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Westwood voters will weigh in on a myriad of issues Tuesday, one of which will be determining the Democratic primary winner for the state’s predominately liberal Assembly District 47 – which includes the UCLA campus.

Two candidates – Richard Groper and Karen Bass – are also UCLA faculty who say they hope to serve the campus community.

Groper, an adjunct professor in UCLA’s communication studies department, is running as a Democrat vying to represent the 47th district in the state Assembly.

Sitting on the steps of Ackerman Union on Friday, Groper spoke about the importance of Tuesday’s election.

“This campaign is the most important one (students) will have during the time they are here,” Groper said.

Groper, 37, has taught at UCLA since 1998. He is also a political science professor at California State University Fullerton but is currently on leave as a professor because of his political run. Groper said he has been teaching for a total of 10 years.

Groper believes students could tremendously impact the outcome of the election, provided they turn out to vote. Stating the race is comprised essentially of four major candidates, Groper said he believes the election could be decided by 1,000 votes or less.

“Whoever wins the primary, wins the seat. It’s a wide open race, and UCLA can tip the balance,” he said.

Karen Bass, 50, also hopes students will make a difference at the polls.

Bass, a senior fellow at the UCLA School of Public Policy since 1997, is also the executive director of the Community Coalition, which led efforts after the 1992 riots to prevent the rebuilding of liquor stores in south Los Angeles and elsewhere.

The district seat up is up for grabs since Democratic Assemblyman Herb Wesson is unable to run for reelection due to term limits.

Running for political office for the first time, Groper said he gained valuable experience serving as a lobbyist for his California State University faculty association. Meeting and discussing issues with state legislators, Groper said he became increasingly concerned about the educational caliber of some state representatives.

“I was disturbed at the quality of legislators and their lack of public policy knowledge,” he said, “I think we deserve more.”

Also a political newcomer, Bass feels confident about her first run at political office, said Bass’ spokeswoman Sheilagh Polk.

“We’re very confident. We’ve received key endorsements, done terrific fund raising and have a wonderful volunteer base,” she said.

Both candidates say they will work with students if elected.

Groper said he would set up a UCLA task force comprised of student leaders as his own personal group of lobbyists. Groper said he hopes students make their voices heard at the polls Tuesday, though he expressed some skepticism over student political efficacy.

“Students don’t vote that much,” he said, “We really need students to get out and vote on Tuesday.”

Bass also emphasized the need for student activism, stressing a link between social change and student activism.

“Students have always been involved in important social movements. You have to pay strong attention to the next generation so they can be prepared,” Bass said, while visiting churches Sunday morning and precinct walking in the area.

But several students were not aware of the candidates running for the position, citing their study loads as a reason for their lack of knowledge regarding the candidates.

“I’m not too familiar with who is running. I’ve been really busy with midterms,” said Marcos Zamora, a fourth-year English student.“So I’m probably not going to vote.”

Bass also said half of her staff are UCLA alumni, most of whom serve as interns for her campaign.

As a public policy fellow, Bass’ research focuses on health issues among low-income families.

Groper has taught a number of communication studies classes at UCLA involving political communication and communication research methods, as well as upper division seminars.

The other Democratic candidates running for the seat include business consultant David Cooper, former Los Angeles City Councilman Nate Holden and attorney Rickey Ivie.

The Democrat who receives the most votes will go on to the November general election to face Republican Dale Everett and Libertarian Peter “Pedro” De Baets, who are unopposed for their parties’ nominations.

The 47th District includes Culver City and Westwood. The district was redrawn in 2002 to make it less heavily populated by the black community, but is still strongly Democratic.

With reports from Bruin wire services.