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

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.

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

After eight years of broken politics in Washington - we are ONE DAY away from change in America. Every race in Kansas is close, and getting closer. That's why I'm asking you to make sure nothing stands in the way of your vote.

Click here to find your polling place.

Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Grab five friends, head to the polls and make sure your vote for change is counted.

Then, after the voting is over, come out and celebrate with Democrats in your area! 

Kansas Democratic Election Night Watch Parties

Kansas Democratic Party Election Night Watch Party
Special Guests: Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda, U.S. Senate candidate Jim Slattery, Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley, House Democratic Leader Dennis McKinney, Chairman Larry Gates, Vice Chair Teresa Krusor, and more!
Downtown Topeka Ramada Inn
420 SE 6th Street
Topeka, KS
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Johnson County Democrats Watch Party
Special Guests: Congressman Dennis Moore, Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson, Johnson County DA candidate Rick Guinn
The Ritz Charles
9000 W. 137th St.
Overland Park, KS
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Reno County Democrats Watch Party
Home of Trish Rose
18 Countryside
or
Carl's Deli
Main Street
Hutchinson, KS

Wyandotte County Democrats Watch Party
Granny's Chicken Rance
1340 Village West Parkway
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Sedgwick County Democrats Watch Party
Murdock Theater
526 N. Broadway
Wichita, KS
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Pat Roberts must really appreciate all of that campaign cash that Ted Stevens forked over. He's looking pretty lonely right about now:

Amid calls yesterday for Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska to resign after being convicted on seven felony corruption charges, Sen. Pat Roberts broke from party leadership, saying that it should be up to Alaskans to decide Stevens´ fate. 

Roberts unwavering support of Stevens clearly raises questions about his judgment. Top Republicans including presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, vice presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell among others called on Stevens to resign immediately.