Democrats paint Andal as 'extremist' in new Web site

Republican Dean Andal, running against U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney in Congressional District 11The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched a new Web site targeting Republican Dean Andal, who is challenging Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney in Congressional District 11.

The site, called “RadicalAndal.org”, takes Andal to task for what the DCCC says is his “extremist” views on everything from education, to health care, to family values issues.

“Radical Dean Andal’s record is incredibly out of step with people in the district,” said DCCC spokesman Yoni Cohen. “RadicalAndal.org shows that extreme Dean consistently and repeatedly cast far-right votes against common sense legislation. In Congress, instead of representing mainstream American values, radical Andal would work for extremist policies and the special interests.”

Andal, a businessman who has served in the State Assembly and on the California Board of Equalization, is in his first run for U.S Congress. He waged an unsuccessful bid for State Controller in 2002.

In defending the seat, Democrats believe they have room to paint Andal as out of step in a San Ramon Valley-area district that, while conservative on pocketbook issues, is considered to be more liberal on cultural issues.

McNerney, who is serving his first term in Congress after unseating Republican Rep. Richard Pombo in a hard-fought 2006 battle, is seen as a top target for Republicans. After all, Republicans have had success in the district in the past – George W. Bush won 53 and 54 percent of the votes in the district in his 2000 and 2004 runs for the White House, respectively.

But with fundraising reports showing that McNerney outraised Andal by nearly $200,000 in first quarter funds and having a nearly $400,000 edge in cash on hand, there has been some talk of disappointment with Andal’s early campaign efforts.