Dear Fellow Conservative,

Many valley residents, as well as conservatives around the country, have asked me why I amsupporting Richard Pombo’s bid to become the next Congressman of the 19th Congressional District. Myresponse is that with Richard in the race, it doesn’t matter who the other candidates are.

While I generally do not get involved in Republican primaries, the stakes in this case are far toogreat to ignore. This election represents ground zero in our fight against left-wing radicals in the envi-ronmental community. Liberal activists are actively involved in this Republican primary for one reason:to prevent an effective legislator from rejoining the fight in Washington. To this end, some of the mostwell funded and powerful Democratic interest groups are flocking to Fresno. They know, as I do, thatRichard’s election would be a major blow to the left’s political agenda.

There are a lot of reasons why I believe Richard Pombo is the one and only candidate who meritsyour support in this important election.

Richard has fought for and won major victories in the House to reform the Endangered SpeciesAct. He has presided over passage of legislation to expand drilling for oil and other natural resources toeliminate our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. He understands the complexities of California waterpolicy and has the knowledge and experience we need to end the government-imposed drought. And heis a tireless advocate who has never compromised his principles.

You have probably heard some of the political attack ads running against Richard in your com-munity. They are lies – a dishonest smear campaign run by extremist groups and funded by wealthy lib-eral operatives. The history of these groups is compelling and should galvanize Republicans everywhereto support Richard’s return to Congress.

In 2003, wealthy liberals in the Democratic Party began to form a number of front groups to at-tack Republicans. Billionaire George Soros, founder of MoveOn.org, John Podesta, former Clinton advisor,and others coordinated their agenda through an umbrella organization known as Americans Coming To-gether or ACT. One of the arms of this liberal machine is EMILY’s list – Early Money is Like Yeast – whichhas spent tens of millions to advance liberal political causes around the country.

Another is Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington or CREW which pretends to be anon-partisan watchdog group. However, under the leadership of a former aide to then Senator JoeBiden, CREW has spent millions slandering conservatives around the country. It is one of a multitude ofother so called “public interest groups” targeting Republicans. The single purpose of these activists is noless than the complete transformation of America. At stake are our freedoms, our ability to prosper inthe San Joaquin Valley and the very nature of our Republic.

Today, these groups are mobilizing for another election season. However, this time they are notlimiting their efforts to the general election. Instead, CREW, Defenders of Wildlife and others are boldlyentering the 19th Congressional District’s Republican primary in a blatant attempt to manipulate theoutcome in favor of their preferred candidate. Their plan is simple; prevent Richard from returning to

Congressman Devin Nunes

Congress with a well funded smear campaign of lies and distortions.

The Fresno Bee recently reported the simple truth in this matter: “No law enforcement agency orlegislative ethics committee ever accused Pombo of violating federal bribery statutes, or any other laws,during his 14 years in the House of Representatives. He was never identified as a target of a law enforce-ment investigation.”

However, despite this fact Richard’s Republican opponents remain silent. This is unacceptable.The smear campaign against Richard originates from radicals who are committed to the destruction ofeverything we hold dear. There can be no political benefit from their activity in a Republican primary.These actions must be universally condemned by our party and its candidates for office. I call on all can-didates to take this action immediately.

Sadly, I must report to you that one candidate appears to be coordinating with the Democraticattack machine. Fundraising emails and campaign rhetoric used by Jeff Denham’s campaign are spread-ing the same lies and distortions heard from Defenders of Wildlife and CREW. I have heard firsthand thischain of dishonesty, first woven by leftists and now pushed by the Denham campaign.

I find this highly troubling, as I do Mr. Denham’s tendency to quickly compromise on matters ofgreat significance to our state. His vote for not one but two Democratic budgets helped pave the wayfor the state’s current financial disaster. His record in Sacramento suggests a reckless disregard for theconservative principles we all share and his current campaign casts aside all doubt about the nature ofhis character. In my view, there is no question. Jeff Denham is a dangerous gamble for voters in the 19thCongressional District.

In sharp contrast, Richard is one of us; a valley rancher and cowboy. He put everything on theline to represent our interests in Washington – including suffering one of the best funded smear cam-paigns in history. Because of his support and effectiveness representing our interests, leftists have takenthe gloves off – including the harassment of Richard’s wife and children. I urge valley residents, as wellas conservatives across America, not to turn their backs on a proven leader and to support RichardPombo’s candidacy for the 19th Congressional District.

Whether you live in Richard’s district or not, you can contribute to help fight back against thesesocialists and their lies. And if you do live in his district, also check the box on the reply card I’ve en-closed letting Richard know you support him, and will prove it by volunteering, or putting up a yardsign. Whether you can send $50 or $500, whatever amount you can send will be used to fight the goodfight for everything we believe in.

There’s never been a clearer line drawn in the sand. The fight to take our country back startshere.

Sincerely,

Congressman Devin Nunes

P.S. I’ve enclosed a copy of one of the most startling articles I’ve ever read in the Wall Street Journal.They echo the refrain of California’s conservatives, and expose the hypocrisy of the liberal Democratsstalking horse, Jeff Denham. Please read it. Share it with your friends. And let me hear from you today.