An ASU graduate student became the newest state senator Wednesday when the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed Ed Ableser to represent Tempe's District 17.
Ableser said being part of the Senate would allow him to put his ideas into action.
"This is going to change my life a lot," Ableser said.
Ableser replaced Democratic Sen. Harry Mitchell, who resigned last Thursday to focus on his campaign for Congress in November against U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth.
"I think he'll do a great job," said Mitchell. "He'll represent the people the way I would have."
Ableser attended ASU as an undergraduate in the '90s, and returned in 2001 to start on his master's of counseling degree. He is now working on his doctorate.
He also ran for State House in 2004, but came in third place in the District 17 race.
Even after the Senate appointment, Ableser said he'd again run for a seat in the House of Representatives this November.
"This will give him the experience to get a head start when he runs for the House later this year," Mitchell said.
Sharon Doyle, a retired teacher and member of the Arizona Education Association Board, and Rep. Meg Burton Cahill, D-Tempe, were the other nominees the board considered to fill the open seat.
"I thought they'd give it to Sharon," Ableser said. "I was shocked."
The board said they saw Ableser's youth as an asset.
"It's good to have a new face [in the Senate] as opposed to someone who's already been around," said Don Stapley, chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
Stapley said the board was confident that Ableser was the right person for the position.
"Ableser is a young, hardworking, savvy political organizer," Stapley said.
"We are impressed with him, and we feel that he'll work very well with the local government," Stapley added.
Ableser will be sworn in today and his voting privileges will begin immediately.
Burton Cahill, who plans to run for the District 17 Senate seat in November, said she supported the board's decision.
"Ed will do a great job," she said.
Burton-Cahill, who has been a member of the House since 2001, said she would help Ableser get comfortable when he begins working in the Senate.
"When I first came to the House, I called Harry [Mitchell] often to ask for advice," Burton Cahill said.
"We'll work together on a lot of issues, and I think we'll make a great team," she added.
Ableser said the first thing on his agenda as the new state senator is ASU's budget.
"I am in extreme support of ASU students," Ableser said. "I intend to fight tuition increases to the end."
He said he was also an education advocate.
"I want to ensure that Arizona's teachers are well-paid," Ableser said.
Ableser said he plans to continue pursuing his doctorate degree, although it may take longer than planned now that he's a senator.
Undergraduate Student Government President Corinne Widmer said she was thrilled about Ableser's nomination.
"Ed will have a hard job, but he is embedded in our community," she said. "He is so committed to ASU and what students stand for."
Joaquin Rios, Young Democrats president said he agreed.
"He'll vote with the students' best interests at heart and will stand strong against tuition increases," Rios said.
The College Republicans at ASU, however, said they don't support Ableser's appointment.
"It's unfortunate that a person of his experience has been elected," said CR President Mike Jaskie.
Ableser said he can now do more than just talk about improving his community.
"I can vote on bills and create an opportunity for better legislation," Ableser said.
Reach the reporter at natalie.i.hayes@asu.edu.
