Jerry McNerny Positions Himself As Alternative Energy Guru
Yesterday saw the largest grassroots activist event ever. People from all over the world joined together in what’s being called the 350 movement, named after its goal: Reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide back down to the concentration level of 350 parts per million. 5,200 separate events involved people demonstrating a commitment to working against climate change.
Speaking before the House of Representatives earlier this year, Congressman Jerry McNerny attempted to align himself with climate change activists by casting himself as an experienced alternative energy insider, with special know-how that enables him to understand the technologies needed to fight climate change. McNerny commented, “Before I came to Congress, I developed new energy technologies. I have seen firsthand these industries develop by leaps and bounds. The economic benefits of the American Clean Energy and Security Act will be profound. This bill will create jobs across the country in fields as diverse as construction, engineering, education and others. These jobs will lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.”
Will McNerny’s strategy deliver him a political advantage in the 2010 election? There are eight Republicans competing for the right to challenge McNerny, but multiple 350 activist events took place within and close to McNerny’s district, the 11th congressional district of California.
