Dr. Boozman Topples Two-Term Incumbent With Optometry’s Help
Little Rock, Arkansas (Nov. 2, 2010) – With a sweeping and historic election victory tonight, Rep. John Boozman, O.D. (R-Ark.), highly regarded five-term member of the House of Representatives and long-time AOA member, has become the first Doctor of Optometry (OD) ever elected to the U.S. Senate.
Dr. Boozman will take the oath of office in the Senate chamber in early January when the 112th Congress convenes in Washington, D.C. Many optometrists are already planning to travel to the nation’s capital to attend the ceremony.
Optometry was a powerful force in this closely watched race. AOA-PAC, hundreds of optometrists from across Arkansas and thousands more from across the country actively backed Dr.Boozman’s bid against incumbent Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.).
Starting in September, AOA-PAC sponsored a well-received ad in support of Dr. Boozman that was broadcast on radio stations across Arkansas. To listen to this ad, please click here.
In a failed attempt to draw a line in the sand against an OD in the Senate, organized medicine and ophthalmology backed the now-defeated Senator Lincoln through massive PAC and individual campaign contributions and even a direct mail effort.
In a statement released shortly after the votes were tallied and media outlets had declared the winner, Joe Ellis, O.D., AOA President, said, “Dr. John Boozman, our friend, colleague and fellow AOA member, has added a new chapter to the history of our profession’s service to the American people. I’m very proud of Senator-elect Boozman and of every optometrist who worked to help him achieve this victory.”
For more information on Optometry’s impact on the national midterm elections, visit www.aoa.org or contact the AOA Washington Office at ImpactWashingtonDC@aoa.org.
