Tale of two cities

Today's front page brought an interesting (and inadvertent) contrast in city governance over the last two years. Former Commissioner Janet English passed away. That story recalls a different time when the buzzword was "progressive." The current commission, faced with revenue shortfalls, uses the buzzphrase "core services" as they make cuts and refocus

Conflict of Interest

Should have posted this several days ago but better late than never.
Obama looks clean in this Blago scandal but I must say that the acceptance of Obama's internal investigation is odd. It's about all he can do, but it is also akin to the fox guarding the henhouse.

Barack the magic Negro

Is this really defensible? Obama will probably get 98, instead of 93 percent, of the African American vote next time

Here we go again

Anti-immigration forces revving up again.

Quote of the day

"A newspaper is a device for making the ignorant more ignorant and the crazy crazier."
H.L. Mencken, journalist writer, 1949


(This is on my first amendment calendar from the Freedom Forum)

Inauguration

Anybody know anybody going to the Obama inauguration?

Brown-back

He's leaving the Senate as promised (nice to see somebody let go of power as they promised) although Gov. ain't a bad job, either.

This sets up a real competition for U.S. Senator between Reps. Jerry Moran and Tiahrt on the Republican side, with Gov. Sebelius — unless she gets tapped by Obama between now and 2010 — as the only big name on the Democratic side. Brownback would then have a pretty clear path to Governor with Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson? or Rep. Dennis Moore perhaps standing in his way? (look out for Dennis McKinney, the newly appointed state Treasurer, too)

Kansas hasn't had a Democratic Senator since the 1930s.

Rick Warren

Be interesting to see how Obama handles http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifthis

So What?

Chuck Todd, when he spoke in Winfield in October, said Bush could have been a more successful president if he'd paid at least some attention to public and world opinion and adjusted accordingly. There's a level of self-denial that's astonishing. Cheney too.

Taggart Wall

We need more young adults like this

Passenger rail

Sen. Goodwin was a champion for this, but will be leaving office. Will another local champion step up? Doesn't seem like Kasha Kelley or Steve Abrams are too excited about it. Doesn't seem to fit into their mission as spending hawks. Winfield Rep. Ed Trimmer is an advocate, but could that set up a conflict between Ark City and Winfield on who might get the stop in Cowley County?

Appearances

As one reader pointed out, this doesn't look good for an institution entrusted with a new tax to build a mutli-million dollar facility. Although personnel dust ups from time to time are common in public agencies. A follow up will come Sat. There obviously is more to the story that probably we'll ever get. Sounds like there's been some concern that Macy-Mills was in trouble for firing the CFO.

Shearon resigns

Marci Shearon will leave at the end of the year. She and the school have been through some rough patches (Coach Lolar flap, Jodi Sanderholm tragedy, latest violence at school flap) but all and all it seems like her four-plus years there has been successful — graduation rates improving and recent national recognition, and assessments in reading and math seem to have improved.

Interesting to read about her accepting the post back in 2004

Spring elections

Spring elections will be here before you know it. Will Pat McDonald, Joel Hockenbury and Scott Margolius run again for city commission. Will Darin Reese stay on after taking his kids out of public schools

Universal health care

Most U.S. doctorsfavor it.

Government run health care for everybody seems like too much, but the existing alternative ain't working. Obama's plan seems to make sense — create a national pool to lower costs and help small businesses with tax breaks/subsidies when catastrophic events drive up their costs. This basic strategy doesn't force anybody to have insurance but is suppose to lower costs so that people could afford it.

Dear Kasha, Steve, Ed, Todd, Sam, Pat, Barack

DO SOMETHING ABOUT HEALTH CARE COSTS!

Our company premiums are skyrocketing again, after two straight years of HUGE increases. More competition would be nice. Seems like there are very few companies who offer insurance in Kansas. Or allow small businesses to join the pool of state employees, or create some kind of over arching network of groups to spread the risk to lower costs. Or, dare I say it, universal health care coverage like they do in the rest of the developed world!

Quote of the day

The quote for the day on my desk calendar seemed like a good thought: The calendar is from th Freedom Forum, a first amendment advocacy group in D.C.

"When religion controls government, political liberty dies; and when government controls religion, religious liberty perishes"
Former U.S. Senator Samuel J. Ervin. Jr., 1971

Act fast

This is not a good sign for the school district. They need to take some decisive action and show parents and the community that the school is safe and tolerant, or as safe and tolerant as it can be.

Full story

Here's the full story on the anti-muslim smears.

Ugh-ly

Hate to see things like this. Obama's ascendence has apparently increased anti-muslim acts. Saw a stat that 30 or 35 percent of McCain voters think Obama either is or was a Muslim, despite evidence higher than Mt. Zion that he is Christian.

On a sidenote, today I received a viral email sent by a local resident to other local residents about some prison story that supposedly proves Muslim's want to kill all non believers. The intention was basically that we'd better watch out!

Here's the conclusion of snopes.com about the story.

Reminds me a little of school children sticking their tongue out and saying "my daddy's better than yours," except with deadly consequences.

Smoking ban part deaux

My editorial on possible smoking ban in Ark City.

Our poll so far shows 61 percent of people who voted support some form of ban.

The time has come!

Ark City smoking ban?

I'm for this. I think though, that you could exempt bars and clubs and ban smoking in restaurants and other places that serve the public. This is basically what our City Manager said might be more acceptable in Ark City.

The youth vote

As an Obama fan, I enjoyed this

Cognitive dissonance?

The above phrase means embracing two conflicting ideas at the same time.

Seems like Ark City voters did this in approving two sales tax increases but at the same time electing people whose main campaign platform was lower taxes and less government spending, Kasha Kelley and Steve Abrams. Alan Groom, the new county commissioner, could be thrown in there as well.

One explanation is that the sales taxes are local initiatives, while Kelley and Abrams are state representatives.

But this conflict os one of the dilemnas of government and elected officials - people want services but they don't want to pay for them.

Presidential vote break down

If I added right, Obama did much better in the Winfield and Ark City precincts than in the rural ones in Cowley County, which is to be expected. (Although interestingly Obama was for the recent farm bill preserving subsidies and McCain was against it. McCain also opposed ethanol subsidies)

Ark City:
McCain 2,017 57 percent
Obama 1523 43 percent

Winfield:
McCain 2398 56 percent
Obama: 1848 43 percent


Obama appears to have faired SLIGHTLY BETTER in these cities than he did statewide: 41 Obama 57 McCain. I find this interesting.

But in rural Cowley County, he got clobbered:
McCain 3759 71 percent
Obama 1528 29 percent

This makes the total Cowley County result 63 to 37.

32nd vote break down

Looks like Abrams won handily in Ark City, by about 450 votes, and Goodwin won even more handily, 1,150 votes in Winfield. But Abrams also won in the rural precincts of Cowley County, by about 500 votes. Sumner County of course, gave Abrams a HUGE edge, more than 2,000 votes.

Subliminal message?

What's everybody think ofthis?

Results

Some post election thoughts:

Biggest surprise of the night
—- street tax approved. I hadn't spoken to anyone who thought that thing would pass. It did, and it wasn't even that close -- 5 percentage points.

Second biggest surprise of the night
— margin of victory for Kasha, 64 percent to 36, over Gene Burr. After remaining fairly quite for much of October. Kasha blasted out of the gates with billboard signs, media advertisings and ground game - phone calls, door knocking - in the last two weeks that launched her to victory.

Third biggest surprise of the night
--Alan Groom soundly defeats Carmelita Clarkson. Who is Alan Groom? :)

Not a surprise but biggest story locally
-- Abrams knocks off veteran incumbent Goodwin, putting the leader of the evolution battles in Kansas in the state Senate. With Greta's support dwindling for taking credit for things she didn't really deserve (stalking bill) and tussling with seemingly everybody (even her own party leaders), plus Abrams base of conservative support, I'm not surprise she lost. Joe Shriver in 2012?

Biggest Lessoned learned
--Abrams loses his own county but kills Goodwin in Sumner County. Lesson being, don't diss your neighbors (like she did on the casino. You might need them some day.

Biggest Disappointment
-- The loooooooooooooong lines at the Rec Center in Ark City. It was great to see so many voters, but that was ridiculous for a town this size. They need more machines.

Oddest outcome
Just 20 votes separate Gary Wilson and Alan Groom. Maybe they should arm wrestle

Best outcome

President Barack Obama
(Before you hypervenilate, this is just my opinion and if you read this blog you already know that!)

Plan to wait

Folks round here say they've never see the voting lines so long. What this means, in Kansas, is kind of a mystery. Does it mean Obama has turned out new voters? Does it mean that McCain has? Does it mean that folks really want to vote for, or against, the sales tax initiatives. Does it mean folks are really interested in the Abrams-Goodwin race?

Predictions

For what it's worth — nothing, really — here are my predictions for Tuesday.

Street Tax
Fail 42 yes 58 no

Hospital Tax
Pass 54 46

County Commission District 2
Wilson 55
Voegele 45

County Commissioner District 3
Clarkson 53
Groom 47

House District 79
Kelley 54
Burr 46

State Senate District 32
Goodwin 50
Abrams 50
Recount

State Board of Ed.
Dennis 57
Cassanova 43

Congress
Tiahrt 59
Betts 41

Senate
Roberts 56
Slattery 44

President (Kansas)
McCain 57
Obama 43


These are nothing more than the feel of the wind on my finger

21 fliers, oodles of cash

I've got 21 different fliers for and against four candidates scattering on my office floor right now -- Burr, Kelley, Abrams and Goodwin. Thanks to those who helped me collect them.

The most attention has gone to Abrams with 10 mailers total: Seven pro-Abrams and three anti-Abrams.

Six pro Burr.

Six pro Goodwin, one anti-Goodwin

One pro Kelley

At $5,000 average cost (conservative estimate, I think) that's over $100,000. Most of these were from outside groups and NOT the candidate's campaigns.

*I'm surprised we didn't see more fliers/mailers for Kasha. She received several in 2004 from Americans for Prosperity and Club for Growth.

Counter intuitive

I think this was somewhere in Ohio

Money, attack ads, etc

Lots to catch up with. In case you haven't read these stories in the paper. Here they are

Goodwin Abrams financials

Kelley and Burr financials

Abrams defends against attack ads


AFP gets some facts wrong

Gene's money

Is here You'll have to find the 79th race and download the PDF

Campaign cash

Campaign contribution/expense reports were due today. Gene Burr's was not not posted on the Kansas Ethics Commission Web site

Kasha Kelley


Steve Abrams

Greta Goodwin was the big money winner, and spender.

Ed Trimmer

John Whittington

Arkalalah politics

Lots of politicking at Saturday uptown at Arkalalah. Saw lots of Kasha Kelly stickers and her parade entry was probably the best of all the candidates on the cool four-wheeler jetting from side to side.

But Gene Burr had the most attention-grabbing tactic with the airplane message that I'm sure everybody saw. Didn't see much on the ground activity for Abrams and Goodwin.

I recall four years ago that Kasha had a huge presence at the parade and opponent Sid Regnier had none. Big mistake on his part, I think, that may have cost him at the polls.

State school board

Here's theEagle's Q&A for the Kansas Board of Education candidates in our area. David Dennis (R) and Paul Casanova (D)

Attack ad transcript

Here's the transcript from the attack ad on Abrams running on cable TV. I saw it three times Wed. night. This is being engineered by Democrats in Topeka. Don't know Greta's involvement but we need to ask her ....

Title: WE WON’T BE FOOLED AGAIN


Annc.: HOW MUCH MORE DAMAGE DOES STEVE ABRAMS WANT TO DO TO KANSAS? AS A MEMBER OF THE INFAMOUS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, ABRAMS LED DIVISIVE POLITICAL BATTLES THAT UNDERMINED OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, HURT OUR CHILDREN AND BROUGHT NATIONAL SHAME ON KANSAS. AS CHAIR OF THE BOARD, HE ALLOWED MEMBERS TO TAKE EXPENSIVE, ELABORATE TAX PAYER FUNDED JUNKETS TO PLACES LIKE MIAMI BEACH. HE EVEN GAVE A 140-THOUSAND DOLLAR A YEAR JOB TO A RIGHT WING CRONY WITH ZERO EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION. NOW STEVE ABRAMS WANTS TO BE IN THE SENATE? WE WON’T BE FOOLED AGAIN.






Paid for by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Timothy Graham, Treasurer

Fairness

"I like how you only post the comments that agree with you."

I've had a few comments along these lines recently. They confuse me because I post ALL comment unless I deem they are too profane, personal, or meant to smear with no evidence. I think a review of everything on here shows that MOST of the comments are from folks I DON'T necessarily agree with politically.


Perhaps some comments haven't gotten through that I intended to post. There have been times when I miss some inadvertently because it is hard keeping up.

McSanity

Nice to see McCain supportersstanding up to the fear-mongering

Attack ad on Abrams?

I caught the tail end of what appeared to be a negative ad against Abrams on CNN late last night. I only heard the last five seconds or so, something about not letting him fool voters, maybe. Let me know more if you've seen/heard it.

I've heard that Greta, or other Democratic forces are going to go after Steve for the controversies on the board of ed, but I've yet to see anything.

Chuck Todd story

Pretty scathing review of McCain's strategyless campaign and change in the Republican party.

My wife asked him whether he gets asked who he votes for. He said all the time, but he doesn't even tell his wife because he's afraid she might slip it out.

The Eagle on Goodwin-Abrams

Here's the Eagle's Q&A of the Senate race. Pretty informative.

Chuck Todd

Chuck Todd's speech at Southwestern this morning was great. He masters details but also the big picture. He basically says the country is going through a major political realignment, with an era of Republican domination waning. New England might have ZERO Republicans in Congress after this election and The West is becoming increasingly Democratic because of Hispanic population boom.

In this picture he's answering my question of how he keeps his hair from thinning.

Kansas presidential break down

An analysis of why the state is Red by fivethirthyeight.com (Yes, the author is pro-Obama, but there's lots of interesting statistical stuff here)

Kelley Burr story

My story on the 79th District race. Voters have a clear choice, I think.

Abrams and AFP

Abrams and Americans for Prosperity are getting tight

Here's the notice of him speaking at a local AFP event

Event Title: Americans for Prosperity Grassroots Meeting:

Event Description: Americans for Prosperity-Kansas is hosting a grassroots meeting in Arkansas City at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 at Sirloin Stockade, 2825 N. Summit St., with guest speaker Steve Abrams. The only cost is the price of your meal and/or beverage. For more information, contact Susan Estes at susan.estes@afphq.org.

Event Date & Time: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23

Event Location: Sirloin Stockade, 2825 N. Summit St.

Greta education flyer

First flyer I've seen for Greta. Was told that she has been very ill recently and hasn't been campaigning.

Burr economy flyer

Another flyer send by Democratic Party of Kansas. I'm told that candidates make contributions to the party in exchange to pay for some of the costs of these flyers. We'll see when reports come in about 10 days.

Abrams flyer

As expected, Americans for Prosperity has mailed a slick flyer for Abrams. It's a nicely done message about keeping taxes low for families. My problem with these is that Abrams gets the benefit of thousands of dollars from a group that does NOT have to report where the money came from. They slide by as a nonprofit and call these "issue ads" because it doesn't specifically endorse a candidate. But that's a laughable defense because the intent is clear. We do know that Koch Industry folks are involved in AFP ....Same goes for the Democratic leaning Kansas for Consumer Privacy Protection, who ran ads against Phill Kline in 2006 and has ties to abortion provider George Tiller.

We are Red

Obama's not close in Kansas, according to this poll. Course if he comes within 15 points he'll out perform expectations. Slattery's urination ad, may not be working or it may not have time to have an affect.

Burr education flyer

This Burr flyer on education shows one of his big messages. And there are real differences on this issue between him and Kelley. She's been a critic of state education spending and voted against increases, while Burr has said he wants to maintaining education funding.

I don't get this

Why would the Ark City City Commission put a sales tax initiative on the ballot for street repair and then NOT promote/educate voters about the need for it?

The hospital sales tax is overshadowing the street tax, which is why I thought it wasn't wise to put both on the ballot at the same time, if indeed commissioners think both are important.

I'll be mighty shocked if BOTH are approved. Seems remote that voters will vote for two tax increases at once

Oh ... my ... God

You've gotta check out this new ad by Slattery against Roberts.

Now here's my question - vulgar or creative?

Burr flyer- redone

Flyer mailed by Democratic Party of Kansas for Burr. A positive ad that portrays a"one of us" image. Send me any mailers for Kasha and I'll post them. This is the only one I've seen for this race so far.

Anti-abortion forces

Kansans for Truth in politics sent out an email today highlighting some races to watch. in Kansas. They said the following about Senate District 10, but could have said the exact same thing about Goodwin-Abrams in District 32. Abortion politics is never too far from the surface .....

"Mary Pilcher-Cook is battling for election to the Kansas Senate after being targeted and defeated in the House of Representatives by the abortion/human embryo experimentation crowd. If elected, Mary would take a precious Senate seat away from a pro-abortion Democrat, and put the Senate one vote closer toward the political Holy Grail of a veto-proof supermajority."

Rotary forum

Both Kasha and Gene spoke to Ark City Rotary Club this afternoon. The contrasts in substance, and style, are striking. Kasha is very at ease and natural and speaks without notes. Gene is, as he pointed out, plain spoken. His answers were direct and several times he didn't take all the time given.

On the issues, it is clear that Kasha is still passionate about less-government and less and taxation, while Gene highlights issues that need government help or at least, action, education and health care.

The choice for voters, I think, will be clear.

Stand in follow

Kasha's reply why she had a stand in and why she could not make the forum, below (Have not gotten an email reply from Greta yet):

"Stand-ins always get the same amount of time because they are, in reality, standing in for the candidate. You might remember when Ed Trimmer stood in for Greta at a CCCC forum four years ago. He acted as her liason in the forum with Ray LaBoeuf. That's pretty standard fare in any forum when a candidate cannot make it and has a stand-in."


"I was at a leadership conference this past week. When I was given the original date for the forum, it conflicted with my departure for the leadership conference. I had given several other dates to Marshall Brentlinger, and had contacted Jan Voss about dates, but unfortunately, the time chosen apparently wasn't able to be changed again and was right in the middle of my conference. While both Marshall and Jan suggested finding someone to fill in, I was, of course, very disappointed the date was during my absence. That said, I've heard from quite a few that it was a good forum."

The good John

McCain's camp has been fueling hatred and fear with the "guilt by association" card since he's getting his clock cleaned in the polls right now.

But he finally stood up to some of the nastiness his own campaign has been breeding. This below is from the Time Magazine blog by Anna Marie Cox, who was at McCain's Minnoseta rally today

...he (McCain) just snatched the microphone out the hands of a woman who began her question with, "I'm scared of Barack Obama... he's an Arab terrorist..."

"No, no ma'am," he interrupted. "He's a decent family man with whom I happen to have some disagreements."

Switching shoes

If you think about, Barack Obama is the more traditonal, family-oriented man running for president. Here's an email that was forwarded to me that is pretty thought provoking. Some of the items are irrelevant, and much of McCain's appeal comes from his "brat to prisoner of war to government reformer narrative," that Obama just doesn't have.



HOW RACISM CLOUDS JUDGMENT

What if things were switched around? Would the country's collective point of view be different?

What if the Obamas had paraded five children across the stage, including an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter?

What if McCain had married only once, and Obama was divorced?

What if Obama was the candidate who left his first wife after a disfiguring car accident.

What if Obama had met his second wife at a party and embarked on an affair while he was still married?

What if John McCain had been the president of the Harvard Law Review?

What if Barack Obama had finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?

What if Michelle Obama had not only became addicted to pain killers, but also acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?

What if Cindy McCain had graduated from Harvard?

What if Obama had been a member of the Keating Five?

What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?

What if Obama had trouble reading from a teleprompter?

What if Obama was the one who had military experience that included discipline problems and a record of crashing planes?

What if Obama was the one who publicly displayed an anger management problem?

What if Michelle Obama's family had made their money from beer distribution?

What if the Obamas had adopted a white child?

If these questions reflected reality, do you think the election numbers would be as close as they are?

This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another.

And one more thing, education isn't everything, but still. . . .

Barack Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude

Joe Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

John McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899

Sarah Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters
University of Idaho - 2 semesters
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism

Fill in

Anybody else find it strange that another state rep would fill in for another state rep. at a candidates forum? And that person got equal time as the actual candidates?

Sign Wars

The political yard signs are out now. Of course they don't necessarily gauge support (think Randy Emerson), but two observations on them overall.

I've seen JUST ONE sign for Goodwin in Ark City, several for Abrams in Winfield. (I didn't canvass the whole towns, just normal course of driving) It's clear Greta Goodwin has plenty of money. Some pols don't spend them on yard signs because they think its ineffective. But still it makes you wonder ....

Also, I've seen one Obama sign in Ark City, several in Winfield on just two main roads - 9th and College.

Boot Roberts

The printed Traveler doesn't run endorsement letters to the editors, but I'll post one here that's very interesting. Bill Fielding, past president of Creekstone Farms, takes U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts to task for not supporting Creekstone's effort to test for mad cow to sell their meat overseas. Here's the letter:

BOOT ROBERTTS
Get rid of Pat Roberts! Roberts has become what American's disdain. He's been in Washington too long and plays the "good 'ol boy" game. I sat in his office more than once. Representing Cargill and Excell (large companies), he game me his attention, time and support. Representing Creekstone (small Kansas company), he gave me 10 minutes and the privilege of listneing to the phone call he took from his wfie discussing details of the upcoming tea with Laura Bush. He not only turned his back on our request to test for mad cow, he worked against our efforts. This resulted in the loss of jobs at Creekstone, and the U.S. lost the Japanese beef market to Australia - government interference over free trade.

Jim Slattery will support free trade, he has common sense, integrity, and a desire to hear both sides of an issue. I no longer live in Kansas, but I grew up and went to college there. I'm still involved in agriculture. For the future of Kansas and the future of this country, I urge you to vote for Jim Slattery. I'm a Republican and worry about the balance in the Senate, but I know that Jim Slattery will serve the people and Roberts will only serve himself.

Willing G. Fielding
Past President, Creekstone Farms

Chuck Todd at Southwestern

For political junkies like me, this is a HUGE coup — NBC's political director, Chuck Todd, is the speaker at the Docking Lecture Series at Southwestern on Oct. 20. (I believe the speech is open to the public) He's kind of the heir apparent to Tim Russert.

Goodwin-Abrams

I appeared on Kansas Week last week — the KPTS show that airs on Friday night and Sunday morning. We were suppose to talk about Goodwin-Abrams, but ran out of time discussing the bailout and VP debate.

Anyway, doing a little research before the show taped Friday afternoon, it seems clear that outside forces are going to weigh in heavily on this one, and that it will get very negative. Abrams is already up with a negative newspaper ad in Mulvane trying to cast Greta as a tax and spend liberal.

And this is what Senate minority leader Anthony Hemsley told me Friday when I asked about Abrams:

"The (state education) board during his tenure became the butt of jokes on late night TV. Made Kansas kind of the laughing stock of the whole county .... It's a very clear cut choice: A seasoned veteran legislator with a pretty strong record in representing her district, versus a guy out of the mainstream of most political thought."

Expect outside groups on both sides to push these negative narratives.

Bett's tanker attack

TIAHRT TAKES MONEY FROM NORTHROP GRUMMAN DURING 2008 ELECTION CYCLE

WICHITA, Kans. – State Senator Donald Betts, Jr. provided information at last week’s press conference that Rep. Todd Tiahrt had taken $3,000 from Northrop Grumman during the 2008 election cycle. Additionally, Tiahrt voted for on the Fiscal 2008 Department of Defense Authorization Bill HR 4986, PL 110-81, Section 804 which allowed the Secretary of Defense the ability to waive “Buy American” Provisions. It passed by the House 369-46 with Representative Tiahrt voting Aye. This vote by the entire Kansas delegation effectively allowed the Air Force to make decisions on outsourcing military work to other countries. Campaign donations to Tiahrt can be reviewed by at The Center for Responsive Politics (a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization) website at this link: http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/pacs.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00008144§or=D&seclong=Defense&cat=D03&induslong=Misc+Defense

“Todd would have you believe that he has been an opponent of ‘outsourcing’ but the truth is he voted for the bill that allowed foreign companies to bid on defense contracts.” “Most people would be shocked to learn that he voted for a bill a few years ago that undermined the ‘Buy American Act’ established in 1933 by giving the Secretary of the Defense the opportunity to let out contracts to foreign governments.”

“I am sure that Representative Tiahrt doesn’t want the public to realize that it was ‘him’ and other members of Congress and not this contract that opened the door to sending our jobs and security overseas,” said Betts. “It is an outrage that he is acting as though he supports Boeing and opposes Grumman when the truth is that he took campaign donations from Grumman,” said Betts. “We should absolutely never outsource our military contracts. The Department of Defense should always use American manufacturing for the sake of insuring the best possible products for our servicemen and women and for our nation’s defense and security.”

In addition to this legislation opening the process to foreign companies, it is important to note that in 2001, both Representative Tiahrt and Senator Roberts started receiving contributions from Grumman’s Political Action Committees (Grumman is the partner with EADS (Airbus) on the tanker project). Shortly thereafter, McCain mounted a campaign to force the Congress and Air Force to drop the Boeing tanker leasing deal introduced in October 2001. McCain bragged during the 2008 campaign for President that he had “saved” the American taxpayer 30 billion dollars by forcing the cancellation of the contract. In May 2003, Roberts voted for the John McCain amendment to the Fiscal Year 2004 military budget (Senate Bill S1050) allowing the Department of Defense to buy military equipment and services from foreign companies, including EADS, undermining the “Buy American Act”. It passed with a 50-48 largely Republican party line vote.

-MORE-

Senator Roberts and Representative Tiahrt are on the Senate and House sub appropriations committees for military spending, yet there is no evidence that they spoke out or tried to stop the cancellation of the Boeing contract in May 2004. Furthermore, the House and Senate in a series of continuing motions eroded the 50% USA content rule used by the Department of Defense by making agreements with 21 foreign countries to grant a waiver from the 50% rule. In other words, the House and Senate declared even if military equipment was manufactured in one of the 21 foreign countries it would be counted as “MADE IN THE USA”. Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and President Bush supported these motions as did Roberts and Tiahrt. These motions passed without any reported opposition from Roberts or Tiahrt.

In Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Authorization Act (HR 1815, S1042) contained the authorization for the tanker contract. HR 1815 contained 3 strong Buy American provisions:
a. Section 817 banned the Secretary of Defense from buying military hardware from any foreign company who receives subsidies from a foreign government when that government is a member of the World Trade Organization and applied only when the US is involved in an unresolved WTO dispute over the subsidies or the WTO has ruled the subsidies are illegal. The sole purpose of the amendment was to prohibit Airbus from winning the tanker contract over Boeing.
b. Section 818 required military purchases contain at least 50% USA made content. It would have invalidated the special agreements with 21 foreign countries allowing them to manufacture more than 50% USA military equipment and count it as “made in the USA”
c. Section 1212 would have prevented the US military from buying equipment from foreign companies who have sold items on the USA’s Munitions List to China.

HR 1815 passed the House and was referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee on which Senator Roberts sat. Senator Warner tried to attach the 3 “Buy American” amendments to the Senate defense appropriations bill, but in May 2005 Roberts as a member of the committee dropped the “Buy American” provisions. Grumman teamed with EADS (Airbus) to bid on the tanker in September 2005. The Senate Armed Services Committee stripped “Buy American” provisions out and it passed the Senate Armed Services Committee without any recorded objection from Roberts. On November 15, 2005, the stripped bill passed the Senate with unanimous consent with no recorded objection from Roberts. On that same day, Roberts was named to serve on the conference committee to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate bills. On December 21, 2005, the Senate agreed to the Conference Committee Report by a voice vote, again without the “Buy American” provisions.

Roberts and Tiahrt did not voice their opinions objecting to military contracts involving bidding from foreign companies or foreign countries, yet they have been very vocal as of late to show the voters of Kansas that they are the advocates of keeping military work in the U.S. “Voters need to be alert to realize this is not how they have voted and to realize this is just the latest in their campaign ploys to the public to present a different image,” said Betts.

Tiahrt on his NO vote

Tiahrt Statement Regarding the Bailout Proposal

WASHINGTON—U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today issued the following statement about the Senate Wall Street bailout proposal.

"My decision to oppose the bailout bill today did not come easily," said Tiahrt. "This week I have talked with many hard-working Kansans who are concerned about their savings and even job security. We have a serious problem and need stability in our market.

"However, this $800 billion plan only provides temporary relief while shunning long-term reform and lasting stability. I cannot support a bill that throws money at a problem in hopes it will disappear. We need tough reforms to correct the mistakes that got us into this mess.

"The bailout proposal fails to hold anyone accountable. Wall Street CEOs who practiced deceit can still make out with lavish compensation packages while regular Kansans assume billions in bad debt. Even more troubling is the bill allows foreign financial institutions to participate in the bailout on the backs of American taxpayers.

"This bill provides no assurance that we will not be faced with this financial crisis again because it falls short in reforming the underlying problems."

The Senate-passed bailout bill (H.R. 1424) passed the House by a vote of 263-171.

# # #

Abrams taxes, push poll

Abrams line of attack in a Mulvane News ad is taxes and spending. He's made the "No tax increase" pledge and attacks Goodwin for being a free-spender as the state budget has grown.

Also today, we got a call from a business person who said they had been "push polled" on the Abrams Goodwin race. The caller asked questions like "do you support Goodwin's opposition to teaching students moral values, or do you support Steve Abrams support of teaching students moral values."

A push poll, I think, is when the caller acts like a neutral pollster put slants questions in favor of a candidate.

The business person said the caller would not ID themselves and he did not record the call.

Anyone else getting these?

Apology

Mell met with NAACP president yesterday and is now apologizing. I give him credit for responding quickly. He certainly didn't have to meet with anybody about this, including them. He certainly didn't have to apologize.

Full story will be posted online later today

p.s. Full disclosure:
As a reader pointed out, Mel did tell me he planned to go as a audacious black women the week before the event. I told him he should reconsider because it would be offensive. I'm also aware of others warning him.

Here tis ...

full story on the Men in Tights controversy that includes Mel's explanation

(Note: The Web version has a correction from the print version, in case anybody got confused. He did say "bullshit" twice during the interview and it was intended to be part of the story)

Smellishis ...

Here's the picture.
Apparently the program spelled his character's name Smellishis Poon. It appears some older generation folks don't know what "Poon" or "Puhn." It's gutter slang for the female anatomy.

Betts slams Tiahrt

Press release from Betts

BETTS TO TIAHRT:
YOU VOTED FOR LEGISLATION
THAT CAUSED THIS CRISIS
WICHITA, Kan. – State Senator Donald Betts, Jr., issued a statement today that Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) failed consumers when he said that he wouldn’t support the bailout plan without “addressing the reasons our markets are in this situation.” Betts said he was disappointed that Tiahrt is pretending he has no idea of how Wall Street ended up in this predicament. “Tiahrt knows what caused these problems, he voted for the 1999 Financial Services Modernization Act that effectively gutted protections and regulations for investment and commercial banking authorized by President Franklin Roosevelt,” said Betts.
“When you look at all the problems we are facing with our economy today with 143 Americans losing their homes in the next hour and consumers suffering from rising grocery and gasoline prices, it is disgusting that our Congress is not claiming responsibility for passing the legislation that precipitated the Wall Street bailout,” said Betts. “The members of Congress that created this monster, including Congressman Tiahrt, should be held accountable.” I want to assure you that I will always fight for the voice of the people and put people over politics,” said Betts. “People deserve to have a voice in our government and it seems that the special interests and big business have had too much control in Washington D.C. and I plan to change all that when elected,” he said.
Following the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Glass-Steagall act in 1933 to protect our banking system. This legislation addressed the concern of over-speculation by banks and set up regulations for investment and commercial banking. The 1999 Financial Services Modernization Act essentially destroyed the 1933 legislation. With the bailout of Bear Stearns by Congress in March (legislation Tiahrt voted for), the takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in September, and the Federal Reserve’s help to AIG, the focus of the entire world is on the U.S. market which continues to teeter erratically. “It is such a shame that our great leaders such as President Roosevelt spent so much time ensuring legislative controls were put into place, only to have them shattered in 1999,” he said.



With the Stock Market falling over 700 points today with news of Congress not approving the bailout, many Americans are concerned about how it will affect their savings, retirement and long-term future. Senator Betts said today, “People in this country need to be reassured that they will not lose their life savings, retirements, and mortgages in lieu of the chaos on Wall Street.” “There is concern and the people need to be sure that Congress is on-the-job,” he added.

Tiahrt opposes bailout

Here's his press release. This is getting REALLY interesting politically. Democrats won't do anything without Republicans so they don't get left holding all the political baggage, and (some) Republicans are making stands against the heavy hand of government, in direct opposition to their President's wishes.



WASHINGTON—U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today issued the following statement about the Wall Street bailout bill.

"Over the last few weeks many Kansans have expressed concerns about the state of our markets that have been developing for some time. Clearly something needs to be done. We need a lasting solution that keeps families in their homes, creates stable jobs, reforms how mortgages are marketed, and ensures good small businesses can get loans.

"But this bailout bill is a rush to judgment that fails to address the underlying problems in the market. That is why today I rejected the corporate bailout proposal by Democrats and Washington insiders.

"Wall Street did not get itself into this debacle overnight, yet they expect honest people like teachers, engineers, clerks and construction workers to bail them out over the weekend. The arrogance of corrupt Wall Street stock brokers who want the little guy to sacrifice his children’s future so they can turn billions in profits is a violation of American decency.

"This is a plan crafted by Washington insiders to give money we cannot afford to greedy people who live the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

"I cannot support a sell-out plan that throws our money at a problem without addressing the reasons our markets are in this situation. This is a bill of no reforms that raises our national debt by $1.3 trillion – more than 10 percent. But that is what should be expected when Wall Street greed gets together with Washington insiders to craft the largest corporate bailout plan in our history.

"Although this is a difficult decision given market uncertainties, there are better solutions than the one being pushed by President Bush and Democrat leaders in Congress."

Our Mayor

Mell Kuhn was a contestant in the Men in Tights fundraiser for CASA last night. It's a cross-dressing beauty pagent that is a big hoot. I participated in 2006.

I give credit to anybody who has the courage to do this, and being goofy and off the wall is part of the fun. But ....

Kuhn's female persona was ... Smellishous Puhn. At one point, according to our reporter there, he told the crowd to see him perform later at Lizard Lounge with his band, the Puhntangs.

And on top off all that. He came as a black woman. Painting his face black.

I wasn't there so I don't know how it came off, but just the decision to use that name and come as a black woman has me shaking my head. CASA reminds participants to keep it family oriented and avoid vulgar or X-rated behavior. I'm surprised they let the name go. Apparently he was the judges favorite????

Mell has earned a reputation as outspoken and a populist, but also as boarish and impulsive. Personally I find him interesting to talk to. He doesn't seem to take criticism personally and he is candid, to say the least.

But for crying out loud ...

Tiahrt/McCain

Tiahrt's reason for not debating is similar to the one McCain has had - gotta be in D.C. to do the people's business. But Tiahrt said it first!

Tiahrt's campaign manager responded to Bett's charges against the Congressmen. I forgot (it was late on deadline) to include his responses to Tiahrt taking money from Northrop Grumman. Tiahrt got some big sums - $8,000 in 2006 and $3,000 this year. His manager, Robert Noland, said he doubted whether Northop Grumman would be giving any more to the Congressman.

UPDATE:

Betts campaign manager Lisa Reis called to say the "forum" Tiahrt will attend is not a debate at all because both men will appear at different times.

Betts on offense

My guess is that members of congress on both sides of the aisle will have money from banking industry they'll have to account for. Betts obviously is hoping to get some traction against Tiahrt on this financial mess. Tiahrt, a deregulator at his core, is vunerable on this issue.


NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lisa Reiss, Press Secretary
September 25, 2008 (316) 312-7777
“People Over Politics”

TIAHRT RECEIVED OVER $500,000 IN BANKING
INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTIONS
WICHITA, Kan. – Two days ago, The Center for Responsive Politics in Washington, D.C., noted that Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) received $542,631 in banking industry campaign contributions while in Congress and voted for the 1999 legislation which dramatically altered the U.S. banking industry. The Centers’ website, www.opensecrets.org, listed Members of Congress who voted for the passage of the 1999 Financial Services Modernization Act (also known as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley bill) which essentially allowed for the mega-growth of the largest banks in the U.S. and their subsequent risky lending practices. The website also listed other members of Congress which voted for the legislation and the subsequent financial contributions they received from the industry.
Following the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Glass-Steagall act in 1933 to protect our banking system. This legislation addressed the concern of over-speculation by banks and set up regulations for investment and commercial banking. The 1999 Financial Services Modernization Act essentially gutted this historic legislation in 1933. With the bailout of Bear Stearns by Congress in March (legislation Tiahrt voted for), the takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in September, and the Federal Reserve’s help to AIG, the focus of the entire world is on the U.S. market which continues to teeter erratically.
In reviewing the votes from the 1999 legislation, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, found that members of Congress that voted for the lifting of restrictions on commercial banking, investment banks and insurance companies, received over two-times more financial donations from them as the legislators that opposed it. Further information also showed that Tiahrt received the following contributions: $24,700 from commercial bank contributions; $6,500 from Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac; $4,050 from Morgan Stanley (one of the world’s top investment banks); $3,000 from Citigroup; $1,000 from Merrill Lynch; $2,000 from Bank of America. With companies such as Morgan Stanley which favors privatizing Social Security and deregulating the banking industry, you can see the effects of that in today’s Wall Street market.
-More-


As President Bush and members of Congress work out the details for a $700 billion taxpayer bailout of financial markets, many Americans are concerned about how it will affect their savings, retirement and long-term future. Senator Betts said today, “I believe the recent developments on Wall Street prove that without proper regulation, greed runs rampant and can undermine the economic foundation of this country. “A stable economy that people can depend on is one of the most important factors in America’s security equation, said Betts. Former SEC chairman William H. Donaldson told Bill Moyers on October 31,, 2007, that without proper regulations in place, capitalism will become dysfunctional. I agree with him,” Betts continued.
“We’ve tried deregulation,” said Betts, “and that has led us to our current economic crisis. Now that we are in a crisis mode, however, we need to be very careful because each bailout invites the next round of speculative excess. And, every time we repeat this cycle, we get bigger and riskier bubbles.” “Every bailout,” explained Betts, “is a two-edged sword that we need to handle very carefully so we don’t injure the economy any more than it is already injured.”
Betts said it is unfortunate that taxpayers will have to foot the bill for the banking crisis to avoid financial disaster for this country. “However, because the taxpayer is being called on to bear the brunt of this fiasco,” said Betts, “I think it’s only fair that the taxpayer’s representatives in Washington have the right to monitor the mechanisms that will be put in place to correct this deregulation-caused fiasco and Congress has a right to legislate strict controls to protect the taxpayers’ investment.” “When you look at all the problems we are facing with our economy today with 143 Americans losing their homes in the next hour and consumers suffering from rising grocery and gasoline prices, it is disgusting that our Congress is not claiming responsibility for passing the legislation that precipitated the Wall Street bailout,” said Betts. “The members of Congress that created this monster, including Congressman Tiahrt, should be held accountable.” I want to assure you that I will always fight for the voice of the people and put people over politics,” said Betts. “People deserve to have a voice in our government and it seems that the special interests and big business have had too much control in Washington D.C. and I plan to change all that when elected,” he said.
Betts is running for the 4th Congressional seat currently held by Todd Tiahrt who has been in office since 1994. Betts has been actively working for Kansans since 2002, when he was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives. He went on to serve in the Senate, bridging party lines to focus on the important issues that affect everyone including support for education through the Workforce Kansas Quick Careers. Among his many accomplishments, Betts took a stand against the practices of genocide with Senate Substitute for HB 2457 which was signed into law divesting Kansas Public Employee Retirement Funds from Darfur. “It has been my pleasure to represent Kansans in Topeka but I believe that now is the time to make their voices heard in Washington, D.C.,” said Betts. “Our nation is in an economic crisis and people are hurting – it’s time to make some choices to make our country strong again and to be fair to everyone, not just the special interests.”
-30-

Rumors, religiousity, etc..

A poster raised the spector of "rumors" about Kasha Kelley's personal life in a blog post. It was a brief mention in a longer post about other issues, so I let it go. Others asked for clarification, but I rejected the post that explained the "rumors." I will do my best NOT to allow this blog to spread unfounded rumors about somebody's personal life, even if they are elected officials.

None of us deserve that treatment — even in cyberspace.


Questioning someone's religious authenticity, however, is fair game these days with religion so embedded in political life. Barack Obama can tell you.

Palin protection

It is getting a bit strange sequestered Palinhow is from the media

Kansas presidential race

This is closest poll I've seen. Obama is enjoying a surge right now, but McCain has just pulled a possible game-changer by suspending his campaign until the bailout bill passes and asking to postpone Friday's debate. Will he look presidential by putting "country" first" or will he look desparate, because his support is slipping...

Betts in town

Donald Betts sure has been in Cowley County lots for a guy who you'd think would want to concentrate on turnout in Wichita for any chance to beat Tiahrt. Unless there's some kind of unexpected tidal waive, like in 1994 Republican Revolution, I'm doubtful of Bett's chances

Slattery sliding

New Rassmusen http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifpoll shows Slattery sliding against Roberts. Roberts has put up some effective TV ads. Haven't seen anything from Slattery.

Bluegrass voters

Interesting to see several Obama bumper stickers on cars in the parking lot at the Bluegrass festival in Winfield. Must be those tree-huggers from Lawrence. Didn't see any McCain stickers. Festival-goers lean liberal, I think, which creates an interesting dicotomy of progressive invaders into a rural, conservative region. It's the music that binds folks together....

Trickle down?

How much do you think national political winds against incumbents and the Republican Party in general will affect state races?

I haven't seen any polls on how Kansans think about the direction the state is in, but my guess is that it's not too much better than the anxious feelings people have across the country.

This could bode well for Burr against Kelley, an incumbent Republican who probably would do well to highlight independence from her party, which runs the Legislature. But it could also serve Abrams well against Goodwin. She's a Democrat, but she's is a long-time legislator and could be perceived to be part of the problem ....

Why both?

I'm having a hard time figuring out why Ark City city officials want to put both the road tax and hospital tax on the ballot at the same time. Seems to me that this gives voters a chance to pick between them. In the clutter of the general election campaign, making the case for BOTH projects will be hard to do.

I would think they would want to the take the route of school bond, for at least one of the initiatives.

If a tax increase is the only question on the ballot - esp. a mail ballot - you might be able to drive voter turnout among people paying attention and likely to vote for such improvements.

With a huge turnout for the general, you'll get people who are just there to vote for president and who won't want to raise their taxes for anything.

Probably this analysis is missing something. Interested in what others think?

County taxes

This may or may not have been the right thing to do. I really haven't studied the issue. But will opponents of incumbents Carmelita Clarkson and Gary Wilson, try to make hay of the county raising property taxes in difficult economic times?

McTruth

McCain apparently thinks all's fair in love and war AND politics.

The mediatide rises.

Sex ed

A reader writes:

I was listening to the radio and heard about the Illinois record on teaching sex education to 5-8 year olds. (I believe they state is as level 1 sex education) I was taken aback slightly. (aprroved by Senator Obama)

I pray that Kansas does not have the same requirements. As, I feel that it's a 'little too much'.

Here's afact check on this story. I'm quite sure Kansas doesn't have this policy.

Burr knocking

Gene Burr is out knocking on doors. He left a phamphlet in our door on C Street. The slogan says, "A common man who will work for the common good" It goes on to list his resume and general traits/goals he says he would bring to the office, such as good common sense, concern for education, health care for every Kansan, etc ..

What I found most interesting where the contrast statements ...has no further political aspirations, obligated to no organization or interest group, retired with no job to distract him.

These function as indirect references to Kasha Kelley, who, true or not, is believed to aspire for higher office, has been criticized, (or applauded, depending on your view) for close ties to Americans for Prosperity, and is CEO of First Intermark.

Seems like Gene is trying to define himself as an everyman with people's pocketbook needs in mind, untainted by the political process. My guess is that Kasha will tout her legislative successes (transparency web site, stalking bill) and her votes to keep spending in check and bring tax relief, which ressonate in tough political times. She also has the second amendment credentials and "marriage protection" vote to bolster her social conservative record, which goes a long way in these parts ....

Haven't seen any ads or literature of hers yet .....

Bias

From a reader:

Thought one of the goals of journalism was to be fair, balanced, & hopefully impartial.

Are you a journalist, David?


I'll explain this again. This is my BLOG. It's not the front page of the newspaper. It's equivalent to a running column and my opinions/views are part of it, as are everybody elses.

Rush to judgement?

This could settle some jitters in the separation of church and state crowd. This is also a fascinating take on the whole Christian/family values debate. She might be more ambitious than she is religious? This infoalso seems to put her more in the mainstream than first assumed.

More on Palin's religious views

Good story, although just scratching the surface, on Palin's religious background/views

The irony

No wonder people are so cynical about politics. First McCain and company deride Obama for just making good speeches. Then VP pick Palin makes a good speech, McCain supporters go crazy over her, and Obama people say it was just a speech.

Wingnut or God's agent?

Now I see why the Christian conservatives love her ...

Counter-intuitive

What was he thinking?

McCain proved his Maverick credentials with the Palin pick. But for a guy trying to say the other guy is not ready to lead, you've got to wonder: What the heck was he thinking?

Debate season

Let the fun begin

McChanged

I suppose you have to clam up and stay on message to tame the media circus when running for president, but it sure seems John McCain has changed

The Slattery show

Jim Slattery wants a fight with Roberts. Here's my story from Monday on Slattery's campaign swing through Cowley. Here's a press release issued after the story by the Roberts campaign. They hit back fast ....




Slattery Says Missing Votes on Kansas Military, Education and Health Issues “Not Significant” to Kansans

TOPEKA, KS – Highlighting his own absenteeism as a congressman and his lack of commitment to the concerns of Kansans while seeking personal political gain, Jim Slattery said the votes he missed votes on military, agriculture, education and health issues are not significant to Kansans.

In Monday’s Winfield Daily Courier, Slattery acknowledged he missed more than half the votes in 1994 and said “none of those votes held major significance for Kansans.”(http://winfieldcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=25736&TM=47408.94)

Slattery’s attendance while he was campaigning for his gubernatorial race was so poor that he ranked 433 out of 435 members of Congress in attendance in the House of Representatives that year. As a result, he skipped votes on the military, school nutrition programs, farm programs and education programs.

“Slattery put his personal political ambitions ahead of his elected responsibilities,” Molly Haase, Communications Director said. “Kansans deserve a strong and steady voice in Washington, and Slattery’s disregard for doing the work he was elected – and paid to do – for Kansas is simply unacceptable.”
The following is a sample of votes Slattery missed in 1994:
HR 4301- FY 1995 Defense Authorization - passage
HR 4506 - FY 1995 Energy and Water Appropriations - passage
HR 4554 - FY 1995 Agriculture Appropriations - passage
HR 4568 - FY 1994 Housing Supplemental Appropriations - passage
HR 8 - Federal Nutrition Programs Reauthorization
S 2182 - FY 1995 Defense Authorization Conference Report
H.R. 4603 - CJS Appropriations Conference Report
H.R. 4624 - FY 1995 VA/HUD Appropriations Conference Report
H.R. 4604 - FY 1995 Labor, HHS Appropriations Conference Report
H.R. 4554 - FY 1995 Agriculture Appropriations Conference Report
H.R. 4650 - FY 1995 Defense Appropriations Conference Report
S. 349 - Lobbying Disclosure Conference Report
HR 6 - Elementary and Secondary School Reauthorization Conference Report
H.R. 1520 - Petroleum Marketing Practices - Motion to suspend the rules and pass
“In contrast, Pat Roberts has run for statewide office three times and has never shirked his responsibility to the people who elected him,” said Haase. “The choice in this election is clear: a senator who never stops working for Kansas or a millionaire Washington lobbyist who didn’t even bother to show up.”
For more information, please visit www.robertsforsenate.com .

The lost

Comment from a viewer:

"I'd rather have a real black president like Alan Keyes or that general instead of a muslim."

Could someone please enlighten this poor soul ....

Cal Thomas is right

For once ....

Thomas is a good columnist because he writes and thinks well. I rarely agree with his opinions, but he is spot about how cooperative campaigning could restore people's faith in our system.

WHAT HAPPENED TO COMMON GROUND?

By Cal Thomas, Tribune Media Services
Thomas, Cal
Posted 08/20/2008 at 1:00 pm EST
For Release 08/21/2008


Last Monday at a trade show for people who are part of the Florida tourist industry, I asked the 750 assembled for lunch how many were happy with the tone of modern politics? Not a hand was raised.


Since my Democratic friend Bob Beckel and I wrote our book "Common Ground: How to Stop the Partisan War That Is Destroying America," among the public, I have found a growing discontent about a campaign that had promised to be different. Both John McCain and Barack Obama said they wanted to put to rest the divisive and incendiary politics of the past, but in their present campaigns both have now succumbed to politics as usual.


How did this happen when the public consistently says it is sick of it and hates the tearing down of the other candidate rather than the building up of the country?


In this campaign, part of the answer has to do with the massive media buildup of Obama, which has led the McCain campaign to do commercials mocking his "deity." It has been the only way McCain thought he could bring Obama down to earth. But a part of the reason also has to do with the veteran handlers, special-interest groups, fund-raisers and other unworthies who have made a lot of money and gained considerable power over the years with their slash-and-burn tactics. Candidates fear losing more than anything else and when confronted with the possibility of political death, they will cling to any lifeline thrown in their direction. If destroying one's opponent has worked before, maybe it will work again -- in spite of the public's distaste.


McCain signaled that maybe this time things would be different when he proposed that he and Obama participate in a series of meetings without a media panel. I called this "An American Conversation." I had hoped it could be modeled on the fascinating Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, during which the Senate candidates eloquently battled over the big issues of their day. Lincoln and Douglas toured seven Illinois towns and drew thousands to their debates. The Lincoln-Douglas debates remain one of the great models for civil discourse in the less-than-stellar history of American politics.


The Obama campaign at first indicated it might agree to the meetings, but then someone decided such gatherings might put Obama at a disadvantage, which is hard to imagine given Obama's superior verbal firepower and quick mind. Maybe a consultant, fearful of losing control of the candidate, nixed it. We'll have to wait for the history of this campaign to be written to find out.


Beckel has a suggestion he thinks might yet redeem the time. He thinks that 10 days to two weeks before the campaign ends, one of the candidates should announce he is tired of the negativity and until Election Day will refuse to utter a negative word about his opponent, focusing instead on the positive aspects of his own campaign. Beckel thinks this would sway the large independent vote in the direction of whichever candidate does it and means it, thereby handing him the election.


It worked for Jim Webb. In 2006, Webb was running against incumbent Senator George Allen, and the race was close. In the closing weeks of the campaign, Webb emphasized positive themes while Allen attacked Webb for racy passages in the novels he had written. Webb narrowly won. Beckel thinks the positive commercials sealed the deal, especially with independent voters.


Beckel also believes -- and I agree -- that Obama and McCain should tell the Commission on Presidential Debates that they are rejecting the tired format of journalists questioning them and they should come up with their own format, modeled after Lincoln-Douglas. The interest level would be sky-high and be reflected in the TV ratings.


Obama and McCain could change politics for a generation if they did this, but if they continue along their current path of mutual destruction, there will be no common ground, only scorched earth that will enhance the bitterness and cynicism most people already have toward politics and politicians.


(Direct all MAIL for Cal Thomas to: Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, N.Y. 14207. Readers may also e-mail Cal Thomas at tmseditors@tribune.com.

Been waiting for this ...

Obama's trying out the hhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifwhackjob McCain attack. This could really stick, but it would sure get dirty with McCain framing Obama as a shallow waffler and Obama framing McCain as an unstable warmonger

McCain's liberal VP

Doubt this will happen, but McCain is testing the idea of choosing Joe Liberman for VP. He's with McCain on foreign policy, but downright liberal on most everything else

You all know my preference for Obama, but wouldn't that shake up the political world in good way if a Republican and Democrat were on the same ticket? It might be a way out of the cynicism and downright disgust many people have with our elected officials.

Guess not

From Politicalwire.com

Update: A Political Wire reader emails to say he owns the domain name obamasebelius.com and that he's not affiliated with the Obama campaign in any way.

Could it be ....

Sebelius?

Burr's pull

Gene Burr raised a good sum during the primary season, but Kasha Kelley has more money saved up over the last several years. Story here and reports here.

If you see this book, run...

The man who helped bring you Swiftvote Veterans for Truth is now trying the same tactic on Obama with a new book, ObamaNation. He doesn't have a lineup of veterans to testify for this one, though, and his credibility is weak due to some internet ravings and oddball conspiracies

Troublesome things is that people are buying this book. Hope that doesn't mean they are "buying into" it.

Life Sciences Fund

Stay tuned to the Traveler and Courier for a story on Kasha and Gene's fundraising so far. Burr raised a fair chunk but Kelley had lots in the bank.

A reader said one of Burr's donors was a fringe group, Kansans for Life Sciences. (They gave him $500) Not sure that's accurate. They seem no more fringe than say, the pro-gambling lobby or the anti-gambling lobby. They are on one side of a controversial issue, (stem cell research) as this storty tells.

Confederate flag

This is not an issue in this campaign (yet) but it's a nice feeling that the next president of the United States, Obama or McCain , sees the confederate flag for what it is.

Burr Kelley preview

Here's my story, finally, on the Burr letter attacking Kelley's record

By the way, the opening line should have said "playing offense" not "playing offensive" Bad grammer and bad proofing ....
-da

The end of Phill

Can't say I'm sad about this one.

Holy blowout!

COUNTY SHERIFF
Vote for 1
RANDY EMERSON . . . . . . . . . 353 11.98
DON READ. . . . . . . . . . . 2,593 88.02

Obama "uppity?"

Anybody agree with this judgment? I think it's nearly impossible to know true motives on this, but its understandable why some would be suspicious

The case for Sebelius

Eve Fairbanks on the New Republic blog makes a strong case for the Kansas Governor as Obama's veep, better than Tom Kaine of Virginia. Best argument I've heard so far.

Donor info

Here's my story on campaign finance reports. Read really raked it in. If fundraising reflects support, he's on top.

Someone earlier asked whether his sign on the US 77 billboard was a conflict because it might be publicly owned. His report indicates that Hays Sign Co. owns the billboard and gave him free use of it for two months. He did spent lots of money with Hays. Wonder whether they do much biz with the county/sheriff department?

Follow the money

We will have a story on campaign finance reports from all candidates, but the Sec. of State has those for state offices on the Web already.

Big story

Blockbuster story coming on the sheriff's race, but you'll have to wait until publishing time. sHere' the looong, but informative report from the KSOK debate Tuesday night

I'm back

from vacation. In Maine, there are more Obama bumper stickers than McCain, which I didn't mind :)

Anyway, the primary races are upon us. County Commission District 3 has two contested primaries. Here and here are the GOPers. Hereand here are sheriff candidates.

Look for stories on debates/forums coming up at KSOK and fair. The candidates latest fundraising and spending reports are also available at the County Clerk's office. We should have stories soon on those (and hopefully get them online)

Vacation

I'm on vacation until the 28th. I might try to post something, but don't count on it. This means your posts will have to wait a few days. Sorry but I don't have a fill in.

-David Allen

A Senate takeover?

Interesting AP story yesterday about the Kansas Republican Assembly, the more conservation wing of the party. They are on the offensive in this campaign against the moderates, who control the state Senate. They've endorsed Kasha Kasha and Steve Abrams, according to their Web site. The counter group, Kansas for a Traditional Republican Majority, also a Web site (not very developed, though)



Because of this split, you'll have the odd occurance where Senate Republican leaders will support, if not in dollars, in spirit, Democrats such as Greta Goodwin here in Cowley County, because they do not want to lose control to theright wing of the Party, which Abrams represents.

Courting Kathleen

Sebelius apparently really IS in the running for Obama's Veep, the Boston Globe reports
The story mentions political symbolism and photo ops. Doesn't get any better than the one in Ark City last week.

Election Center

Check out our campaign site. Let me know if you have any suggestions for it

Gov. in town

Governor Sebelius was in Ark City for a ceremonial signing of a new law that strengthens anti-stalking laws, passed after Jodi Sanderholm's death.

I've got to say that Kasha Kelley, who introduced the bill and sheperded it though the House, was dissed by not being asked to comment or given proper credit by the Democrats in the room. A high level Democrat not part of the ceremony made it a point to tell me it was unfair. (don't want their name used)

Learning about Leach

Here's my story on the George Leach, who faces Steve Abrams in the Republican primary for the 32nd District. He's pretty green.

Forums at the Fair

The chambers of commerce are holding political forums during the fair. One for county candidates, one for state candidates. Here's the newsletter with the info

Abrams-Leach

Hard to believe the primary is a month away. The sheriff's race is getting most of the attention, but I think a fascinating contest is the Republican primary for state senate. Steve Abrams is the front-runner of course. But he's such a divisive figure that it will be interesting to see how George Leach, an unknown figure from Mulvane,will do. Leach hasn't done any campaigning yet (none down here, at least) and we haven't had any stories on him (coming soon. He told me the other day he doesn't think people are taking him seriously. I also heard that Republican party leaders were upset with him because he didn't consult them before he filed. They probably wanted Abrams to walk surefooted into the general to face Goodwin, which will be a barn-burner of an election, I'm sure.

Sheriff's race

Got be Republican or "unaffiliated" to weigh on the big sheriff's race in Aug. Story here

Burr on offense

Gene Burr, who faces Kasha Kelley in the general election for state house rep., sent out a fundraising letter that challenges Kelley's performance. Fundraising solicitations are often negative. My wife and I were included probably because we're both registered Democrats. (I switched from independent to caucus for Obama in Feb.)

The letter accuses Kasha of following her party blindly, but doesn't get specific. I think Gene should offer more details, so we'll be asking him.

Mars responds

Below I've posted John Mars answer to questions regarding his arrest last year. To view his full post, see the comments section under the Mars Update entry in April.

......As for the famous arrest last year I will address that briefly. Last year my family and the community suffered the loss of two young men in a very needless fashion. Young men with great promise. The second of the two had become quite close to our family in the year preceding the tragedy. I had some terse words with him regarding his attitude the day before leaving on a business trip and when I returned he was gone. I am afraid that emotionally I handled the experience very poorly. To the extent that one Saturday a few weeks later w my wife felt the need to summon the police as she was in fear for my own safety. Bad judgment on my part and probably very good judgment on hers. I will not address the issue in any more depth than that.

I believe I represented Arkansas City very well on the Board of Education for four years but if you are in need of someone with a flawless past to represent you at the county level and let that be the basis of your judgment at the ballot box then please cast your vote for someone else. If you would like someone with proven leadership ability with a passion for the county’s future and is willing to acknowledge that elected office is a privilege and will always listen to you then I encourage you to contact me at 442-0764 or at jmars@cox.net to find out more about where I stand on the issues.

Sincerely,
John Mars

Roberts vunerable?

Slattery's folks would like you to believe so.

Here's a copy of an mass email they're sending out

Hello David,

Two months ago Jim Slattery announced his candidacy for the United States Senate alongside Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Since then we have put together a professional staff, traveled across the state and seen that Kansans are struggling. But with your help, we can make a difference.

I wanted to share some great news with you. Monday, a poll was released by Rasmussen Reports that puts Jim Slattery within striking distance of Pat Roberts. The poll indicates this race is in single digits and since last month, Jim Slattery has narrowed Pat Roberts lead from 12 to 9 percent. This race looks to be an upset in the making and you can be a part of it.

Pat Roberts has been in Washington since before Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, he has lost touch with the needs of Kansas families. With the price of gas at record highs, the federal government failing to resolve the War in Iraq, and many Kansans lacking access to quality, affordable health care, the truth is Kansans are tired of the old politics and we are ready for change.

With the entrance of Jim Slattery into the race for US Senate, what was once considered a safe seat held by Republicans is now a competitive race. Jim Slattery is the candidate to beat Pat Roberts and will be an independent voice for Kansans working with both Democrats and Republicans to find common sense Kansas solutions to the problems facing our state and our nation.

I hope you will join me in supporting Jim Slattery for the United States Senate and please visit the campaign website or call our office at 1-888-JIM-2008.

Thank you,
Julie

porn vs. mature

Some good discussion on this blog about what is acceptable literature for high school students. Certainly some books might be "inappropriate" for say, 10th grade American literature class. The same book could be appropriate for senior literature. These are hard calls to make and depend on the level of maturity of a student, the ability and talents of the teacher.

The underlying point, though, stands. None of these books — Song of Solomon, Beloved, Black Boy etc.. are "PORN," as crudely labeled by Steve Abrams, and others. That's a simplistic, incendiary label, meant to characterize teachers and superintendents as corruptors of children.

That's a big stretch.

What is porn?

A reader issues the challenge based on an earlier post about Steve Abram's labeling some classroom books as "porn."

"Is this one of the pieces of "well-regarded literature" that you want your daughter reading? Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison"


Well, I haven't read it. But I have read "Beloved" by Morrison and parts of "Black Boy" by Richard Wright. And I would LOVE for my daughter, in American Literature class, to be exposed to them. These are difficult books that challenge the reader, but in the hands of a good teacher they are powerful illustrations of the American experience.

I'll use the Bible defense — take passage of it out of context and it could be labeled "porn," too. Fifty years ago they wanted to ban "Catcher in the Rye" for a few cuss words. Huck Finn, etc.....

Leach's response ...

TO A QUESTION FROM A READER ASKING WHY HE SWITCHED FROM DEMO TO REPO

Dear Interested Citizen,

Thanks for your question. I really appreciate the chance to interact with those who will be deciding the next person they want to represent their district and more personally, themselves. It is certainly reasonable to wonder why a candidate would change party affiliations. My answer may sound simple but I have come to believe that theRepublican platform has come to model more closely how I feel about various issues in the political arena. Parties such as Democrats and Republicans have party platforms that have evolved over time. Even todays party platforms may look dramatically different 10 years from now than they do today. As a matter of integrity, I believe that candidates should remain open-minded to issues that affect us in our everyday lives so that if it becomes necessary to switch party affiliations, we have enough courage to do so. My experience in the military has taught me that to be a leader, you can't blindly follow the course you are placed on without considering all options available to you. In politics, it should be no different. You should feel confident that you will elect someone who will listen, evaluate, and not blindly follow before making a decision on important political issues that affect us all.

You ask about Bob Voegle and I do not know Bob so I can't speak to his motivation for wanting to change party affiliations. I can only give you insight into what leads me to decide it's the right thing for me to do. I hope my answer is helpful. Thanks again for your question.

My motto is and has always been you must lead from the front.

George

Shenanigans?

A reader asks:
Can you explain to us the "board of education shenanigans" as you put it for those of us that don't know what your talking about? But I'm thinking from your comment it will be a little one sided...

OK, "shenanigans" is a value judgment. I fall on the side that believes it strayed off course in recent years. I was referring to a series of things, most notably the yo-yoing standards on evolution teaching in the past 7 years, highlighted by the hearings on Intelligent Design that were ridiculed by scientists; the hiring of a guy with no experience inside the education world that infuriated other board members; and the label of some well-regarded literature as "porn."

I might be missing something.

Wilson vs. Voegele

We'll be doing a story on the County Commission District 2 candidates soon, Democratic incumbent Gary Wilson and challenger Bob Voegele, a Republican. Voegele is active in the farm bureau and I believe led the study into starting an ethanol plant in Cowley County. (Didn't pan out)

Wonder if he was motivated by the fire district controversy, or perhaps the desire of some residents to repair/rebuild the East Chestnut Bridge, which floods at high water.

Abrams mystery solved

Looks like Steve Abrams changed him mind and has filed to run against Greta Goodwin for state Senator. Whoa. That could be a knock down drag out between two forceful personalities who are polar opposite on the issues. First, though, Abrams has to get past a primary opponent - the guy from Mulvane, George Leach.

Abrams has the name recognition the and social conservative base, but Goodwin won't be afraid to go after him for his part in the board of education shenanigans the last decade. Goodwin, though, is vunerable as a center-left politician and she has made a few enemies with her aggressive approach. She is a good retail politician, though, advocating for local institutions and concerns.

Another state board candidate

Marty Marshall, another Wichita Republican, has filed for Abram's District 10 state board of ed seat. Still no Abram's filing. Deadline noon tommorrow.

Goodwin competitor

George Leach, Mulvane Republican, has filed for 32nd state Senate District.

Anybody know this guy?

Abram's stepping down?

Just interviewed David Dennis, Republican from Wichita, who filed to run for state board of education in District 10. He kind of floored when he said he decided to run after learned that Abrams was NOT running. We ran this story in March saying he would stand for reelection. He hasn't filed yet, according to state Web site. Trying to reach him asap.

I questioned Dennis on this, but he seemed pretty certain Abrams wasn't running.

Abrams competition

Paul Casanova, of Andover, has filed as a Democrat in Steve Abram's District 10 State Board of Education seat. Anybody know anything about him?