Karen Porterfield, a nonprofit professional and Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington, is a third-generation resident of Puget Sound and supporter of the Camp Fire program.
In anticipation of the November 6 congressional elections, HuffPost Women talked to her about who she is, why she's running and how to get involved with her campaign.
What's your favorite quality in another person?
Integrity.
What three words best describe you?
Committed, compassionate, responsible.
What's your biggest flaw?
Believing that all problems have a solution -- which is also a strength, I believe.
What failure are you most grateful for?
Failures always carry opportunities with them, so I am grateful for them all.
If you weren't you, who would you be?
I cannot even imagine being someone else!
If you could live anywhere, where would that be?
Right here in this amazing part of this amazing state of Washington.
What woman do you most look up to?
Eleanor Roosevelt; just like Ginger Rogers, she had to do it backwards and in high heels!
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
Expect one part chaos in any given day.
What's your joy trigger?
The satisfaction of accomplishment; failing that, two sleeping kittens on my lap.
What is your favorite book?
How about favorite author: Jane Austen.
What is your favorite album?
The Doors -- “The Future Starts Here”
Where did you have the best meal of your life?
In Helsinki, after spending time in the then communist Soviet Union on a museum tour: freedom and fresh vegetables in one heady mix.
What is your favorite thing you've ever worn and why?
Broken-in cowboy boots; they become an extension of your legs! And I still have them...
What talent do you wish you had?
Singing – who wouldn’t want to be able to sing?
What quality or accomplishment do you want people to know you for?
I keep my word and I care deeply about this nation and our future.
What makes you feel the most free?
Listening to loud rock music while driving down an uncrowded western interstate.
Why are you running?
I believe that we all need to do whatever we can, wherever we can, to make a difference, and I believe that I can make a difference.
What is the most important issue for women in this election?
To be recognized as sentient beings -– capable of contributing, capable of accomplishing, and capable of the decision-making inherent within one’s personal life, includ[ing] all of those pesky health-related issues that give conservatives an attack of the “controls.”
How can readers get involved in your campaign?
KarenPorterfield4Congress.com