Buffalo police officer endorsed to challenge Collins
Jim O’Donnell
BUFFALO – The Erie County Democratic Party has endorsed a Buffalo police officer to challenge incumbent Chris Collins for the 27th Congressional District, which includes Orleans and seven other WNY counties.
Collins was elected in November 2012 after winning a close race against Kathy Hochul. Jim O’Donnell, an Orchard Park resident, was endorsed on Saturday by the Erie County Democratic Party.
“Jim O’Donnell knows firsthand the hard work and sacrifice it takes to achieve the American Dream,” Jeremy Zellner, Democratic Party chairman, said in a statement. “As the son of a Marine and nurse, Jim has been working hard his entire life. He is a Buffalo Police officer with a Masters in Economics who has put his life on the line to serve our community. He’s also an attorney who will fight for the district and to end partisan gridlock in Washington.”
O’Donnell is critical of the partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C. On his Facebook page, he said the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is “a well meaning but flawed bill.” Collins has called for its repeal. O’Donnell believes the new healthcare law can be improved rather than outright rejected.