Filson, McNerney, Thomas square off for Democratic nomination

In the 11th Congressional District, a very close contest is also shaping up in the Democratic primary race to replace Richard Pombo. The Sierra Club is encouraging members to participate in the campaign of their choice by authorizing official "support short of endorsement" for two candidates whose environmental positions closely match our own, Jerry McNerney and Steve Filson.

Wind-energy engineer Jerry McNerney polled 39% in the last election cycle against Pombo and has garnered several key labor endorsements. His main challenger for the nomination is former fighter and commercial-airline pilot, Steve Filson.

Also in the race is charismatic novice Steve Thomas, a working electrician who is running as a strong environmentalist on an anti-war plank. Thomas has few resources and has been all but ignored by the media. Most observers believe the race is between McNerney and Filson. The Club has taken no action on Thomas who trails the other candidates and is not believed to be a viable challenger in this year's primary. Viability is an important criterion in electoral decisions taken by the Club's national Political Committee.

Both McNerney and Filson have expressed strong commitments to environmental protection. Filson, a friend of Rep. Ellen Tauscher, has received significant backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. McNerney was endorsed by the Sierra Club in last cycle's general election.

To volunteer in these candidates' campaigns, contact Christina Armor at (510) 848-0800, ext. 306, or christina -at- sfbaysc.org