Spotlight on the CA 11th Congressional District

Republican Candidate, David Harmer
California's 11th Congressional District is laid out in Northern California and encompasses parts of San Joaquin, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties. Traditionally a conservative leaning district, it is currently represented by second term Democrat Jerry McNerney, In 2006, McNerney enjoyed the largesse of environmental groups and liberal 527s, which funneled millions of dollars into the race to ensure the defeat of incumbent Republican Richard W. Pombo, former chairman of the House Resources Committee and their public enemy No.1. Pombo had bested McNerney in 2004 by 22 points, but the damage done by several minor scandals and the money advantage were too large an obstacle to overcome in the 2006 contest and Pombo lost by a margin of 7. In 2008, McNerney defeated Dean Andal, CA State Assemblyman, by almost 11 points. George W. Bush enjoyed comfortable victory margins of 8 and 9 points here respectively in 2000 and 2004. A reversal occurred in 2008 with Barack Obama defeating John McCain by 9. Republicans have maintained that McNerney is too liberal for this district. In the June 8 primary, attorney David Harmer captured the GOP nomination. This was Harmer's second run for a congressional seat. In the more Democratic leaning CA 10th District, Harmer lost a special election in November, 2009, by 10 points to Democrat John Garamendi. Harmer's prospects were improved in the Republican leaning 11th District, but in a very close race in which there were questionable issues with absentee and provisional ballots, McNerney defeated Harmer.
David Harmer
  • Son former California State Senator and Lt. Governor John Harmer (one of Governor Reagan’s key allies in the state legislature)
  • B.A. and J.D. with honors, Brigham Young University
  • Counsel to a subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, appointed by Senator Orrin Hatch
  • Fellow of the College of Public Interest Law at Pacific Legal Foundation, defending property rights and other freedoms in state and federal courts
  • Resident Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, where he researched and advocated market-oriented approaches to education and training- mid-’90’s
  • In-house counsel for several major financial companies
  • Coach for the local soccer club, merit badge counselor for six scout troops, and treasurer and vice president of the Windemere Ranch Middle School Education Fund

ISSUES

  • Reduce taxes and cut regulations to spur innovation and business growth; support limited government and unlimited opportunity; balance the budget by controlling federal spending, not by raising taxes; expose spending bills that are packed with wasteful projects; oppose every attempt to divert taxpayer dollars to bail out failing businesses; push for the completion of a border fence along our southern border; advocate for full enforcement of our existing immigration laws so that illegal immigrants who are apprehended are deported immediately; fully support [Arizona’s] right to enforce federal immigration laws; fight to protect and preserve our Northern California water rights; oppose the government-controlled healthcare plan and support reasonable reforms that expand freedom of health care choices; men and women in uniform deserve our wholehearted and united respect and support -- as do the veterans who have served before them; consider terrorism and act of war, not a law enforcement or criminal justice matter; oppose the closing of Guantanamo Bay; defend the sanctity of life and marriage and the right to keep and bear arms
“We Americans have a decision to make. Will we allow ourselves to be subjected to bigger government, more regulation, higher taxes, and increasing debt? Or will we renew our commitment to preserving the personal and economic freedoms that have set our nation apart from all others? Ronald Reagan said, "Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives." I agree. My votes in Congress will promote individual liberty, not stifle it.”
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The Spotlight On reports are overviews of actual Republican primary winners or top Republican primary contenders. Spotlights should not be interpreted as recommendations to support specific candidates. Before supporting any candidate, do thorough research to confirm that the candidate shares your views on issues you deem most important.