New Poll: Who will Brownback choose for Lt Gov

Rumors are starting to fly about who Senator Brownback will pick to serve as his lieutenant governor. We've posted a new poll but would love to hear your suggestions as well!

Some of the most likely candidates
- Retiring Secretary Ron Thornburgh who dropped out of the race for governor and would pull in some moderates for Brownback
- 3rd district candidate and former state Senator Nick Jordan - this would help avoid a nasty Republican primary in the 3rd and pull in some Kansas City votes for the Senator. Also would leave Yoder as the front runner for the 3rd who is a bit more moderate for the district that voted for Obama in 2008
- State Senator Jeff Colyer - also pulls in Kansas City votes and money for the senator, as well as experience in the health field. The two also served as White House fellows and are rumored to be close

Other possibilites could be Moran or Tiahrt if one of them decides to drop out of the race for the Republican nomination for Senate, Brownback's former chief of staff Rob Wasinger if he decided to get out of the crowded primary for the 1st district, Kris Kobach if he gets out of the SoS race - close with Brownback since serving as state party chair, or Jim Barnett if he were to drop out of the primary in the 1st - he's already got some statewide name ID after running for Gov against Sebelius.

Holland's In....Maybe

State Senator Tom Holland may run against Lynn Jenkins - no wait, now he may run against Sam Brownback for Governor. Good decision, if you're not well known enough to mount a credible challenge in the 2nd district you should definitely go ahead and give statewide a shot.

According to the Cap Journal - State Sen. Tom Holland, of Baldwin City, said he will decide soon whether to seek the Democratic nomination. "Several people have approached me about running for governor," Holland said. "I'm actively considering it."

At year end, Holland reported raising $7,700 last year and currently has $12,900 COH. Holland won his senate seat in 2008 against incumbent Roger Pine. Although this was an impressive win in a year where Kansas only got more Red - winning on 48% of his own district doesn't exactly bode well for a statewide race against Brownback who will likely outspend him 10 to 1.

Favorite fact on his facebook page: Holland is a fan of 'ForwardKansas' - but really, who isn't??

Best of luck thought Tom - we're looking forward to the entertainment!

Brownback Continues Fiscal Responsibility

Brownback Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback co-sponsored the Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act, introduced today. The legislation would establish a bipartisan task force that would review federal government spending and make recommendations for cutting programs that are redundant or unsustainable.

“Federal spending is out of control, and it is past time that Congress takes steps to rein it in,” said Brownback. “The Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act is a common sense approach to making better decisions about where and how tax payer money is spent. In these tough economic times, it should be a no-brainer that the government should now, more than ever, take action to end unnecessary spending.”

Brownback continued, “For years I have championed similar legislation that would establish better oversight of government spending; I recognize the importance of making sure the government is exercising fiscal restraint. I am therefore hopeful that this legislation will be passed quickly by my colleagues.”

Hey Newbie! 10 Tips for Tom Wiggans

Hey, Tom. First of all, welcome to Kansas! The Heart of America. The Sunflower State. America's Breadbasket!

We know you haven't been back in the state in 20 or 30 years...or is it more? So we wanted to offer our services and help you out before you begin your big journey across our beautiful state. Hopefully these tips and suggestions will make your stay in Kansas a little more comfortable.

1. Before you hit the road, it's probably good to brush up on your Kansas facts. So feel free to take this quiz. It might take you a handful of tries to nail all the answers, but who's counting?
   
   
2. Now, this will be a long journey. We are sure you are used to flying in style - first class, private jets even. But once the campaign begins, you'll need to look like an average Kansan. So ditch the suit and tie for something casual like khakis and a button up (don't forget to roll up the sleeves). Ya know, this can help you connect with hardworking Kansans.
   
   
3. Buy a Garmin. For one, they are made right here in Kansas. Second, there are a whopping 105 counties in our state - yup, 105. We don't want you getting lost. You'll want to hit each county at least 4 or 5 times...you have to make up for lost time. And apologies, we don't have any bays, wind-surfing, or Rice-a-Roni..well maybe check for that last one in the local supermarket.
   
   
4. California isn't really popular here. They're basically bankrupt, liberal, and well, just keep quiet about your time there.
   
   
5. Did you only give Obama $5,000 to help elect "change"? Or was it more? Nonetheless, keep that hush hush as well. Kansans aren't big fans of Mr. Obama.
   
   
6. Kansans won't blame you for leaving the business world when you did. This Administration is running our economy into the ground and with all the regulation, taxes, and spending they're piling on, it's only going to get worse. So good timing on that one! But can we ask: do you want your $5,000 back?
   
   
7. You don't need to overplay Kansas stereotypes to jive with us. We noticed your wheat-inspired logo on your website. We are proud of what we do, but just keep the Dorothy, wheat, flat land, and cow references to a minimum. We know who we are.
   
   
8. Keep your supporters in line. Yeah, Democrats are pretty bitter here in Kansas and they tend to attack our patriotic inclinations, fondness of religion, and anything that isn't "progressive" enough for them. Please don't bash on us or stick your nose up at us...your party has already perfected that.
   
   
9. We had an individual involved in the pharmaceutical industry who ran for Congress recently. She didn't last long. Just sayin'.
   
   
10. Last of all, be yourself. We're pretty nice people once you get to know us. So best of luck as you get to know our state and the people of Kansas. Not a chance we want you in office, but enjoy the ride! And let us know how fun it is to spend millions of your own dollars on a political race. That has to be awesome!

Yours Truly, Right With Kansas

Kansans Mourn Avery

One-term Republican governor, William Avery, has died, the governor's office said Thursday. He was 98.

“Governor Avery led our state during a time of tragic loss and national attention. Kansas honors his long life and service to our state. Our thoughts and prayers are with his children and family,” Parkinson said in a statement.

Avery began a decade-long career as a congressman from the 2nd District before running for governor. Avery served his one term from 1965-66, when a governor's term was two years. He was defeated for re-election by Democrat Robert Docking, receiving 44 percent of the vote.

His most notable achievement as the state's 37th governor was recommending the establishment of a state income tax withholding system in 1965. It was part of a package of income and sales tax increases to improve public schools.

During his term, he denied a reprieve request from Perry Smith and Richard Hickock, who were hanged at Lansing State Prison on April 14, 1965, for the 1959 slayings of Herbert Clutter, his wife and two children, in Holcomb. The murders were immortalized by Truman Capote in his novel “In Cold Blood.”

Another controversy was a bill directing the state Board of Health to give out birth control information along with contraceptives to married couples. Avery said he was pressured to veto the measure but let it become law without his signature.

After being turned out of office, Avery moved to Wichita where he became an oil company executive. In 1968, he made a final bid for public office when he lost the GOP primary for the U.S. Senate to Bob Dole. In 1977, he returned to Wakefield to resume a role with the Farmers and Merchants Bank. In 2000, the post office in his hometown was renamed in his honor.

Goyle's Fundraising Breakdown - Part 1 of ?

While we didn't stay up all night to figure out the breakdown of Kansas vs. Out of State money - which looks to be the majority from the latter...we did have to lose a little sleep to find a few fun highlights in his report.

Let's start out with the Kansas Democrat Has - Beens
Former members and candidates Jim Slattery, Dan Glickman ($1K), Nancy Boyda ($250), Jill Docking ($2K)
Staffers Howard Baulke (Moore's CoS - $1K), Shanan Guinn (Boyda CoS - $250), Julie Merz (former Moore/Slattery staffer - $250)
Greg Orman ($2,400) - you remember him - he had a short lived campaign against Senate Roberts
Soon to be has been - Governor Mark Parkinson ($2,400)

Others to note include:
KS-02 candidate Laura Kelly ($250) - apparently she doesn't need to fundraise for her own campaign - she's just giving it away

Kansas Democratic Party Executive Dir - Kenny Johnson has lots of faith in Raj with a $10.00 donation

And of course our friend over at ForwardKansas, Colin Curtis - $50

The report is a real page turner - we literally couldn't stop. Feel free to start flipping through it yourself HERE

Dems Hopeful Dark Horse for Gov?

We're hearing rumors around our capital city that KDP Chairman Larry Gates is in fact going to be the Democrats hopeful dark horse candidate to take on shoe-in Governor Senator Sam Brownback. Word is that Gates is shopping around for some campaign staff.

After looking on the Kansas Ethics website - there's currently nothing filed. I'm sure it's just an oversight and he hasn't officially started raising any money yet.

The only recent success of Dems in the state seems to be due to - party switchers (Boyda, Morrison, Parkinson, etc), nasty Republican primaries or Queen Kathy's assistance. It seems hard to imagine that the guy who is the voice and face of liberals in the state has much hope of appealing to Independents and peeling of Republicans in a year when Kansans are already fed up with the frivolous spending of the Obama administration and Nancy Pelosi Congress (Here).