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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund

Smart Voter
Santa Clara County, CA June 8, 2010 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
Member, Democratic Party County Central Committee; County of Santa Clara; State Assembly District 23


The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Voter Registration, Party Work, Party Membership

Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

? 1. What would you do to increase the number of voters registered in your party?

Answer from Omar Torres:

Register voters at numerous events in the city: festivals, concerts, visit college campuses and other large group gatherings. We also have to attend multicutural events such as Lunar New Years, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteeth and others.

Answer from David Parker:

Increase volunteerism and voter registration at community events and local high schools, community colleges and and higher education venues.

Answer from Andres Quintero:

As President of East San Jose Democrats, I am working with the Membership director to establish a plan for voter outreach & registration. Shortly we will launch our plan and expect to have high success in those areas we target. We have a committed group of people who will be working hard to ensure that the goals of our organization are met.

Answer from Claudia Shope:

For over twenty years, I have worked on numerous voter registration campaigns. I have registered a lot of people in front of shopping centers, fairs, and community events. Since the age of 18, I have voted in every single election. I am a firm believer that voting is a fundamental right and should be exercised by all. I have been involved with many "Get out the Vote"(GOTV) campaigns in order to make sure that Democratic long term and new voters will vote in the election.

If I am elected, I will continue to work on increasing the number of Democratic voters and their participation in the election process.

? 2. What would you do to help the campaigns of candidates of your party?

Answer from David Parker:

I have volunteered and will continue to volunteer for various candidates including but not limited to phone banking, canvassing and door-to-door outreach.

Some campaigns I am proud to have worked on: No on 8 Jim Cogan for San Jose City Council, District 9 Dan Nguyen, Cupertino City Council Sam Liccardo for San Jose City Council, District 3 Bevan Dufty, San Francisco Supervisor, District 8 Jeff Adachi, San Francisco Public Defender

Answer from Claudia Shope:

For over 20 years, I have volunteered on numerous campaigns ranging from local city council races to Presidential elections. I firmly believe that grassroots phonebanking and walking precincts are fundamental ways to connect voters to candidates.

In 2006, I was winner of the South Bay Labor Council's Committee on Political Education (COPE) award as a top ten volunteer for the 2005 election.

Answer from Andres Quintero:

I will continue to walk for those candidates whom I support and are endorsed by the Party. Furthermore, I will continue to work to develop more civically engaged people who can also work to further the efforts of the party.

Answer from Omar Torres:

I always walk on behalf of candidates of my party. From president to city council. I worked passionatly to elect Barack Obama, coming withing nine votes of being elected to the Democratic National Committee. Electing Democratic from the Federal, State, County and Municipal levels is extremely important.

This summer, I will work hard to elect former Assemblyman John Liard in a Republican held seat. I love challenges and spreading the party's positive message.

? 3. Why did you become a member of this political party?

Answer from Andres Quintero:

I became a member of this party because of the Party's commitment to social justice and equality for all.

Answer from Claudia Shope:

I am a member of the Democratic party, because of the following reasons:

1. The Democratic party stands up for a woman's right to choose. We cannot allow the clocks to be turned back when women had back alley abortions. We must continue to fight for reproductive rights in this anti-choice climate.

2. The Democratic Party is a long time advocate for civil and women's rights. It is the party for working people. It makes sure that people have equal job opportunties.

3. The Democratic party protects the environment. It makes sure that our shores are protected.

Answer from Omar Torres:

I became registered Democrat for various reasons. I am not just a registered Democrat, as I am a grassroots activist with the our party. I am young, Latino, and a student in college and I became a Democrat because our party believes in equality for all, believes in the hard work of immigrants and union members, and is the most diverse in representing minorities.

Answer from David Parker:

Because the Democratic Party is committed to inclusion and diversity.


Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.


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Created: August 20, 2010 21:42 PDT
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