Election 2022: 2nd District Congressional Candidate Carolyn Rush

NEW JERSEY — In a few weeks, New Jersey residents will head to the polls to vote in the House of Representatives primary election. Patch sent out questions to candidates to share their thoughts ahead of the June 7 primary.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the primary election. These responses will be published edited only for style. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact veronica.flesher@patch.com.

Name: Carolyn Rush
Campaign website: https://www.CarolynRushForCong...
City or town of residence: Sea Isle City
Office sought: U.S. House
Party affiliation: NO ANSWER (Editor's Note: Rush is running as a Democrat)

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Occupation: Engineer for 35 years
Family: I have 5 grown children - Candace Rush Chandley (34), Ryan Rush (33), Declan Rush (26),
Marie Rush (25), Brigid Rush (24).
I also have 6 grandsons - Peyton Chandley (6), Ryder Chandley (3), Myles Chandley (3
months), Christopher Rush (2), Nicholas Rush (6 months), Ryan Rush, Jr. (9 months)
I am the 6th of 7 children with 3 brothers (Bill, Dennis, Dan) and 3 sisters (Karen, Kim, Chris)
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: My daughter Marie works for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proudly serving the citizens/consumers of our country - protecting their financial interests!
Age: 60

Previous public office, appointive or elective: No

Why are you seeking this office?

I am frustrated with the lack of progress in Congress regarding women's rights, climate change
and creation of a better economy for the middle-class.
I want to BE the change I want to see!

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is
___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

A woman's right to chose! I plan to work with other members of congress to codify a woman's
right to choose to have an abortion.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this
post?

1. He doesn't want women's reproductive rights discussed on the floor of the House of
Representative; I want women's reproductive rights discussed until our rights are codified into
law.
2. His top legislative priority is to build a tunnel under the runway at the AC Airport which would
cost taxpayer about a billion dollars; my top legislative priority is to address the existential threat
of Climate Change.
3. He thinks he will have the ability to direct how the $13.5 billion is spent in NJ's 2nd District; I
understand that it is NJ State legislators who have the ability to direct how the $13.5 billion is
spent in NJ's 2nd District and I will work with our local State Senators and Assemblymen to
achieve the best possible outcome for the people of the district.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the
community?

He has voted AGAINST the best interest of Veterans.
He has voted AGAINST the best interest of Seniors.
He has voted AGAINST the best interest of Women.
He has voted AGAINST the best interest of Diabetics.
He does not hold townhall meeting; thus he has excluded the citizens of the district from
providing input

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Improving the economy for the middle class (i.e. a living minimum wage, universal pre-k,
competitive drug pricing, etc.)
Curbing the affects of Climate Change (i.e. appropriating funds for Coastal Flood Control,
supporting offshore wind farms, incentivizing carbon footprint reduction, advocating for
Regenerative Agriculture)
Issues of equality including Voting Rights, Women's Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights and ending
Systemic Racism

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this
job?

My successful 35 career in engineering have equipped me with the necessary skillset - a
combination of clear-eyed analytics and collaborative problem solving. I have spent much of my
career in engineering management. I know how to bring people together to find common
ground, encourage compromise, build consensus and achieve goals.
Raising 5 children has given me the skills needed to get things done!

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always treat others with fairness and respect; you never know what they may be going through.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am new to politics but I have found my voice.
I will use my voice to advocate for the people of my district and the entire country.
I know I don't have all the answers - so I will hold townhall meetings every month (hybrid;
in-person & live streamed) so I can always stay in touch with the people who put me in office. I
want their input and will provide them with timely feedback.