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

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

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

Answer from Omar Torres:

I would make sure that every single event/festival in Santa Clara County has a voter registration booth. Our committee currently does that and I want to continue that. It is very important to register residents of Santa Clara County to vote, especially registering them Democratic.

Answer from Omar Torres:

I will help them raise money, I will help them knock and talk to voters and I will work with them to make sure excellent Democratic legislation is passed. I love spreading the Democratic message and I will continue to do that for me, the candidates and our party.

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 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 a member of our party because it is a party that cares that we have a union that represents workers, I became a member of our party because it cares for our environment, I became a member of our party because it does not practice the culture of corruption and formost our party is inclusive to minorities. I joined our party because we care for people,we care for environment and we should we are socially open. The other reason of course is John F. Kennedy. He believed that public service is important for all Americans. He is true. We should all be a volunteer at a after school, a non profit or some other cause.

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