A Message from Chairman Larry Gates

by Jenny Davidson on January 1, 2009 - 11:40am

The following is an email from Chairman Larry Gates:

Dear Kansas Democrats,

In 20 days, our country will come together to inaugurate Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States. Although most of us won't be traveling to Washington D.C. for the speeches and parties, we can play an even more important role in this historic event here at home.

Click here to help Barack Obama and Joe Biden make history this January 19th.

Renewing America's promise begins with each one of us making a commitment to bring change to our local communities. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the day before Inauguration, Barack Obama is calling upon all Americans to participate in a national day of service, following in the legacy of one of America's great social justice leaders.

Join him by helping the Presidential Inaugural Committee organize a day of service in your community.

At a time when many jobs are being cut, wages are falling and our communities are feeling the impact of the struggling economy, it's time to set aside all that divides us and work together to lend a hand. January 19-20th will be just the beginning of our nation coming together to bring change to our communities.

Join Barack Obama and millions of Americans in this historic time. Click here to learn how.

I wish you and your family this best in the coming New Year, and look forward to making history with you in January.

Sincerely,

Larry Gates
Chairman
Kansas Democratic Party

"Holidays: A Time for Reflection"

by Jenny Davidson on December 23, 2008 - 1:50pm

The following is a column by Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson:

The winter season is always a time for reflection. Perhaps it’s the ice that covers the trees or the snow blanketing the fields that leaves us with the feeling that just for a moment, time itself has frozen.

This moment of pause gives us a chance to look back on all the good times – and the tough times over the past year – and count our blessings.

We are celebrating the holidays amid an economic downturn that has affected many Americans and a number of our fellow Kansans. Families everywhere are struggling.

Yet the holiday spirit endures. The Marines are collecting Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army is ringing its bells, food pantries are open and families are gathering to light a Menorah or decorate the tree.

School children – eager for the break – turn their thoughts to sleds and snowballs, cocoa and carols.

Families find each other, over the phone or through the internet – because at this time of year there is no distance too great that we cannot reach across it to send a message of love and support.

We are an optimistic people. We know that the fields will thaw; the ice will melt; and the harvest will come again. We know that there is a brighter day just over the horizon.

We welcome the New Year, ready to work at strengthening our economy; help our neighbors find new jobs; and build a more prosperous Kansas for all of us.

To all Kansans near and far, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and may peace and joy be yours this season.

Gov. Sebelius names Dennis McKinney as State Treasurer

by Jenny Davidson on November 18, 2008 - 12:10pm
Citing his dedication to Kansans and ability to work through tough challenges, both in the Legislature and in his community, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has named Representative Dennis McKinney as State Treasurer.

“Dennis has not only served his constituents admirably, but the entire state of Kansas,” Sebelius said. “His experience over the past 16 years and familiarity with state budget issues prepare him well for this new office. He’s a strong leader who cares about the obstacles Kansans face and his perspective will be very beneficial as we navigate through this time of financial adversity.”

McKinney will oversee an office that currently has 39 employees and an annual operating budget of $3.5 million. Key programs in the office are Bonds Services, Cash Management, Unclaimed Property, the Housing Loan Deposit Program and the Kansas 529 Education Savings Program, which has more than 118,000 accounts with total assets of nearly $2 billion. The Treasurer’s office is a fee-funded agency.

As State Treasurer, McKinney will also serve as a member of the Kansas Public Employee’s Retirement System and the Pooled Money Investment Board. In the past, he served as a member of the Kansas Development Finance Authority under Governor Mike Hayden.

Currently, McKinney represents the 116th district, which includes Barber, Comanche, Kingman, Kiowa, North Harper, and Southeast Ford counties. He was appointed to the House of Representatives in May, 1992 and has been re-elected the last eight terms. He was elected as House Minority Leader in 2002 and serves on the State Finance Council, Calendar and Printing Committee, Interstate Cooperation Committee, and the Legislative Coordinating Council.

Prior to serving in the State Legislature, McKinney served as a Kiowa County Commissioner from 1989 to 1992. McKinney obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science in 1982, and his master’s degree in public finance/administration in 1984, from Wichita State University.

McKinney is a farmer and stockman in Kiowa and Comanche counties. He and his wife Jean have two daughters; Kelly, who attends Kansas State University, and Lindy, a sophomore at Greensburg High School. In addition to his new duties as State Treasurer, Sebelius has asked McKinney to remain the key community contact in coordinating state efforts to rebuild Greensburg.

Thank You

by Kenny Johnston on November 5, 2008 - 4:40pm

A message from Chairman Larry Gates:

We woke up this morning to a different country. We now live in a country where we have said no to failed policies of the last eight years.

Today we can hold our heads high. The hard work and dedication that you have shown over the past eighteen months has brought real change not just to Kansas but to the entire United States.

So thank you. Thank you for your tireless effort. Thank you for making phone calls, knocking on doors, helping out in our offices, talking to your friends and family and encouraging them to vote. Thank you.

Regardless of who won or lost, Kansas Democrats are better organized and more inspired then ever before. You are responsible for this achievement.

Thank you,

Larry Gates
Chairman
Kansas Democratic Party

Barack Obama Wins! Topeka Celebrates!

by Jenny Davidson on November 5, 2008 - 10:39am

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