First of two forums in CA-11 race cancelled due to Wall Street bailout bill vote

The first of just two debates between Congressman Jerry McNerney and GOP challenger Dean Andal was cancelled Friday because the congressman stayed in Washington to vote on the $700 billion Wall Street bailout bill.

The first forum was to be shot on videotape at Contra Costa Television studios in Martinez and then broadcast wide on local cable TV channels. The program, sponsored by the League of Women Voters and a local newspaper, was also to be posted on that newspaper's Web site.

"The Congressman is detained in Washington voting on the Economic Recovery Plan to help protect ordinary Americans from a tightening credit market which has made it more difficult for people to get student, car and home loans and for small businesses to take out loans for improvements and even to make weekly payroll.  He regrets that he won't be able to make it back for tonight's forum, but is very much looking forward to having a full debate about all the issues on October 11 in Tracy," said McNerney spokesman Andy Stone.

The second event will be held Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Monte Vista Middle School, 751 W. Lowell Ave. in Tracy. The forum is being sponsored by the Tracy Press and will be open to the public.