Probably about 30 percent of the voters in San Luis Obispo County are undecided, Stoker says. But about 80 percent of them vote my way if they know who I am and where I stand on the issues. Stoker, a Republican, wants to unseat Rep. Lois Capps, the Democratic incumbent from Santa Barbara, where Stoker once served as county supervisor. Wearing a golf shirt and khaki pants unusually casual campaign attire for the candidate Stoker knocks on a door, uncertain if anyone is inside the single-level home. Eventually, Vaughn Newlander does answer.
Stoker asks the grinning man.
Before he can introduce himself, Newlander cuts in, I know who you are. I ve already sent my check, Mike. Oh, well, thank you I like that, he says. Now you know the guy you re supporting really does work hard to get elected. But the campaign trail is no easy road for Stoker and voters know it.