3 candidates in a vigorous race for House District 53

"The people who keep regurgitating and rehashing that don't understand what exoneration means," he said. "If you're exonerated, you're exonerated."

Brown has raised $8,100 on his campaign this year. His Libertarian opponent, Shumway, has raised $5,698, according to the most recent campaign finance reports. That's a sharp contrast form most third party candidates, who usually raise little to no money for legislative campaigns.

Shumway, 56, lives in the Jeremy Ranch area and works as a contract computer programmer. He said he was raising money and actively campaigning because "if you're going to do something, you do it all the way and try and make a go of it."

If elected, Shumway said he would focus on four priorities. First, to "uphold the law" on illegal immigration. Second, he has pledged not to raise taxes. Third, he wants a more open government. And lastly, Shumway would like to see health care reform.

Shumway said he realizes that his chances of winning are slim. But he said he believes changes need to be made in the two-party system of government.

"I think my opponents have a lot of political baggage and they don't represent the entire District 53," he said. "If you continue to vote Democrat and Republican, you're not going to effect change."

Election day is on Nov. 7. Early voting is available in county clerk's offices until Nov. 3.

---

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com