By Richard Halstead Marin Independent Journal

Marianne Williamson (Courtesy Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance)

Marin supporters of Marianne Williamson, the popular New Age, self-help guru running for Congress in California's 33rd Congressional District, want to make sure she feels the love when she comes to San Rafael Wednesday for a fundraising event.

"She is our voice. She is the voice of reason. She is such a powerful advocate against all the things that are wrong with the government today," said Yamini Redewill of Novato, a semi-retired photographer, who is organizing the fundraiser.

Williamson, a former cabaret singer who has published 10 best-selling books, first rose to prominence in 1992 as the author of "A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles." The book, one of the first to be endorsed by Oprah Winfrey, was Williamson's reprocessing of, "A Course in Miracles," which was written by psychologist Helen Schucman. Schucman claimed Jesus dictated the books to her.

Williamson is one of 18 candidates seeking to represent the 33rd District, which includes the cities of Beverly Hills, Malibu and Bel-Air. Williamson's politics are liberal; nevertheless she declared her candidacy prior to the decision of the incumbent, Rep. Henry Waxman, a popular liberal Democrat, to retire.

On her website, Williamson writes, "While many seekers have turned away from politics, viewing spiritual and political pursuits as mutually exclusive, I agree with Mahatma Gandhi that "Anyone who thinks religion doesn't have anything to do with politics doesn't understand religion."'

Two Marin residents Cynthia Cornell of Mill Valley, a psychotherapist and spiritual teacher and Craig Hamilton of San Rafael, founder of Integral Enlightenment have contributed the maximum amount allowable, $2,600, to Williamson's campaign. The campaign has already raised more than $1 million, including $100,000 from Williamson. Stephen Dinan of San Rafael, chief executive officer of The Shift Network, and his wife, Haley Mitchell, a seminar producer with The Shift Network, have each donated $1,000.

Mill Valley author John Gray, author of "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus," will be the keynote speaker at Wednesday's fundraiser.

Cornell said, "I have never given much money to political candidates before. That's how much I believe in her."

More:
Marin supporters to stage fundraiser for New Age guru in San Rafael