

Luanne Van Werven
Republican | Washington
Candidate Profile*
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Luanne Van Werven
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 42 - Pos. 1
Incumbent
Yes
EDUCATION
Bellevue College, Bellevue, 1976
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Washington State Republican Party, Vice Chair
Whatcom Republicans, Chair
Whatcom Republicans, State Committeewoman
Washington Eagle Forum, Legislative Director
Sec. of State Election Advisory Committee, member
Whatcom County Youth Advisory Committee, member
First Reformed Church, attend
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
State Representative, 6
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
ENDORSEMENTS*
OTHER (3)
Associated Builders and Contractors Western Washington; Associated General Contractors of Washington Build PAC; *Washington State Farm Bureau PAC
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
Lynden Mayor Scott Korthuis; Sumas Mayor Kyle Christensen; Everson Mayor John Perry; Nooksack Mayor Jim Ackerman; Blaine Mayor Bonnie Onyon
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (27)
Dan Griffey (2012); Dan Newhouse (2016); Dave Hayes (2018); Doug Ericksen (2014); Elizabeth Scott (2016)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (11)
Bill Bryant (2014); Dan Kristiansen (2014); Doug Ericksen (2014); Drew MacEwen (2014); Gun Owners Action - Florida (2016)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
General Contractors' Association of Pennsylvania (2016)
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Abortion should be allowed when life of mother is in jeopardy
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
The phrase "separation of church and state" came from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson and is not found in our U.S. Constitution. The first amendment to the US Constitution states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." It is clear to me that as Americans we have the legal right to freely live our faith
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Agree
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
More focus on free market solutions, with individuals in charge of their health care decisions. Legislative oversight to provide access to affordable and quality health care.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Again, this is a federal issue of which I have no oversight as a state legislature.
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
This is a federal issue that I do not have jurisdiction over as a state representative. I support legal immigration but do not support undocumented people gaining entrance to the U.S. through illegal means.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Back ground checks are important to ensure felons do not access firearms. Military style assault weapons should be available to military only.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Enacting the Washington pain capable unborn child protection act. Withdrawing from the interstate compact to elect the president by national popular vote. Increasing the abundance of salmonids in Washington waters.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is real in certain areas in our country. At this writing we are witnessing riots in many cities as a result of injustice against a black man in Minneapolis. It's hard to deny the resulting riots are not a threat to domestic security.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
My primary and secondary sponsored bills: https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSponsorship/Member?Chamber=House&ChannelName=vanwerven&Biennium=2019-20 Link to my 2020 voting record: http://leg.wa.gov/House/Representatives/Documents/MemberRollCalls/2020/VanWerven.pdf
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
Christian education developed critical thinking analysis and evaluation of issues in formulating a Christian worldview. Built a successful family business with husband, Larry. Raised four children into successful and responsible adults.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I respect the rights of all people to express their deeply help beliefs and opinions and expect my voice to be equally respected. I am committed to servant leadership in my community and have dedicated this time in my life to serving my district with integrity and fairness. I am honored to serve the 42nd District as state representative.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a born again believer and Christ follower. Biblical principles guide my life.
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