California Democratic Party Launches Website Dedicated to Exposing Voting Records of Vulnerable GOP Incumbents Running for Congress in California

www.WrongForCalifornia.com features latest news stories and stat sheets on five California House Republicans

SACRAMENTO - The California Democratic Party today unveiled a new website targeting vulnerable House Republican incumbents running for re-election in California. The site www.WrongForCalifornia.com features the latest news stories and stat sheets exposing the voting records of five incumbent Republican House members seeking re-election.

All five of the House Republicans profiled on the site voted to end Medicare by siding with Paul Ryan and voting for the House Republican budget. The five House Republicans featured on the site are:

Dan Lungren (CA-07) - Lungren was first elected to Congress in 1978, and now represents the east Sacramento suburbs. A fixture in California political circles for decades, Lungren has ingratiated himself to lobbyists and developed a brazen sense of entitlement over his many years in Washington.

Jeff Denham (CA-10) - a member of the freshman Tea Party class of 2010, Denham quickly became comfortable with the trappings of power after arriving in Washington, D.C. So comfortable in fact that he threw an $80,000 lobbyist bash and fundraiser for himself a full day before he was officially sworn in as a member of the new Congress.

Mary Bono-Mack (CA-36) - Bono-Mack has been taking care of her well-connected friends  in Washington and California since she made her way to Congress in 1998. This year, she's carved out a role as Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney's top female surrogatein California, defending the candidate's retrograde positions on equal pay and contraception.

Gary Miller (CA-31) - Gary Miller doesn't have many strong suits - the FBI investigated Miller for a series of land transactions he used to dodge paying capital gains taxes - and was recently caught goofing off on camera, fumbling through his campaign slogans and frequently turning to his handlers for advice on how to appear authentic. It's no surprise that Miller's new San Bernardino district will present a tough challenge for the Orange County Republican.

Brian Bilbray (CA-52) - Brian Bilbray has consistently sided with the most extreme elements of the House Republican leadership, including voting for the Paul Ryan budget to end Medicare. As a result of re-districting Bilbray finds himself in a less conservative district and will no doubt spend considerable effort masking his Tea Party credentials.

"The battle to win back the House begins and ends in California," said Tenoch Flores, communications director for the California Democratic Party. "From siding with the Tea Party, voting to end Medicare, to protecting tax cuts for billionaires and millionaires, these Republican candidates are wrong for California. House Republicans are in peril in the Golden State and we're confident 2012 will be the year voters here decide they've had enough of the extremist Republican agenda in Washington."

The site will serve as a clearinghouse for news stories and up to the minute information on the candidates with frequent updates and guest bloggers as well.

Memorial Day Message from Rep. Jeff Denham

Dear Friend,

Every year, our country comes together on Memorial Day to remember the brave men and women of our armed services who lost their lives defending our country. This weekend, I ask you to join me in honoring and remembering these extraordinary individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. They remind us that freedom is not free and that we owe our country’s safety and the liberties we enjoy today to their courage.

This Memorial Day we not only honor the sacrifices that have been made, but we are also reminded of the importance of our commitment to our fallen service members. Presidents Washington and Lincoln stated, “taking care of our service members who fought to defend our country should rank among the highest of national priorities.”

As your representative in Congress and a Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I’m committed to making sure we preserve the rights, protections and benefits that America's brave and heroic veterans deserve.

Our service men and women fight relentlessly to defend our country. They risk their lives every day to protect our freedoms, and we have an obligation to always honor, remember and respect the sacrifices they have made. We continue to pray for their safe return and pledge to keep our promise to them, and to all veterans, when they return.

This Memorial Day weekend, I encourage all Americans across the nation to find a way to remember our fallen service members and join me in honoring the extraordinary sacrifice they have made for our great country.

Sincerely,

Jeff Denham

Denham: Creating Jobs in California

Dear Friend,

 

Last night I had the rare opportunity to meet with Governor Brown and the California Congressional Delegation.  While there were topics where we did not see eye to eye, we agreed there are many job-creating policies we can collaborate on for the betterment of California.

 

I was sure to ask Governor Brown about the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012, H.R. 7.  There are specific provisions that have spurred conflict within our delegation, but we all know we must improve the freeways, roads and bridges in California.  This piece of legislation is the largest transportation reform bill introduced since the Interstate Highway System was created in 1956, and it is bound to stir up areas of disagreement.  However, the American Energy  & Infrastructure Jobs Act would not only improve our nation's aging transportation infrastructure, it would increase California’s funding levels by 23% from last year, and increase the state's flexibility in determining its most critical transportation needs.  

 

We must put an end to the double-digit unemployment rate in the Valley. H.R. 7 would support the creation of more than one million private-sector jobs and cut the bureaucratic red tape in the infrastructure project approval process.

 

Specific provisions in every bill will spur debate among our delegation; but tonight, we had an opportunity to discuss ideas to create jobs in California and make our state competitive again.

 

Sincerely,

 

JEFF DENHAM

United States Representative

Weekly Update from Rep. Denham

Dear Friends,

 

Tuesday was a significant day for our nation. It marked the 1000thday since the Senate has passed a budget. That’s right; it has been three years since the Senate even voted on a budget.  Every year, I balance the budget for my business, and my wife Sonia and I do the same for our family. I know all of you do the same.  Last year, I voted to pass a budget and 27 job-creating bills out of the House of Representatives; unfortunately, all are awaiting action in the Senate. America’s job creators cannot responsibly plan without a federal budget, which is why I voted Tuesday to pass H.Res.516, a resolution expressing the national importance of a federal budget for 2013.  I also joined a few of my House Republican colleagues at a press conference calling on the Senate to act in the interest of the American people.

 

Coincidentally, the President’s third annual State of the Union Address was also Tuesday. With our district suffering from double-digit unemployment and one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation, we know the past three years of the Administration’s policies have largely failed us. However, I agree with the President that we must eliminate waste and create efficiency within the government, and I am ready to work with the Administration to create shovel-ready, common-sense construction and infrastructure projects that will improve our communities and get our friends and family back to work.

 

Now is the time for Congress to come together and pass legislation to put Americans back to work, create certainty for jobs creators, and eliminate wasteful government spending. On Wednesday, another independent group,  the California State Auditor issued yet another warning saying that the California High-Speed Rail project has become “increasingly risky” because of the uncertainty surrounding the project’s funding. There are many claims and many hopes for California high-speed rail right now; but the facts in no way support it, and the project should be cancelled.

 

After the House finished votes for the week, I headed back home to visit all of you in the district. On Thursday, I had the opportunity to present well-deserved Congressional Record Statements to the Summerville High School Jazz@8 choir and the Me-wuk Indian tribe formally commending them for their role in last month’s Capitol Christmas Tree Ceremony. Tuolumne County and thousands of California volunteers worked together to create a memorable event, successfully sharing our community with the rest of the nation.

 

Tune in to KYNO radio at 4 p.m. and CBS 47 in Fresno at 5 p.m. tonight, I’ll be on discussing the California High-Speed Rail project. On Monday, tune into KMJ 580 at 5 p.m. and also, if you can make it, I hope to see many of you Monday at my town hall meeting at the Nick W. Blom Salida Regional Library from 6:30-7:30 p.m. I’m looking forward to discussing my goals for the upcoming year in Congress and hearing your concerns and ideas for our community.  Remember to encourage your friends and family to signup for our weekly newsletter, like my Facebook page, follow me on twitter and visit my website. 

 

Have a great weekend.

 

Sincerely,

 

JEFF DENHAM

United States Representative

Happy Holidays from Rep. Denham

Dear Friend,

 

Earlier this month, the nation kicked off the Holiday Season with the lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree. A tradition at the Capitol since 1964, it was an honor to have the tree hand-picked from the Stanislaus National Forest in our district.

 

I would like to thank the thousands of volunteers who, for months, worked tirelessly planning the Sierra White Fir’s seamless trip across the country, and crafted nearly 3,000 ornaments to reflect this year's theme, “California Shines."  This was a true community effort.

 

I combined photos and sentiments about the Capitol Christmas Tree and the Holidays in a Youtube video I'd like to share with you called “Bringing Our Community Together For The Holidays.”

 

 The Holiday Season is a time to bring families and communities together and to welcome the joys of the New Year.  This year, let’s be thankful for the blessings we have and remember the servicemen and women who are not with their families and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

 

I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

 

Sincerely,

 

JEFF DENHAM

United States Representative

Happy Thanksgivi​ng from Rep. Denham

Dear Friend,

 

As we begin the holiday season this week, I want to take a moment to wish all of you a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Political rhetoric and increasing uncertainty seem to be controlling the media coverage these days, but it’s important that we remember the freedoms we have and the potential of our great nation.  Although we have all been disappointed with the outcomes of the Super Committee, we must continue to work towards bi-partisan, pro-growth policies to get the private sector expanding again and people back to work.

 

I thought our debt surpassing $15 trillion would put our enormous challenges in focus and serve as a wakeup call for Congress. After only 10 months in office, I must admit I am frustrated by the same issues I was as a small business owner and father of two just less than a year ago in California.  This disappointment is why I ran for office, and I believe my commitment to put forward pro-growth policies is why I was elected.

 

Last week, I voted in support of an amendment that would have balanced our budget, the fundamental task of our government. The amendment would have forced Congress to balance its budget every year – as all California families and businesses are forced to do. Let's be honest, it's a fact of life- you cannot spend more than you earn.   This amendment failed and the Super Committee failed to achieve its goal; but in the coming weeks, I'm hopeful House Leadership will work to close the gap on these unresolved issues by evaluating bipartisan solutions like my bill, the Civilian Property Realignment Act (CPRA).  I introduced the CPRA in March to literally shrink the size of our government and eliminate waste in order to save taxpayer dollars.  While I do not sit on the Super Committee and I am not the President of the United States, I will continue to put forward solutions that can help us achieve our nation's bipartisan goal: put people back to work and get our spending under control.

 

This holiday season, it is especially important to remember with gratitude and look forward with hope.  For all of you at home, enjoy the time with your family this Thanksgiving. I also encourage you keep in mind those who are fighting courageously overseas for our nation. These men and women are sacrificing their time with their families to protect all we are thankful for.

 

Many times the struggles of our service members are forgotten. This Thanksgiving, let's not let this be the case.  Thousands of troops will be returning home before the end of the year, and it is increasingly important that we honor our promise to our veterans and their families.  We must uphold our commitment to ensure a seamless transition to civilian life for all our veterans. This Thanksgiving, I'd like to thank all of our troops overseas for your sacrifice and commitment.

 

Next Tuesday, I will be hosting a tele-town hall to answer any questions you may have about my Civilian Property Realignment Act (CPRA), recent events with the Super Committee and what this means for our economy and job creation. To be added to our VIP list for the call, click here, call my Modesto office, 209.579.548, or call my Fresno office, 559.449.2490.

 

I hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Sincerely,

 

JEFF DENHAM

United States Representative

Congressman Denham: Do You Support A Balanced Budget Amendment?

Dear Friend,

 

This week, for the first time in sixteen years, the House of Representatives will vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment. California families balance their budgets every day, and I believe it is past time for Washington to do the same. A Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution is a responsible solution to control government spending and end our nation's spending-driven debt crisis.

 

Let me know if you support a balanced budget amendment on my website today (denham.house.gov) and LIKE my Facebook page to see the results of the poll this week.

 

I voiced my opinion about the Balanced Budget Amendment on AmericaSpeakingOut.com. I encourage you to participate as well and have your voice heard.

 

Sincerely,

 

JEFF DENHAM

United States Representative

Weekly Update from Rep. Denham

Dear Friend,

 

This district work week was very busy but extremely informative and helpful for me. I heard from many of you at various events, roundtables and meetings throughout the district. Today, I was able to speak at the Natural Resources Summit in Sonora.  Congratulations to my friend Assemblywoman Olsen for throwing such a great event for us to discuss ways to responsibly manage California's natural resources. Here in the Valley, water is a great example of a natural resource that we can utilize to create jobs, while also ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply to the Valley. 

 

Unfortunately, our efforts to create jobs are continually blocked by bureaucracies and government regulations. In April, I introduced H.R. 1604 to streamline environmental regulations for Bureau of Reclamation water projects and eliminate regulations that even Governor Brown has said are bogging down job creation. 

 

Costly lawsuit abuse and onerous regulations are also standing in the way of business growth in our community.  With double-digit unemployment in our area, I know how important it is to get people working again.  As we all know, our country's economic recovery is going to start here in our local communities. This week, I hosted small business roundtables in Modesto and Fresno and visited with the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce to hear first-hand the ideas and concerns of our local job creators. Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen and Assemblywoman Linda Halderman were able to join me at the business roundtables to provide their insight from the state level. America's economic recovery begins with our local communities, and I look forward to continuing the discussion on how to reduce these regulations and get our friends and neighbors back to work. 

 

Earlier this week, I announced my participation in the latest YouTube Town Hall. I discussed the concerns I have heard from many of you and the actions I have taken in Congress to increase confidence in our local job creators and their businesses.  I encourage you to watch my video, and let me know what you think on my facebook page.  You can also submit your own questions to YouTube for Congress to answer and vote for the answer that you agree with. 

 

Across the country there are too many men and women returning home from serving our country that cannot find a job or afford a home. I visited with many of these veterans at WestCare's Home Front facility on Wednesday.  Home Front is a residential program designed specifically for homeless female military veterans and their children. As a member of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health, I have been working hard in Washington to improve the quality of care that veterans are receiving and to make sure they are aware of the care available to them. I was humbled to hear their stories and was very proud that WestCare is helping so many men and women in our area. 

 

In addition to taking care of our veterans, I also want to ensure that men and women interested in serving our country have the information they need to attend our country's Military Academies.   Earlier this week, I hosted Academy Information Nights in Modesto and Fresno, where representatives from the Military Academies made short presentations, answered questions and served as a great resource for prospective attendees.   It was very inspiring to meet many of these young men and women, discuss my service in the Air Force, and hear about their desire to serve. 

 

This week, the House adopted a short-term Continuing Resolution by voice vote. This will fund the government until we vote next Tuesday to provide much-needed disaster assistance and fund the government through November 18th. During votes and my committee hearings in Washington, I will remember the concerns and ideas you shared with me this week and will be sure to keep you updated on recent developments. 

 

I want to thank all of my followers on facebook and twitter.  Both forums provide a great way to stay up-to-date with my activity and learn about upcoming events and votes. I also encourage you to tell your friends and family members to sign up for this weekly re-cap, as well as participate in the YouTube Town Hall and help me spread my message about reducing regulations to create jobs.

 

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

JEFF DENHAM

United States Representative