On Monday, I told you about how Richard Pombo, the man who used to represent the 11th District was so egregiously irresponsible in mismanaging our natural resources. On Wednesday, dday told you about Karl Rove’s “strategy” for the Republicans to recapture the 11th District. And yesterday, Blogswarm told you about how Jerry McNerney is fighting back Karl Rove and his “strategy”… And oh yes, Brian made that oh so lovely video pitch to you last night on why you should help McNerney stay in Congress. And yet, even after all of this, you still haven’t given yet to Jerry McNerney…

So why the heck should you listen to me now? Well, I’d like to tell you why it’s so important that we keep this experienced problem-solver in Congress. Would you like to hear more? Well, follow me after the flip for it…

So why should Jerry McNerney stay in Congress? Well, doesn’t it feel great just to have someone with a PhD in engineering in Congress? OK, OK, I can hear you right now… “What’s so great about having an engineer in Congress?” Well, what if I told you that McNerney has done some really great deeds with that PhD in engineering?

Jerry served several years as a contractor to Sandia National Laboratories on Kirtland AFB working on national security programs. In 1985, Jerry accepted a senior engineering position with US Windpower, Kenetech, and in 1994 Jerry began working as an energy consultant for PG&E, FloWind, the Electric Power Research Institute, and other utility companies. He is now the CEO of a start-up company that will manufacture wind turbines.

During his career in wind energy, McNerney’s work contributed to saving the equivalent of approximately 30 million barrels of oil, or 8.3 million tons of carbon dioxide – the main greenhouse gas – as well as other harmful pollutants.

Wow, someone who’s already been working to solve both our energy crisis AND the coming climate change catastrophe? The only thing I wonder about is why it took so damn long for us to elect someone like him to Congress!

But wait, that’s not all! Now that he’s in Congress, Jerry McNerney is already getting to work on some very important legislation. He sponsored legislation to fund a pilot program allowing for development of alternative water sources. He is cosponsoring legislation to promote the development and usage of plug-in hybrid vehicles. He is cosponsoring legislation to provide for scholarships for those who want to teach math and science in our schools. Basically, he is already proving himself to be a very effective legislator who gets the job done for the people in his district.

So why should Jerry McNerney worry about reelection? Well, I guess he shouldn’t. It’s just that Republicans are already targeting the 11th District for 2008, and they are already looking at prospective candidates. Pombo might still want this seat back. Assemblymember Guy Houston (R-Livermore) may very well run for this seat. Former Assemblymember Dean Andal (R) is rumored to be the GOP favorite in 2008.

But really, would any of these Republicans be effective in serving this district? I mean, Andal likes to brag about being a “conservative, anti-tax Republican”… But can a “conservative, anti-tax Republican” like Andal really be pragmatic enough to solve the major problems facing the San Joaquin Valley and the East Bay Area? Houston can’t keep away from his dad’s dirty business, and he can’t even vote for himself, so why the heck should we let him do any damage in Congress? And please, don’t get me started again about Richard Pombo.

So why settle for the rest when the 11th District already has the best?! Though the election isn’t until next year, you can help Jerry McNerney RIGHT NOW by giving him an early leg up so that he can easily take on ANY of the potential GOP losers. Come on, now! You know you want to help McNerney continue to do his great job serving his community.