Clemens: In support of Conor O’Callaghan for Arizona Legislature

I’m writing in support of Conor O’Callaghan to be our next Representative in the Arizona Legislature, a seat currently held by David Schweikert.

Conor was born in Ireland and moved to Arizona when he was four years old. He attended public schools in Scottsdale before continuing on to an Ivy League university where he received two undergraduate degrees, then continued on to receive a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. He also earned a J.D. from Fordham Law School at night. He is married to Tina, whose family fled Iran during the country’s revolution when she was two years old. They have three sons.

He believes that our country allowed both of their families to seek and achieve the American dream and he has been a lifelong Democrat. He has deeply held progressive values and believes Democrats are the party of opportunity and can reclaim the American dream for everyone including immigrants, along with making it possible for future generations.

He sees Representative Schweikert as not addressing important issues such as climate change, gun violence and reproductive rights. Unlike Schweikert, his aim is to change the trajectory in our state by building effective coalitions with Republicans, Democrats and Independents.

Conor was a speaker at our Fountain Hills Democratic club meeting a few months ago with five other candidates vying for this congressional seat, and I feel he is the most qualified and dynamic candidate. His slogan is, “Vote for Me because I can Beat David Schweikert.” I believe he can, so please vote for him in the upcoming primary election in July. I know I will!

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.