Politics
Pombo loses lead in close race against McNerney


Rep. Richard Pombo (R-California) has lost his lead over Democratic challenger Jerry McNerney in one of the most closely watched elections in the nation.

A new poll has Pombo and McNerney in a statistical dead heat. It's a far cry from the easy win that was predicted against the politically unknown McNerney. The seat has gone from "likely Republican" to "leans Republican" to a "toss up" in the latest Cook Political Report.

Throughout the campaign, McNerney has hammered Pombo over Pombo's ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and for Pombo's environmental record. McNerney brought in former President Bill Clinton, who criticized the influence of "special interests" on Republicans.

Get the Story:
McNerney chips away at Pombo's lead (The Lodi News-Sentinel 11/2)
Clinton in Stockton (San Joaquin News Service 11/2)

Relevant Links:
Rep. Richard Pombo - http://www.house.gov/pombo
House Resources Committee - http://resourcescommittee.house.gov

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