Pat O'Brien Holds Fayetteville Fundraiser

The 2010 statewide election season has officially arrived in Fayetteville.

On Thursday, Pulaski County Clerk Pat O'Brien (right, at center) held a fundraiser at the Clinton House Museum in Fayetteville in support of his election bid for the Secretary of State's office.

O'Brien is challenging Arkansas Land Commissioner Mark Wilcox and Sebastian County Clerk Doris Tate for the right to succeed current Secretary Charlie Daniels, who is term-limited. A good summary of the race by the Arkansas Times blog can be found here.

The fundraiser at the Clinton House was very well-attended and was the first opportunity for UA Young Democrats to volunteer for a political candidate this year. I would estimate that about 100 people showed up for the event, and Mr. O'Brien spoke briefly during the meeting. One very encouraging part of his speech was about how getting involved with the Young Democrats was a turning point for him, and encouraged him early on to seek a life of public service. Seeing a former chapter president of the UAYDs talk about the opportunities that his involvement provided was definitely inspiring.

Several UAYDs volunteered for the O'Brien fundraiser; Andrew Roberts, Jody Bland, and Mary Grace Mullendore were all volunteers, and there were many others that dropped by to check out the event. I am looking forward to more opportunities to get UAYDs tapped into local and statewide elections, and to support Democratic candidates as they seek out our help.