Edward O'Connor

Edward O'Connor was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He graduated from Mascoutah Community High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in 1966 and a law degree from Indiana University in 1969. His career experience includes working as a patent lawyer, lifeguard, short-order cook, assembly-line factory worker, physical education instructor, camp counselor, and bus driver.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Experienced Federal trial and appellate lawyer specializing in patent infringement and anti-trust litigation at every level of court, including US Supreme Court. Very familiar with the functions of govt. , including the role of Congress. Strongly dissatisfied with both parties for ignoring the moderate middle values of this country. Particularly critical of Republicans for the Big B.S. Bill ( which they are now desperately trying to rename). Among other things it blows a $4 TRILLION hole in the nat. debt which will could destroy our very ability to function as a country. In a few short years all of the taxes to the govt. will go to pay interest on the debt. No country can sustain that level of debt.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Stop the slogans and platitudes. Address specific problems and their solutionsDemocrats need to take point on crime as well as fiscal sanity and stop ceding issues to Repubs.Stopping brutality to the people of Gaza is a main moral issue of our time

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Fiscal sanity; ending Bibi's war on civilians; crime; restrict asylum claimants to filing in US Embassies in their or adjacent countries; stop terrorizing those who entered without permission but have committed no serious crimes and who have led good lives-give them a path to legalization.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Kennedy-smart, honest and inspirational

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty ( the whole truth); education re the problems we have and how to solve them; courage to say and do what's right even if it hurts you ( See J F Kennedy's Profiles in Courage)

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Deal with actual issues without platitudes and slogans

What legacy would you like to leave?

Maybe did some good for his country

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

N. Korea invades S. Korea-6 years old- Dad called back into service

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

lifeguard 3 years

What is your favorite book? Why?

Tale of Two Cities-Dickens really conveys the human impact from historical events

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Scrooge

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

staying awake in law schooll

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

allows small regions to have their issues heard

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

yes- but not limited to govt. offices.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Its debt- without solving that problem nothing else can be done

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

no

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Jack Kennedy before he was President (obviously )

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

no

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

not on the debt

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

allows control over run away President- unlike our present Congress of weaklings

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

see above

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

no

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

My physics degree from Mich. Neither the dean nor I could ever figure how i pulled that one off

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

careful regulation-but first need to understand the technology. I have a degree in physics-worked for USAF as a patent atty-was a senior intellectual property and litigation atty for Intel.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

Throw a Presidential candidate who won't admit defeat in jail-kidding-the laws are ok, but need to be respected