The Columbian | Serving Clark County, Washington

Norma Jean Stevens made her debut as a candidate for the open 3rd Congressional District just over a month ago, when she filed for the seat as an independent.

What the nation needs right now, she says, are more “average Americans” like herself in elective office. She worries that the United States government is taking away individual rights, spending its way into disastrous deficits and becoming “a place we no longer recognize.”

“I don’t have a law degree or a fancy education, but I do consider myself to be smart and most of all, I have common sense!” she wrote in a biographical sketch. “I know what being on a budget is all about, and I know that when money is tight, one does not go on a massive spending spree!”

Stevens has seen her share of tragedy and hardship. Her life changed in 2001, after her sister was murdered by a boyfriend. Stevens moved from St. Helens, Ore., to Ocean Park, in Pacific County, to raise her orphaned nephews. Then, in 2003, she underwent artery bypass surgery that left her with permanent nerve damage.

“It has taken years to heal, and now I feel I am ready to go full speed ahead,” she wrote in her biographical sketch.

She started a successful business that connects Portland-area companies with cash flow problems to third parties who will buy their accounts receivable, providing them with working capital.

Stevens says she got the idea to run for Congress because she worried what kind of nation her 16-year-old nephew, Blayze, and other young people will inherit. “It’s not fair to him and other generations to leave them with an obligation of debt before they even get a start at making a difference or becoming somebody,” she said.

She also says that making the leap into a high-stakes congressional campaign has eased her long-term depression over her sister’s death.

“All of a sudden it woke something up in me,” she said in an interview. “I have a passion that I have to do it.”

Blayze was skeptical at first, pointing out to her, “You don’t have any experience.” Now, she says, he’s her driver, best booster and sole campaign volunteer, regularly advising her: “Don’t give up.”

Stevens has carefully researched her positions on major issues facing Congress, from immigration reform to funding for the Columbia River Crossing.

On the bridge, for example, she says, “I oppose any tolls or additional debt.” She also opposes light rail, questioning whether the investment would actually reduce the number of cars using the bridge.

Two years ago, Stevens considered herself a Democrat. She supported the presidential candidacy of Hillary Clinton and voted for Barack Obama. She now calls herself a constitutionalist and says the federal government is slowly taking away the rights of American citizens.

For example, she opposes the mandate in the new health reform law that will require most Americans buy health insurance or pay a penalty. “Why do you have to buy it to be a U.S. citizen?” she asks. “It’s not in the Constitution.”

Stevens has held her own in a field of more-experienced candidates at two candidate forums and says she’s proud of how she answered questions in an interview with the Seattle Times editorial board. Still, she’s realistic about her chances. She’s not actively seeking campaign donors or volunteers; instead, she’s financing her campaign with personal savings and plans to spend less than $5,000.

“I have already decided that if I don’t win, I will be more prepared next time,” she said. “I know I probably won’t win, but wouldn’t it be something if an average American like me actually did?”

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