Doctor challenges O’Connell in Senate

Friday, Feb. 6, 2004 | 9:02 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Las Vegas physician Joseph J. Heck said Thursday he would challenge state Sen. Ann O'Connell, R-Las Vegas, in the Republican primary election in September in Senate District 5.

Heck, 42, said O'Connell is "out of step" with the changing makeup of Southern Nevada and that he was unhappy with the 2003 Legislature.

He said O'Connell was a vocal opponent of taxes but then abstained on a vote.

"That's not in the best interest of Southern Nevada," he said in a prepared statement.

"It's not enough to say that no tax is a good tax. We must ensure that tax revenues are used effectively and responsibly to address the needs of our community -- the fastest growing community in the nation in the past decade.

"I think this community is looking for someone who can creatively work with government to serve their needs, not someone who is viewed as an obstructionist."

O'Connell could not be reached for comment.

Heck and O'Connell support the medical malpractice initiative petition on the November ballot.

The state is below the national average in providing health care in practically every category, Heck said.

Heck said his goal is to raise $300,000 to $400,000 for the race. His wife Lisa said she has experience in fund-raising and will be helped by political guru Sig Rogich.

Heck serves as a consultant to Metro Police, sometimes responding with the SWAT team and volunteering with the search and rescue team.