First lady Laura Bush received mixed responses from Tri-Valley residents when she spoke in Pleasanton last week as part of an effort to rally support for U.S. Rep. Richard Pombo (R., Stockton) in his bid for re-election in the 11th District. Despite campaign efforts from the Bush administration, Pombo lost his seat to Democrat Jerry McNerney by 6 percentage points.
The audience of about 500 republicans, who arrived at Goal Line Productions via invitation only, was supportive of the first lady’s speech and endorsement. But voices from protesters outside the studio rang clear as locals braved the rain to wave signs in support of McNerney.
Bush, who was accompanied by State Assemblyman Guy Houston (R., 15th District) and Richard Pombo himself, aimed to inspire supporters to recruit friends and family to vote for Pombo.
This East Bay race was forecast to be one of the closest for Congress this year, and Bill Clinton delivered a similar message in support of McNerney in Stockton early last week.
“Go to the phone banks, knock on those doors, and talk to your friends and neighbors,” Bush said.
The enthusiastic crowd responded with cheering and clapping.
“It was energizing and uplifting, and I appreciate how positive the message was,” said Alamo resident Steve Mick.
Bush cited Pombo’s vote to end America’s reliance on oil, his dedication to youth and his commitment to “stewarding natural resources,” thanking him for his accomplishments.
But protesters found her choice to highlight Pombo’s efforts concerning natural resources painfully ironic, considering his push to rewrite the Endangered Species Act.
“Environmentally, he’s a train wreck,” said Tom Kohler, a McNerney supporter.
“He doesn’t represent the area, he represents the farmers and the wealthy,” added his wife Carolyn Kohler.
Others, though, said they valued Pombo’s time spent working with soldiers and veterans throughout the district.
Roxanne Lindsay, field representative for Pombo in his San Ramon offices, said she had seen him working firsthand with soldiers and veterans.
“Pombo supports our soldiers. It’s so important,” Lindsay said.
While no protesters denied that soldiers deserve support, they explained their stance by relating it to the bigger picture. Having a Democratic majority in Congress is vital at this point, they pointed out.
“Right now there is no debate in Washington, and there has not been one veto. There needs to be discussion between (the branches), otherwise we get into situations like Iraq,” Tom Kohler said.
Others said the way Bush endorsed Pombo was convincing. Instead of pointing out McNerney’s flaws, the first lady focused on Pombo’s achievements, using her public speaking ability to captivate the audience.
“She is drop dead gorgeous with so much charisma,” said Alamo resident Alicia Watson.
Charismatic as she may be, many fans of the first lady felt betrayed at her push to get Pombo re-elected. He has earned national criticism from respected publications and the non-partisan organization Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility in Washington.
One woman toted a large sign in front of the parking lot entrance that read, “How could you, Laura? Pombo ranked 13th most corrupt.”
His ties to indicted Rep. Tom DeLay and convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and the $357,000 he paid his wife and brother for his campaign, contributed to his reputation for being corrupt.
Several speakers addressed the claims against Pombo citing that every major newspaper in the area had cleared him of the charges.
“Of course he’s going to deny the allegations,” one McNerney supporter said.
Regardless of residents’ reactions to the speech, the last minute rally was aimed at swaying the neck-and-neck race. The White House obviously found it important enough to fight with its heaviest ammunition – first lady Laura Bush.
