Friday Melange... Sunday Version

Last Thursday, Richard Pombo appeared at a luncheon in Manteca with local business backers. The group of ordinary constituents who have called on Pombo to explain himself were there to demand some answers:



On Friday, the Progressive 11th blog called out Richard Pombo on his use of Congressional franking privileges to send out a series of mailers to his constituents that look suspiciously like campaign material. While technically falling within legal guidelines, these taxpayer-financed brochures certainly challenge ethical standards. Of course, Richard Pombo has demonstrated time and again that he has no understanding of the distinction between unethical behavior and illegal behavior:

As for allegations that he has behaved unethically, Pombo delivered a passionate and deliberate statement: “To my family, to my friends and my neighbors, and to my kids, I have never broken any rules in the House of Representatives. I have never broken any laws."

Friday was a busy day. Jerry McNerney held a fundraiser in Orinda that was attended by Rep. George Miller and Sen. Barbara Boxer. Kid Oakland was there to help prepare for the event and was inspired to write a diary for Daily Kos that was a tribute to volunteers for progressive causes everywhere. He also shared this photograph of the event:


At the same time on Friday, Richard Pombo was attending a fundraiser outside of Stockton that featured an appearance by Rep. John Boehner, the GOP House Majority Leader. Byron Roberts, one of the group of citizens from CA-11 who have asked Pombo to explain himself, joined in at the rally/protest that was planned for the event. He gave SNTP the following report:

Here's several bits about yesterday’s protest. On the positive side, about 20 demonstrators showed up, well dressed, they carried a variety of very appropriate signs, predominately "Pombo Caught Red Handed", and large red sponge hands to wave saying the same. There were no costumes, no street theater, and interestingly enough, a lot of passerby's blowing their horns in support, and giving thumbs up for the protest. Another interesting observation. For a major fundraiser with Pombo and Boehner both present, I didn't count that many cars driving into the Mega Estate of the sponsor. Perhaps 25 to 30, if that many. It was a very proper, well behaved group of protesters. The only negative side I experienced was the lack of numbers that showed up. The organizer had hoped for 75 to a hundred and only about 20 total showed. We have got to get more street support for these kinds of events, if we want to show a sense of force behind these events. Overall, it went quite well.

Yesterday, Howie K of Down With Tyranny hosted a live blogging interview with Jerry McNerney on firedoglake. Jerry did a great job fielding questions. Check it out.

Finally, this afternoon, from 4:00-7:00 there’s another McNerney fundraiser, this one at the Galt home of Mike Eaton and Charity Kenyon. State Sen. Mike Machado and Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo will be attending to show their support for Jerry. It’s not to late to join in the fun.

Tags: CA-11, Jerry McNerney, Richard Pombo, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, Pombo In Their Pocket, Barbara Boxer, George Miller