Growing up my parents were not very political so I was never exposed to politics or polarizing opinions. It wasn’t until college that I started to become more politically aware. As an 18-year-old, I registered as an Independent and voted in major elections. However, it wasn’t until later in life that I became passionate about Politics.

In college, I had strong opinions on government spending and my right to bear arms. As a woman, I felt that I should be able to choose my means of defense, especially given that most women are attacked by men who are physically stronger and the attacker gets to choose when and where to attack me. Another issue that I was passionate about was freedom and a person’s right to choose whom they loved. Although I wasn’t gay, my aunts are, and they are amazing moms to three awesome kids.

As I got older and started a family, I became passionate about other topics such as education. I felt that we were doing our kids a disservice by basing the curriculum on social issues. Instead, I felt we should be focused on academics, civics, and practical life skills such as managing finances and avoiding predatory college loans. School is not a social justice crusade, I agree we should not discourage free thought, but it does not need to be part of a lesson plan.

I also became concerned about the Constitution and pride myself on being a constitutionalist. Through my years as a nurse, I have seen the benefits of micro-dosing and marijuana on patients, and I became passionate about these issues as well.

This all came to a head when I decided to run for State Representative, I initially ran as a Republican. However, I quickly realized that I did not fit well in either party’s box. I researched all of the parties and discovered the Libertarian Party. I was hooked when I found out there was an entire caucus dedicated to Austrian economics and Ron Paul.

I withdrew my nomination papers as a Republican and decided to run as a Libertarian. The Bucks County Libertarian Party agreed to endorse my campaign, and I was off. On Primary Day, I more than doubled the required signatures, but the GOP took me to court under sore loser laws, even though I never appeared on the primary ballot. Due to the antiquated election system, I lost my case.

Despite this setback, I have never looked back. I feel at home in the Libertarian Party, where I am free to express my viewpoints without fear of judgment. The LP is home to many wonderful people from all walks of life, and I am proud to be a part of it.