Former Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Calif., is the new chairman of Empower Central Valley, a new super PAC that has registered with the Federal Election Commission.  The PAC is based in Tracy, Calif. The PAC will support conservative candidates, such as Rep. Jeff Denham R-Calif., and freshman Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif.The super PAC may receive contributions of any size and make independent expenditures for and against candidates.

Pombo served in Congress from 1992 to 2006 and was chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee from 2003 to 2006. His committee handled legislation about natural resources, Indian lands and Indian gaming.  He was also on the House Agriculture Committee.