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Placer, Sacramento County, CA November 2, 2004 Election
Smart Voter

Partisan Politics

By Sandra A. "Sandy" Carey

Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 5

This information is provided by the candidate
Imagine a Legislature where all members voted their conscience, without regard to party affiliation ...
I understand that it is important for political parties to exist and for organizations to back candidates. However, I think it is unfortunate that so many voters do not feel they have a home with either of the recognized major political parties. Both parties have let a lot of people down. There are, after all, a great number of voters (and the number is growing) who are registered as Independents and others.

Political action based solely on partisan considerations makes for a scenario in which very little of good consequence gets done. Unfortunate choices of leaders are made, and we live with the price of inferior leadership for a long time. Bad laws are made, and ineffective policy ensues.

As your Assemblymember, I will work hard to find ways to encourage compromise, negotiations, and settling differences in ways that benefit everyone.

We do a grave disservice to ourselves and to the state when we vote "party," no matter what. There are good candidates in all legitimate parties, and good candidates should be supported. There are good ideas from legislators of all parties. Good legislation, regardless of the party of its author, should be championed. Rejecting people or ideas strictly on the basis of party affiliation seriously erodes the effectiveness of our democracy.

As your Assemblymember, I will be decidedly bi-partisan. I will champion good, productive ideas, regardless of origin. What this means to you is that you can count on me to be clear (though perhaps controversial), honest, and dependably square with the voters. If I don't know, I will say so, and I will learn until I have at least more answers than when I started.

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