Continue..  

 A  article from    Nisqually Valley News  

She filed online last week, but she was so excited about it, she went to the filing office in person, as well.
Christenson has no prior political experience, but is a personal growth counselor, therapeutic consultant and seminar leader for more than 20 years.
She volunteered at Washington State Reformatory for 10 years as a counselor in the psychiatric department of the facility's hospital. She wrote and published a book about the Washington State prison system titled, "The Keepers and the Caged."
She was also a high school teacher, had a son of her own and raised foster children.
While writing her book, Christenson spent time interviewing former Gov. Albert D. Rossellini. She devoted an entire chapter to the Democrat, who urged her to run for office, she said.
The two became friends and when she visited him last year, he told her, "You can be the voice for those who have none."
"I realized that, as youthful as I am, this is the time," she said. "If I’m going to make a difference, I’m going to make a difference now. I believe honorable intentions, honorable results."
Though she's volunteered and made a difference in a variety of ways, she said, "It occurred to me I could make a difference on much larger scale."
Retired, Christenson said she "certainly has the time and energy."
Representation for District 2 has been very poor, Christenson said. It is the third largest district, geographically, but means little to Democrats, who are more interested in keeping a majority in the house than making sure the residents are well-served.
When talking to people about whether her candidacy would be viable, she said, the Democrats told her they didn't have much interest in the district and she shouldn't look to them for help to beat the Republican incumbent.
"District 2 is not necessary for them to get the majority," Christenson said.
It was a pivotal moment, she said. Even without political experience and no money to back her, the assertion that her district wasn’t important rankled her.
"I live here. My son lives here. The people who feed those who think we're not important live here."
State Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen (D-Eatonville) does a fabulous job representing farmers and rural citizens, Christenson said.
McCune's record does not impress her.
"The voters here are fabulous and care and are upset about what's going on," she said. "We have to get the attention of the status quo in Olympia."
Apparently, Christenson has garnered some attention from the Democrats and the voters. She shows up at a variety of events, public hearings, town meetings and cultural events.
"I've been so loud, so long, they are taking notice,"
she said. "I want them to know ‘you better be watching, this district is important.’"
What's important to Christenson is money for the district, fiscal responsibility in government and a reduction in government waste.
"I’m also a believer in a strong military," she said.
"There is a time for war, but billions going out to other countries could be used very effectively here, at home. It serves our country, our state and our district to have a strong military. Humanitarian aid should start at home."
Even if (environmental protections) go against big business interests, she added, "No business will survive without water.
"I'm definitely a champion of the environment," she said. "Destruction of the aquifer crosses all party lines."
Christenson said she wants to bring in money to the district that supports farmers, jobs and industries that "are supportive to our future and compatible with the environment."
She wants to look closely at alternative fuel technology and bring money in for schools and teachers.
"We have a beautiful, safe and productive district,"
she said. "People are pouring in. We need to take a look at the future of this district."
"Out health care system needs revamping and I’d like to see everyone in the district covered by health care. If not everyone, at least the children," she said.
Fiercely loyal to her district, Christenson said, "I vote what I think is supportable and viable for the situation and it isn't about a party lines."
Though she unopposed on the primary ballot, the rules require she get a substantial number of votes to validate her as a candidate for the general election.
"A lot of folks don't understand," she said. "They may feel they don't have to vote for me because I'm unopposed and will win the primary anyway, but I still need a substantial number of votes."