Kansas Matters

Is the term "reactionary leadership" an oxymoron?

Maybe it is, maybe it isn't, but I think it pretty much describes the behavior of prominent Kansas Republicans this week.  This hasn't been a week of exemplary leadership from Kansas Republicans:

The week began with a Kansas Days kerfuffle between GOP Chair Amanda Adkins, former Chair Kris Kobach, and former staffer Christian Morgan regarding book-keeping problems that began in 2008.  Oh how the buck was passed, until, true to Kansas GOP form, they all started trading cheap shots.

by tlongpine on 02/03/10

Where is your Kansas pride, Sam?

"We’ve got to look more like Texas and a lot less like California.” -Sam Brownback, 01.01.10

Frankly, I think Texas should look more like Kansas, but that’s probably my home-state pride swelling through.

To be sure my home-state pride isn't skewing my objective judgment I took a look at a few measures I think are important for measuring the success of a state, and my prejudices were confirmed.

So, then how do Kansas and Texas stack up, side-by-side?

by tlongpine on 02/03/10

Kevin Yoder Needs to Get His Priorities Straight

Kevin Yoder, Chairman of the Kansas House Appropriations Committee, is running for US Congress in Kansas' Third District. Apparently, the chance to move on to Washington is far more interesting than fulfilling his responsibilities in Topeka. Yesterday, he called for additional cuts to state services, but declined to offer specifics whether or not public schools, services to seniors, and law enforcement would experience additional painful cuts. Instead of leading (as his position requires him to do), he chose to request that Governor Parkinson give him some 'guidance'. The only problem is that the Governor DID provide guidance earlier this month at his State of the State address. Did Rep. Yoder choose not to listen to the Governor's address, or is he just incapable of fulfilling his current responsibility while also reaching for that next rung up the political ladder?

by Amanda Brawner on 02/02/10

Raj for Kansas opens campaign headquarters!

The crowd at 401 E. Douglas, Suite 200 swelled into hallways Saturday when 4th District Congressional candidate Raj Goyle opened his campaign headquarters in Wichita.  More than 150 supporters and activists turned out, eager to join the campaign.

Visit http://www.rajforkansas.com/ for more information and to get involved in this exciting race.

 

by tlongpine on 02/01/10

Hundreds turn out for Shawnee County Democrats Bean Feed

beanfeed

On Sunday, hundreds of Democrats in Shawnee County gathered for an annual celebration of two occasions that mark the final weekend of January each year: the anniversary of Kansas statehood, and the birthday of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Speaking to the crowd, Senator Anthony Hensley drew inspiring guidance from Franklin Roosevelt's leadership during the Great Depression to confront and overcome the Bush Recession:

"Dante tells us the sins of the cold hearted are punished differently that the those of the good hearted. Thus, the occasional failure of a government committed to charity is preferable to the constant and icy indifference of a government that refuses to try."

Personally, I was inspired.  Kansas families are looking for compassionate leadership in tough times.  I know Democrats are ready to lead, I wish I could say the same for the other folks. 
 

 

by tlongpine on 02/01/10

Raj Goyle breaks another campaign record!

Last quarter, Raj Goyle set a new fundraising record when his campaign raised $400,000. This quarter they've set another record for the district by ending with nearly $600,000 cash on hand.  This sum is made even more impressive when you consider where it's coming from: nearly half of the contributions were less than $100.

RAJ GOYLE FOR CONGRESS RAISES $252,953.29 IN FINAL QUARTER OF 2009

Six Months Into Race, State Rep. Goyle Sets Cash on Hand Record

Wichita, KS - State Rep. Raj Goyle reported his campaign raised $252,953.29 during the fourth quarter of 2009. Goyle's campaign now has $583,483.28 cash on hand, a record amount for a challenger going into an election year in Kansas' Fourth Congressional District.
"I am deeply humbled by the tremendous support I've received from people across the Fourth District and the State of Kansas," said Goyle. "During these difficult times, as people struggle to pay their bills and keep their jobs, I'm more confident than ever that what people want from leaders in Washington is hard work, bipartisanship, and a proven record of finding common sense solutions to the challenges we face in Kansas."
 
With nearly 1,500 contributions since July, Goyle's campaign has more supporters than any other candidate in the race to date. "These numbers reflect the broad appeal of Raj's message of working for common sense solutions to the many problems we face," said former Kansas Lieutenant Governor John Moore.  "We need Raj in Congress representing the Fourth District."
 
Goyle drew on a wide base of support, receiving contributions from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. Nearly half of all contributions Goyle's campaign received during the fourth quarter were less than one hundred dollars. Goyle set a fundraising record in his first quarter, raising over $400,000 during the three-month period which ended September 30.

by tlongpine on 01/26/10