Rochelle VanDenburgh
Rochelle "Shelli" VanDenburgh (b. October 21, 1969) was a 2016 Democratic candidate for District 19 of the Indiana House of Representatives.[1] VanDenburgh previously represented the district from July 2007 to November 2014.
Biography
VanDenburgh has served as Director, Assistant Supervisor and Clerk in the Child Support Division of the Lake County Clerk's Office.[2]
Committee assignments
2013-2014
At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, VanDenburgh served on the following committees:
| Indiana committee assignments, 2013 |
|---|
| • Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development |
| • Education |
| • Utilities and Energy |
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, VanDenburgh served on these committees:
| Indiana committee assignments, 2011 |
|---|
| • Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development |
| • Education |
| • Elections and Apportionment |
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, VanDenburgh served on these committees:
| Indiana committee assignments, 2009 |
|---|
| • Education |
| • Elections and Apportionment |
| • Family, Children and Human Affairs, Vice chair |
| • Small Business and Economic Development |
Campaign themes
2016
VanDenburgh's campaign website highlighted the following issues:
| “ |
Jobs and the Economy – Empowering the working-class and providing tools for growth of Hoosier-owned businesses are key elements to a thriving social, economic, and political democracy. When working-class Hoosiers earn a living wage, they are also spending, which plays a critical role in the development and success of small businesses. Moreover, I believe Indiana would benefit from a graduated income tax. In addition, many low-income seniors and families struggle to “make ends meet” and carry the burden of the wealthy. Education – Our children deserve every opportunity and the tools necessary to succeed. It is the responsibility of our state to ensure they are provided. Since the state took over funding of our public schools from locals, schools are experiencing decreased budgets and increased class sizes. In order for our youngest Hoosiers to compete in future job markets, we must do more. Fully funding our public schools, capping class sizes so students receive proper attention, and implementing essential pre-school programs for every child, would ensure our kids have the proper learning tools for a successful future. Social Issues – The duty of a legislator is to represent each and every person within their district. I was raised in the Christian church, where it was instilled in me that it is the duty of only the Creator to pass judgment and to love and respect all people. It is the duty of an elected official to respect all and ensure that every taxpayer has the same rights under the law. The majority party should be more concerned with the civil rights of Hoosiers rather than focusing on divisive issues. Over the last two years, our current representative, her party, and our governor, have brought much embarrassment to our state on the national level. As a result, Indiana lost tens of millions in tourism dollars due to discrimination and what I see as bullying. I DO NOT support discrimination; I represent EVERY taxpayer! Also, I respect federal law and a woman’s right to choose. While I feel that adoption is the best option, I believe it should be up to each woman, individually, to make this very personal decision. Furthermore, in cases of rape and molestation, I know that if it were my daughter, I would not want her to carry the child of the monster that put her through such trauma. As a legislator, I want to ensure that women continue to have the right to decide what is best for their own bodies. Further, I will never take actions that further deprive Hoosiers of preventative healthcare. The majority’s focus on removing funding from organizations, like Planned Parenthood, is spiteful, particularly when no state or federal dollars are used to fund controversial services, such as abortion. Irresponsible actions like these place low-income women in jeopardy by depriving them of critical medical care, such as mammograms and pap smears.[3] |
” |
| —Shelli VanDenburgh[4] | ||
2014
VanDenburgh's website emphasized the following campaign themes:[5]
Jobs and the Economy
- Excerpt: "We need an additional tax break for small business owners who hire unemployed Hoosiers. Moreover, it is time that Indiana employ a graduated income tax that would keep the middle class and our low-income seniors from carrying the tax load of our wealthiest Hoosiers."
Education
- Excerpt: "In order for our youngest Hoosiers to be able to compete for tomorrow’s jobs, we must do more. Fully funding our public schools, capping class sizes so students receive proper attention, and implementing essential preschool programs would ensure our kids have the proper learning tools for a successful future."
Social Issues
- Excerpt: "As a legislator, it is my duty to respect all of my constituents and ensure they all have the same rights under the law. The majority party should be more concerned with the legal rights of individuals rather than focusing on divisive issues that insult a portion of our population."
Legislative walkout
VanDenburgh and 36 other Democratic representatives participated in a legislative walkout on February 22, 2011, in opposition to proposed right-to-work legislation that would have limited union powers in Indiana. The Democratic departure left the House void of a quorum, leaving only 58 of the 67 representatives needed to establish a quorum.[6] Terri Austin, Steven Stemler and Vanessa Summers stayed behind to provide, if necessary, a motion and a seconding motion, which would enable them to stop any official business from proceeding should the Republicans try to do so.[6]
On March 7, 2011, House Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer revealed that the Democrats were staying at the Comfort Suites in Urbana, Illinois during their absence from the statehouse.[7] According to the Indiana Constitution, Article 4, sections 11 and 14, the House may enforce fines and other methods to compel absent members to return. Beginning on March 7, 2011, each Democrat was subject to a fine of $250, to be withheld from future expense or salary payments, for each day they were not present in the statehouse.[8] Regarding their actual pay, House Speaker Brian Bosma announced that the 37 lawmakers were required to be physically present in the chambers to receive their per diem payment of $152/day.[7]
On March 21, 2011, Governor Mitch Daniels (R) and House Republicans increased daily fines from $250/day to $350/day. In response to the increase in fines, House Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer stated that Democrats "will remain steadfast" in their opposition to the right-to-work bill.[9] Rep. Winfield Moses, Jr. (D) called the increase "a poke in the eye," and said it would not cause the Democrats to return.[10]
The Democrats returned to the statehouse on March 28, 2011, after the two sides had agreed to compromise on a number of issues, including shelving the controversial right-to-work bill.[8] Although the Democrats had some of their demands met, each absent member accrued a total of $3,500 in fines.[8]
The Legislature ended up passing right-to-work legislation on February 1, 2012, becoming the 23rd state to do so. Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) signed the measure into law.[11]
Elections
2016
Elections for the Indiana House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on May 3, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was February 5, 2016.
Incumbent Julie Olthoff defeated Shelli VanDenburgh and Evan J. Demaree in the Indiana House of Representatives District 19 general election.[12][13]
| Indiana House of Representatives, District 19 General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Julie Olthoff Incumbent |
48.49% | 15,236 | |
| Democratic | Shelli VanDenburgh | 47.41% | 14,895 | |
| Libertarian | Evan J. Demaree | 4.10% | 1,288 | |
| Total Votes | 31,419 | |||
| Source: Indiana Election Divsion | ||||
Shelli VanDenburgh ran unopposed in the Indiana House of Representatives District 19 Democratic primary.[14][15]
| Indiana House of Representatives, District 19 Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Democratic | Shelli VanDenburgh (unopposed) | |
Incumbent Julie Olthoff ran unopposed in the Indiana House of Representatives District 19 Republican primary.[14][15]
| Indiana House of Representatives, District 19 Republican Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Republican | Julie Olthoff Incumbent (unopposed) | |
2014
Elections for the Indiana House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 6, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was February 7, 2014. Incumbent Shelli VanDenburgh was unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Julie Olthoff defeated Chris N. Retson in the Republican primary. Olthoff defeated VanDenburgh in the general election.[16][17]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Julie Olthoff |
51.1% | 7,146 | |
| Democratic | Shelli VanDenburgh Incumbent | 48.9% | 6,834 | |
| Total Votes | 13,980 | |||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
|
Julie Olthoff |
60.1% | 1,314 |
| Chris N. Retson | 39.9% | 874 |
| Total Votes | 2,188 | |
2012
VanDenburgh won re-election in the 2012 election for Indiana House of Representatives District 19. VanDenburgh ran unopposed in the May 8 Democratic primary and defeated Ron Johnson (R) in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[18][19]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Shelli VanDenburgh Incumbent |
55.5% | 15,380 | |
| Republican | Ron Johnson | 44.5% | 12,353 | |
| Total Votes | 27,733 | |||
2010
VanDenburgh defeated Republican candidate Daniel Klein and Libertarian candidate Jeff Duensing with 9,613 votes; Klein received 7,788 votes and Duensing received 678 votes.[20]
In the May 4 primary election, VanDenburgh defeated Dennis Meeks 2,961 to 732.[21]
| Indiana House of Representatives, District 19 General Election (2010) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Rochelle VanDenburgh (D)
|
9,613 | |||
| Daniel Klein (R) | 7,788 | |||
| Jeff Duensing (L) | 678 | |||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Democrat Rochelle VanDenburgh won re-election to the Indiana House of Representatives District 19 receiving 15,505 votes, ahead of Republican Bill Johnson who received 12,256 votes.[22]
| Indiana House of Representatives, District 19 (2008) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Rochelle VanDenburgh (D)
|
15,505 | |||
| Bill Johnson (R) | 12,256 | |||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Indiana scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2014
In 2014, the Indiana General Assembly was in session from January 6 through March 14.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
2013
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
|---|
|
In 2013, the Indiana General Assembly was in session from January 7 through April 29.
|
Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the term Rochelle + VanDenburgh + Indiana
See also
- Indiana State Legislature
- Indiana House of Representatives
- Indiana House Committees
- Indiana state legislative districts
External links
- Official campaign website
- Profile from Open States
- Legislative Profile from Project Vote Smart
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
- Watchdog Indiana Candidate Ratings
- Campaign contributions: 2012, 2010, 2008
- Shelli VanDenburgh on Facebook
Footnotes
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "May 3, 2016 Primary Election," February 5, 2016
- ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Political Summary," accessed March 6, 2014
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Vote for Shelli, "Issues," accessed September 29, 2016
- ↑ voteforshelli.com, "Issues," accessed August 22, 2014
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 IndyStar.com, "Indiana Democrats trigger Statehouse showdown over anti-union legislation," February 22, 2011
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Fox 59, "Fines begin for absent House Democrats," March 7, 2011
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 The Wall Street Journal, "Pressure Mounts on Absent Democrats in Wisconsin, Indiana," March 3, 2011 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "wsj" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ IndyStar.com, "Dems' walkout drags on, among nation's longest," March 23, 2011
- ↑ WFIE.com, "Indiana Republicans say they're done negotiating," March 17, 2011
- ↑ Reuters, "Indiana becomes 23rd "right-to-work" state," February 1, 2012
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "November 8, 2016 General Election candidates," February 5, 2016
- ↑ Indiana Election Division, "General election 2016 results," accessed December 16, 2016
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Indiana Secretary of State, "May 3, 2016 Primary Election candidates," February 5, 2016
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Indiana Secretary of State, "May 3, 2016 Primary Election Results," accessed August 18, 2016
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "Official primary election candidate list," accessed February 10, 2014
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "Official primary election results," accessed June 12, 2014
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "List of May 8, 2012, primary candidates," accessed March 6, 2014
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, “Election Results – Indiana General Election, November 6, 2012,” accessed January 24, 2013
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "2010 Official General Election Results," accessed March 6, 2014
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "2010 Official Primary Election Results," accessed March 6, 2014
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "2008 Official election results," accessed March 6, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Indiana House of Representatives District 19 July 2007–2014 |
Succeeded by Julie Olthoff (R) |
