(He takes it seriously when it smacks him in the face. Just like everything else, Pombo fails to see the ramifications of globalization. – promoted by SFBrianCL)

(Cross-posted at Daily Kos and Berkeley Bubble).

So Pombo went on the air this week with a new ad hitting McNerney on the war on terror, claiming that McNerney wants to stop law enforcement from monitoring terrorist phone calls and also is against the death penalty for terrorists, based on McNerney’s responses to the Project Vote Smart Issues Survey (NPAT).  Aside from the fact that this latest Pombo ad is extremely deceptive and stretches the truth, Pombo’s ad is also totally hypocritical.

Because when you take a look at the same site, Project Vote Smart, one can look up Pombo’s own voting record on legislation dealing with national security and terrorism. (Pombo REFUSED to take the same Issues Survey that McNerney did, despite being urged to do so by John McCain and others).  And wouldn’t you know it, prior to 9/11, in 1996, Richard Pombo voted against anti-terrorism legislation on TWO occasions–legislation that would have helped law enforcement crack down on terrorists, and thwart and prevent terrorist attacks.

Check out Pombo’s voting record on National Security Issues, again on the Project Vote Smart site used by Pombo in his hit ad on McNerney:

National Security Issues

Date            Bill Title                                     Vote

06/29/2006    Intelligence and Law Enforcement Resolution    Y

03/07/2006    PATRIOT Act Reauthorization bill    Y

12/14/2005    USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Ac    Y

07/21/2005    USA PATRIOT & Terrorism Prevention Act- Motion    N

07/21/2005    USA PATRIOT & Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act    Y

06/15/2005    Patriot Act Amendment – Library Records    N

05/18/2005    Homeland Security Department Authorization Act FY06    Y

10/08/2004    9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act    Y

10/24/2001    USA Patriot Act of 2001    Y

10/12/2001    Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001    Y

09/14/2001    Authorization for Use of Military Force    Y

04/18/1996    Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act    N

03/14/1996    Antiterrorism bill    N <<br>

Pombo’s votes appear to be consistent with the anti-terror position AFTER September 11–but check out his two votes on anti-terror bills PRIOR to 9/11.  Notice the two conspicuous “N”s by those two bills.

In 1996, Pombo voted against the Comprehensive  Terrorism Protection Act, S 735, a bill sponsored by Senator Robert Dole.  The bill provided for:

“increased detection agents for explosives; expands deportation of criminal aliens; provides more funding for deportation of suspected terrorists; allows suspected terrorists to be denied asylum; prohibits terrorist groups from fundraising in the U.S.; and limits death penalty appeals, among other provisions,”

according to Project Vote Smart’s own analysis and synopsis.  Ultimately, despite Pombo’s “NO” vote, both the House and Senate passed S 735 and it was signed into law on April 24, 1996.

But Pombo didn’t stop there–in the same year, Pombo voted “NO” on yet another Antiterrorism bill, this one sponsored by Republican Henry Hyde.  The bill provided

“the government with increased leeway in investigating and prosecuting suspected terrorists and increases the penalties for attempting and executing terrorist acts.”

So prior to the horrific terrorist attacks on this country on 9/11, Pombo voted TWICE against anti-terrorism legislation that would have beefed up law enforcement and military efforts to prevent and thwart terrorists from attacking our country.

When Pombo attacks McNerney on the war on terror, he should really look in the mirror and question his own votes AGAINST anti-terrorism legislation designed to prevent terrorist attacks on our nation in the years leading  up to 9/11.

(Bumped to the top. – promoted by SFBrianCL)

Well, several people had asked me to put out endorsements, so we agreed on some positions on the propositions.  We are supporting all of the Dems for the statewide offices, but some we are supporting more than others.  Namely, Debra Bowen will be a dynamic and effective Secretary of State.  For another resource, check out the Speak Out California Progressive Voter Guide (ad to the right) Here we go:

Props:
1A: No, makes budgeting harder
1B-1E: yes, we need infrastructure improvements

83: Jessica’s Law: NO! A bad idea that moves sex offenders away from their families and support systems and into rural communities.
84: Water/Park Bonds: Yes. With the onset of global warming and pollution, we need to invest in our water.
85: Parental Notification: No, again. Didn’t we just say no last year?
86: Cigarrette Tax to fund health care: No position. It’s a tough call; there are many considerations including legal concerns.  A yes on this will toss the state into litigation.  If you are comfortable with that, then go with Yes.
87: Oil/Alternative Energy: Yes, California is an environmental leader, this is one more step of a leader to help fund alternative energy research.
88: Parcel Tax: No, but it’s a close one.  I don’t like how the tax operates. I would prefer a one-time percentage rather than a flat $50.
89: Public Campaign Finance: Yes! It’s about time we bring some pressure to bear on the entrenched special interests.
90: Break the Government: No, don’t let them trick you with the eminent domain line.  This one goes way, way too far.

Judges: Yes on all appellate judges, except William McGuiness, who wrote the decision in In Re Marriage Cases that denied marriage equality. He’s in the first district court of appeal, which is SF/San Mateo, Peninsula/ and Marin up the coast.