TheLiberalOC contacted Louise Stewardson, a Democratic write-in candidate for State Senate in SD-37, to find out more about her. Louise conducted an email interview with us about her candidacy and to clear up some misperceptions that are out there in the blogsphere.
Who is Louise Stewardson?
I’m a registered nurse and small business owner. I have an associate degree in nursing and bachelor degree in business.
I’m an elected member of the Democratic Party of Orange County Central Committee and past Vice President of West Orange County E-Board. I am a member of the Democratic Club of West Orange, and member of Democracy for America. I also serve as Treasurer for Healthcare for All, Orange County.
What made you decide to launch a write-in campaign?
I became fired up when I received my sample ballot in the mail and saw that we had only Republicans running. I joined the 37th State Senate Primary race as a write-in candidate because I want to give Democrats and all other voters a better choice for State Senate.
How helpful has the DPOC been to you in your campaign? Specifically, can you explain what the party is helping you with?
The DPOC cannot officially endorse me, because I was too late to get the state party endorsement. I am getting support by the DPOC with their website and Facebook page. The Democratic clubs in Orange County were given call lists for phone banking on my behalf.
Tell us about your platform? What issues concern you most and if you’re elected State Senator, what causes will you champion?
I’m for Universal Single Payer Health Care which research shows will save the State money. I support fully funded high-quality Pre-School for all Children which will provide all children to experiences that ensure success in school. I support Infrastructure projects which will support economic growth, generate revenue and create good jobs. I want to address the Water Crisis through environmentally sustainable practices, including water reclamation, which will create jobs and increase tax revenue at the same time. I’m for a Living Wage and Equal Pay for all, which will strengthen families and communities, increase revenue, economic growth and public safety.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I’m not a career politician. As a registered nurse and small business owner, I know the challenges people face in our district. I moved to Orange County 35 years ago and raised four sons here. I have been an advocate for people my entire life and believe our district deserves a representative who will put the interests of people ahead of strident political agendas and profiteering special interests.
What do you say to people who say you have no chance of affecting the outcome?
The GOP may have an advantage in voter registration but it is all about who turns out to vote. My grassroots cyber-campaign is going viral to get people out to vote for me.
Your campaign has much to overcome; but is it fair that voters will see you on the ballot again?
With three Republicans on the ballot it is unlikely that any of them will get 50% plus 1 to win the race. So there will be a general election either way. But if you’re asking if I will run for another office in the future? If so the answer is yes.
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Remember, when writing in Louise’s name on the mail-in ballot so it looks like the photo below. If you vote at the polls, ask a campaign worker (they won’t be that busy) for instructions on writing in Louise’s name on the ballot.
“I’m not a career politician.”
“But if you’re asking if I will run for another office in the future? If so the answer is yes.”
So, which is it? While I appreciate that an alternative from the Republican Party has the nerve to go it alone without and endorsement from her own party, I have also heard this “not a career politician” speech from others (who later went on to make a career of politics).
Stewardson appears to be focusing her campaign on social media as a
Google of her name only shows that as her official page. She has a whole 235 likes. I think even “Sky-Is-Falling” Moorlach has more than that. Other than possibly prolonging an insufferable election through May instead of March (and thereby costing taxpayers more money), the only thing this “non-career” politician will have to show is a little name recognition before she picks her next political seat to go after.
Nice article though, Dan.
Democrats should vote for John Moorlach.
He predicted the O.C. 1994 bankruptcy; and was appointed O.C. treasurer to clean up the bankruptcy mess. He was called a ‘Chicken Little “the Sky Is Falling” ‘alarmist. His custom license plate now reads “Sky Fell”.
Donald Wagner is the Republican Party Establishment candidate. He’s endorsed by congress-members Ed Royce and Mimi Walters; and endorsed by the majority of the current Board of Supervisors. Wagner is expecting to get more than 50% of the vote on March 17th and avoid a runoff.
Democrats should vote for Moorlach. Democrats could make an endorsement by congress members Ed Royce & Mimi Walters the “Kiss of Death”.
Candidate statements:
http://www.ocvote.com/voting/candidate-info/candidate-filing-log-submit/