Group takes on Pombo's record

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Mon, Apr. 24, 2006
Group takes on Pombo's record
Environmental groups criticize Tracy Republican's record on national parks
By Lisa Vorderbrueggen
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, the political arm of the national environmental organization, is airing a radio ad that criticizes the environmental record of incumbent Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Tracy.

Pombo has two challengers in the upcoming June primary: ex-Congressman Pete McCloskey of Lodi and retired businessman Tom Benigno of Tracy.

As part of the Times' ongoing campaign coverage, here is an analysis of the ad's content:
What the ad says, Part 1: A voice-over says, "Open season on our national parks. That's how the Los Angeles Times described Congressman Richard Pombo's proposal to sell off 15 of America's national parks.

"Pombo even wanted the National Park Service to raise millions of dollars by selling naming rights to the highest bidder. Imagine tourist attractions in Yosemite being renamed after Exxon or Chevron."
(snip/...)

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/14415369.htm

[Gormy Cuss]

1. The reporter is a Pombo fan.

Every article in the CC Times concerning Pombo is favorable if under Vorderbrueggen's byline. I haven't figured out whether she's a groupie or just not bright enough to see that his people are spinning her like a top.

She used to write on transportation issues and was wrong so frequently that I gave up reading anything with her name on it. I was dismayed when the CC Times promoted her to this beat.

[depakid]

2. If that's they case, then there's something seriously wrong

with the woman. If I were the editor- I'd fire her.

Pombo is without question one of the most dishonest and corrupt members of congress.

Mr. Mercury isn't poisonous has absolutely no redeeming qualities- and frankly- I've been extremely disappointed that the Dems haven't thrown serious money at that bastard to expose him for who he is.

[Gormy Cuss]

4. The paper was the right wing rag of the East Bay until recent years

It is at best described as a moderate paper now. I suspect that one or more of the editors is a Pombo fan too.

The redistricting in 2000 included a deal where Pombo gained the most conservative parts of the East Bay to shore up the support in his district, one that was traditionally more Central Valley than Bay Area. He is more vulnerable now than he has been in years and for the life of me I can't figure out why the Dems aren't going after him more aggressively.

[Mz Pip]

3. Just got back from a Filson fundraiser

He is a Veteran and airline pilot who is running against Pombo. Very well spoken, smart and knowledgable guy. Wes Clark spoke also so it was a very uplifting and motivating morning.

I think Pombo is beatable. There has been quite a lot of Democrats migrating to that district due to the endless urban sprawl that is the SF Bay Area.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[phusion]

5. Pombo's an ass...

Let's evict him, shall we?