Grassroots cause wins veterinary vote

Okemos, Mich.-

Stemming from a veterinarian's successful grassroots crusade to back a client's campaign for state attorney general, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association has spawned a legislative network.

Still in its early stages, the Grassroots Legislative Network consistsof a number of veterinarians e-mailing each other to acquire feedback oncurrent legislative matters, says Tom Kavanagh, DVM, owner of Village AnimalClinic in Farmington, Mich.

It was Kavanagh who spearheaded the veterinary support during MichaelCox's campaign for attorney general. Cox defeated state Senator Gary Petersfor the attorney general seat by a narrow margin of 5,000 votes.

Prior to election, Cox's opponent had introduced a bill allowing for$250,000 in non-economic damages against a veterinarian for negligent lossof a pet. The proposed bill prompted Kavanagh to take action.

During the campaign, Kavanagh invited his client, Cox to an MVMA boardmeeting to speak. The session generated a sizeable VET-PAC contributionfor Cox. In addition, the association ran a pre-election article that mailedone week prior to the election about Kavanagh's efforts to endorse his client.

"It was a very close election. We really do think that because ofthe veterinarians' response (at the polls) Cox won," says Kavanagh.

Future plans for the budding grassroots network may include backing ofother state government officials who endorse veterinary issues. Kavanaghsays, "There are three kinds of people on earth: those who make thingshappen; those who watch things happen; and those who ask what's happening.

"We can choose our group, but the movers and shakers are the oneswho make things happen."