Veterinarians see gains in ’06 elections

Veterinarians see gains in ’06 elections
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This past November, voters elected veterinarians to represent their interests in Congress, one governor’s house, and several state legislatures.

Twenty-three veterinarians competed in the midterm elections Nov. 7. Veterinarians won 19 of those races, of whom 16 were incumbents and three were newcomers.

In total, including veterinarians not on the ballot this past November, veterinarians hold two seats in the U.S. Senate, a governorship, and 23 spots in state legislatures throughout the nation.

“The increase in the number of veterinarians running for office and getting elected is a very positive development,” said Adrian Hochstadt, assistant director of the State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Department of the AVMA Communications Division. “They serve as role models for those who will run in the future and show that veterinarians can make a difference by getting involved in public policy.

“These veterinarian legislators will help shape the important issues of our day while increasing the profession’s visibility.”

Drs. John Ensign and Sonny Perdue bucked voter frustration with Republicans and easily won re-election to the Senate representing Nevada and the Georgia governorship, respectively.