Todd Camenisch, Candidate, LD30 Senate

by David Safier

I sat down with Todd Camenisch, the Democratic candidate for LD30 Senate, a few mornings ago. He's a serious guy and a serious candidate.

The wheel is still very much in spin on the Republican side of the LD30 Senate race. First, we don't know yet who's going to be the temp sitting in Paton's empty seat. Second, Marian McClure is running against Antenori for the Republican nomination, and I can't imagine either of them ceding the advantage to the other. So the Republican field is wide open.

Whichever Republican is still standing after the primary should expect some serious competition. Camenisch tells me he's in it to win it. And after talking to him, I take him at his word.

Todd is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at UA's Steele Children's Research Center. His research is in children's heart development.

[Question: Is there a UA Center doing research on the underdeveloped hearts of Arizona Republican legislators? If we could get a few of those hearts functioning properly, the state would be in far better shape.]

Todd has served on the Foothills School Board since 2008, after serving on the site council at his daughter's school. He says others saw his passion for education and encouraged him to run. Seeing more of the educational landscape from his vantage point on the Board, he realized the problems confronting Arizona's education have to be addressed at the state level. Education is his primary issue, though he's not a one issue candidate.

If anyone has a right to claim the label, "moderate," it's Camenisch. He was a registered Independent until last October. When he decided to run for state office, he registered as a Democrat, because he shares basic Democratic values. But he's neither doctrinaire nor a politician by inclination. He's someone who plans to make a difference. He wants to change the balance in the Senate by making LD30 a Democratic seat, and he wants to make his voice heard, advocating for issues he cares deeply about.

The editor of the Green Valley News wrote an editorial praising Camenisch by saying, in essence, "What's with this guy? He actually believes in being nonpartisan and wants to talk about the issues and listen to others. What a concept!"

In other words, he's the polar opposite of Mad Frank Antenori. If Todd can get his message out across the district, he's the kind of candidate who can win over independents and moderate Republicans. And that's the magic formula for getting elected in LD30.

If you're in LD30 — or if you're just interested — check out Todd Camenish's website.