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The afternoon celebration was the second that day, with McNerney, his wife Mary and Andy Stone, McNerney's communicaitons director in Washington, D.C., also opening another District field office in Stockton earlier.

"It's great to be here in Pleasanton and to see this wonderful group of suporters coming here to celebrate our victory," McNerney said. "This District office is here for all constituents in the 11th District."

A steady parade of supporters, including Mayor Jennifer Hosterman and Councilwoman Cheryl Cook-Kallio, filled the office, some meeting McNerney for the first time and others seizing the opportunity to congratulate him on his election last November. McNerney, who had never held public office, defeated seven-term Congressman Richard Pombo in a district where Republican voters outnumber Democrats 46 percent to 39 percent.

“Effectively serving residents of our district is my highest priority,” said McNerney, who already is working with staff and supporters to plan his st4ategy for the November 2008 election. “Now that our two district offices are open for business, I enjoyed showing them off and meeting with so many in our community.”

Since his election, McNerney, 55, who has a PhD in mathematics and is considered the alternative fuels expert in Congress, has been given prime committee assignments by fellow Bay Area Congresswoman and Speaker of the Houses Nancy Pelosi. These include the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Committee on Science and Technology, the House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee and the Highways and Transit Subcommittee.

Besides his family and Stone, McNerney was joined at the Pleasanton office dedication by his 11th District Chief of Staff Erich Pfuehler, Office Manager Adrienne Brown and others on the Pleasanton office staff.

McNerney urged anyone in the 11th District to write him, read and respond to his new blog, or call or visit his district office in Pleasanton to discuss their concerns. His blog can be accessed at www.jerrymcnerney.org.

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