andal said he will spend a lot of time in Lodi addressing local concerns during the campaign.

Dean Andal

Age: 47
Residence: Stockton
Occupation: Board member of Service 1st Bancorp bank
Family: Wife, teenage son
Experience:
• Board of Trustees, Lincoln Unified School District, 2004 to present.
• California Board of Equalization and Franchise Tax Board, 1994 to 2002.
• California State Assembly, 1991 to '94.
• Board of Trustees, San Joaquin County Board of Education, 1990.
— News-Sentinel staff.

"I have a lot of friends in Lodi," he said. "You will see me pounding the pavement in Lodi a lot."

Areas in which Andal said the federal government could help Lodi include infrastructure grants for water supply and transportation projects and funding for Lodi Unified School District.

Though he hasn't met McNerney, Andal said he seems like "a nice guy," and vowed to keep personal attacks out of the campaign.

"We have different views of how the country should be led," Andal said. "My views are closer in line with Lodi's than his."

McNerney's victory over Pombo was largely attributed to the Tracy republican's perceived questionable ethics. Andal said ethics reform is one of his key issues.

"The stench in Washington is too much for me to stand," he said. "That goes for both parties. It seems like there is a scandal-aday. It just disgusts me."

Andal said politicians such as William Jefferson, D-La., who was investigated by the FBI for bribery and fraud, have given Congress a bad name.

Republicans think McNerney has a tenuous hold on his seat and see the 11th Congressional District as a key race that they can win back. McNerney spokesman Andy Stone said it is no surprise the Republicans are already mounting a challenge only four months into his term.

"On the very day Congressman McNerney was sworn in, the Republicans sent out a mailer attacking him," he said. "But despite that, Congressman McNerney is focused on serving the people of the 11th District. He's back in the district every weekend meeting with community members and listening to their interests and concerns."

Andal could face a tough opponent in the primary if Assemblyman Guy Houston decides to run. Houston, R-San Ramon, is expected to announce his candidacy in June after the busy legislative season.

"We're still considering running," Houston said Thursday. "I've been talking to potential donors. We feel strongly we can run a competitive race."

Houston, who said he is friends with Andal, feels he is better suited to defeat McNerney in the general election because he is better known in the liberal part of the district.

"My advantage is that I am from the East Bay," he said. "I can take on McNerney right here."

A graduate of the University of California, San Diego, Andal is a board member of the Service 1st Bancorp bank. He lives in Stockton with his wife and teenage son.

Contact reporter Matt Brown at mattb@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

luridlloyd wrote on May 22, 2007 10:48 AM:

" Just what we need. This Andal fellow's central campaign theme is fear of attack. If everyone is scared enough, and we give up our privacy, the Govt. will protect us. If this guy wins it just shows how cowardly the 11th Congressional District is. I for one won't be manipulated with fear. Live free or die! "

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LEFTCOSTRYTWENGR wrote on May 21, 2007 1:30 AM:

" MCNERNEY DID NOT SERVE HIS COUNTRY. "

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Lodi Guy wrote on May 19, 2007 11:24 PM:

" Oh Thank God! Let's get the liberals out and realistic businessmen in! "

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Chet wrote on May 19, 2007 8:42 AM:

" Our Congressman Jerry McNerney has already proven his strong leadership ability for the needs of our district and for the needs of the country. Even as a freshman Congressman McNerney has sponsored important pieces of legislation in Congress and pushed for increased local and Federal support of our veterans. "

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