WP: Environmentalists Mobilize Against California Lawmaker Pombo

[DeepModem Mom]

Environmentalists Mobilize Against California Lawmaker
Primary, General Election Battles Confront Republican
By Juliet Eilperin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, May 7, 2006; Page A04

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- The 30-foot-long RV stood parked on Main Street in this sunny, small town, taking up much of a city block. The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund had festooned the vehicle with colorful caricatures of House Resources Committee Chairman Richard W. Pombo (R-Calif.), along with catchy slogans such as "Honk if you're tired of Richard Pombo wasting your money."

In a state where nearly all 53 House members are assured reelection, Pombo is facing a GOP primary challenge and a serious general election contest. Though he enjoys the advantages of incumbency, a Republican-leaning district and sizable campaign coffers, the 14-year congressional veteran is engaged in his first genuine race in years because of a concerted assault by national environmental groups.

It remains unclear whether the groups will succeed. The district has a 7 percent Republican edge. And with more than $1 million, Pombo's war chest dwarfs those of his opponents. Many voters care about the environment, but they rarely consider it the deciding issue when picking a candidate.

Environmentalists contend that they have a chance to win here, mainly by tying Pombo's legislative actions to the broader theme of a corrupt Republican-led Congress. A slew of organizations, including Clean Water Action and the Sierra Club, have joined Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund in attacking Pombo's record on endangered species, timber logging and stewardship of national parks. They have knocked on thousands of doors, sponsored radio ads and called voters in Pombo's district in an effort to torpedo his political career....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/06/AR2006050600910.html

[nicknameless]

1. Thank you for posting this. Pombo is scum. (n/t)

[gordontron]

2. yup I've been hearing about attacks on scummy for a while

hooray for us environmentalists! I only wish I was down there to kick his a*s personally

[dusty64]

3. pombo is the

worst and in my top five assholes that I want removed in November.

[cally]

4. After the primary, this is the race I'm volunteering for

I want Pombo out and I think Dems have a chance on this one.

[nicknameless]

5. Kick