KS Fundraising: Who's Got It, Who Doesn't

Governor
Sam Brownback Raised $1,534,000 Cash on Hand $1,100,000

Attorney General
Stephen Six Raised $375,000 Cash on Hand $501,000
Derek Schmidt Raised $138,000 Cash on Hand $111,000

Insurance Commissioner
Sandy Praegar Raised $59,000 Cash on Hand $92,000
David Powell* Raised $16,000 Cash on Hand $2,000 *Primary Challenger

Secretary of State
J.R. Claeys Raised $110,000 Cash on Hand $288,000
Kris Kobach *Not yet online
Chris Biggs Raised $1,000 Cash on Hand $1,000

Treasurer
Dennis McKinney Raised $153,000 Cash on Hand $147,000

We're interested to see what's next for current Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh. Although he withdrew from the Governor's race, he still has over $130,000 in his campaign account. Perhaps he'll use it to help out some friends or perhaps he's holding on to it for his next move.

Keep checking back for more details on these finance reports and the federal finance reports that are due the 15th. Will Moran continue to outraise Tiahrt? Will anyone drop out of these crowded primaries in the 1st and 4th? Did Laura Kelly even raise $50,000? Stay tuned....

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

Alan Jilka for Congress: He's Bilingual!

We didn't think the Democrats would even find someone to run for Moran's seat. But former three-term Salina city commissioner and mayor Alan Jilka announced yesterday. Jilka's campaign manager - a Sebelius minion - used an interesting rationale for his candidacy: he's bilingual...and spent time in Latin America.

From the Salina Journal:

...And, he speaks Spanish

Jilka has hired as a campaign consultant Chris Cardinal of Lawrence. Cardinal, originally from Salina, worked on campaigns for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, as well as for groups such as the Kansas Health Care Association and the Great Plains Alliance for Clean Energy.

"I will say I know that Alan's going to be a really hard worker. He's going to run a grass roots campaign, he'll be visiting a lot of different areas and making sure he can connect with as many constituents as possible," Cardinal said Wednesday.

He said Jilka's city government experience will aid his candidacy, as will Jilka's interest and experience visiting and living in Latin American countries, and Jilka's fluency in Spanish.

"He will be able to communicate with quite a few (Hispanic) constituents with whom there may not have been as strong a connection by those representing them in the past," Cardinal said. FULL STORY

Steve Rose to Take on Moore

Long-time Johnson County Publisher, Steve Rose, threw his hat in the ring today to take on Dennis Moore in the 3rd district.

“I think that under the current administration it’s a much further left government,” Rose said. “And Dennis Moore is voting with them. I think he’s left the mainstream of his constituency.”

Well said. 2010 is the year to finally Dump Dennis.

More to Come: Who's in and Who's Out in the 3rd district.