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Does it concern you that 46% of republicans believe the President is Muslim? Or that 27% doubt he is a citizen of the United States? If so Read Timothy Egan of the New York Times post from 8/25 (http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/building-a-nation-of-know-nothings/).

Where do Jerry Moran, Sam Brownback and Mike Pompeo stand on the president's citizenship and his religious affiliation? I want to know and I think Kansas has the right to know. Why? Because if they believe that he is a Muslim or is not a citizen then they will be wrong and at a minimum look foolish for being misinformed which erodes their credibility. If they admit that he is a citizen, a Christian and that TARP was a republican bill that was signed by a republican President then that erodes their conservative base. Either way we Donkeys win! Why is the media not asking where these candidates stand on this? Why is no questioning why Brownback voted for Cash for Clunkers and how he rationalizes that with being fiscally conservative? Where does he stand on state and federal financial support for aviation and agriculture? How does that line up with his parties stance on government intervention in the market place?

These are important questions that deserve to be asked of candidates from both parties.  I suspect they will playh in favor of Democratic candidates.

Overland Park, Kansas — August 18, 2010 — Dr. Lisa Johnston has earned the endorsement of the Mainstream Coalition, a highly respected nonpartisan political organization.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Mainstream Coalition” said Lisa Johnston. “I believe that Kansans want leaders who are reasonable, moderate, and dedicated to representing the interests of everyday people including personal and religious freedom, human rights, and strengthening public education. My opponent demonstrated in his primary election that he is not a moderate but an extreme conservative which is not what the majority of Kansans want in their leaders.”

On August 3rd, Lisa defeated four other Democratic primary candidates to become the Democratic nominee for United States Senate. Voters throughout the state responded positively to her four key campaign priorities: job creation in Kansas, promoting economic strength and fiscal accountability, prioritizing education, and leading with integrity. Learn more about Lisa by visiting her website.

Lisa hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the U.S. Senate. “The overwhelming majority of U.S. Senators have professional backgrounds in law, business or politics. For example, my opponent in this race has a background in law and has been as a U.S. Congressman for fourteen years. He is a true Washington insider which is not what people are looking for right now.” said Lisa “We need more diversity in our political leadership and people from all walks of life with professional experience that will strengthen the legislative process. Education is under-represented in Washington. We need more U.S. Senators who understand education from the inside. I feel my leadership experience, professional expertise in education, desire to represent the people, and commitment to serve with integrity will allow me to succeed as a U.S. Senator and fight for what is best for Kansans and all Americans.”

About the Mainstream Coalition:
The Mainstream Coalition is the Moderate Alliance of Informed Neighbors. Founded in 1993, the Mainstream coalition is dedicated to civil and human rights, public education, personal and religious freedom, and eliminating prejudice, discrimination, and hostility. The Mainstream coalition endorses candidates running for all levels of office regardless of political affiliation based on their stated positions on issues central to the mission of the organization.

So the Pompeo campaign got caught slinging mud...and why is anybody surprised? It is what he and his party do. I'm not running for office so I'll say it like it is, it's typical. They got nothing. Their economic mismanagement brought the world to the brink of financial ruin and their lies caused a war that could have been avoided (that's Iraq for you Pachyderms). How do you come back from the political ash heap after that? Launch mud and see where it lands. If it means play on peoples fears rather than inspire them, do it. Why is anybody surprised by this? They have no choice. It is either that or become politically insignificant. The toothless get ruthless.

So buckle up Raj and all the other Donkeys in key races around the state. The GOP is just getting started.

Hey GOP! I'll see your the 14th amendment and raise you the second. Now...as a hunter and gun owner I have no intention of advocating the repeal of the second amendment, but do you see where this is headed? Constitutional amendments are not there to be changed or repealed for political convenience. Otherwise who is to say that all of them couldn't be changed at some point given the right political conditions, including your prized second amendment. This is a genie you do not want to let out just because you disagree with the ruling of a specific judge or court. The potential long term consequences of your short term political grandstanding are substantial.

BTW- I wonder where Jerry, Mike and Sam stand on this issue? Maybe someone should ask them. I'm pretty sure I know where the Dems are on this.

 Please feel free to insert examples from your area into the following commentary and forward to others as you see fit...

 

So you say you are against big government spending? Recently CIBOR, are research facility at Wichita State University, grew bone in a mammal for the first time without the body rejecting it. It's a break through that could potentially help soldiers and crash victims among others. This same technology can be used to improve the structure and weight of emergency equipment like stretchers and surgical equipment. The University has collaborated with area suppliers to develop the technology yet much of its start up funding came from government sources. CIBOR is an example of a joint effort between the government and the private sector that can change lives and launch entirely new industries that otherwise wouldn't have been financially feasible for the foreseeable future.

So you say you are against big government spending? The you must be willing to let Hawker leave Kansas. Keeping them here will require local and state officials to put together an attractive financial package the may include funds given to the state by Washington for business development and worker training. For your stance to logically work you must be against such government intervention otherwise your flip flopping and we wouldn't want that would we.

So you say you are against big government spending? Where do you stand on the $27 million in state bonds issued by the State of Kansas to build the Learjet 85 in Wichita? The funding for which came from The Economic and Recovery Act of 2009. How would you have voted on the bailout of the US automakers? Are you against that but for this?

So you say you are against big government spending? Has your business received tax incentives, money for employee training, or bonds from local, state or federal agencies? Does the day care facility your children attend receive government funds. What about the agencies that oversee them so that they are safe and clean?

Like it or not, the government in its many forms can be a useful tool in growing the private sector and in creating and retaining jobs. If you are against big government spending than in order for your argument to work you must oppose these kinds of partnerships too and what a tragedy it would be to let these important partnerships fail.

During the upcoming election cycle it is important for us to critically and question those loud and boisterous politician wanna-bes that rail against such things without giving any details about what programs they want to cut and by what amount. Don't let them speak in generalities. Hold them accountable! Ask tough questions! Stir the pot! Then ask yourself how their answer might affect you, your family or your friends before you vote.

Vote wisely my friends.

Charles Schollenberger and his campaign staff wish to thank many Kansans around the state for their efforts in our behalf. While not ultimately successful in the recent U.S. Senate primary, we are proud that we were the only campaign that took a serious position on many of the major issues facing the country while at the same time proposing solutions.

We started out campaigning for both the health insurance and the financial reform bills until they both passed. We ran a campaign on many other issues, as well,  but we are particularly pleased  at what small part our efforts might have had in the passage of these two landmark pieces of legislation.

We can also be proud that in our 15-month campaign, we came out of nowhere to win the endorsements of four daily newspapers around the state, including a major metropolitan newspaper.

First and foremost, however, we’re proud of the fine young people who volunteered their time and talents to our efforts in their first debut into elective politics.

We’ll be proud to have them as our leaders of tomorrow: Ben Brungardt,  Creighton Coleman,  Jim Dailey,  Jeffrey Dazey, Benjamin Huntley,  Ben Long, Tom Oldfather, Stephanie Palcher, Patrick Rossol-Allison, and Nik and Theo Stavropoulos. All of our staff members served entirely without pay, an exceptional circumstance given the size and scope of our state-wide campaign.

Special thanks, as well, to political veterans Serena Hein,  Kathie Moore, and Debbie Snow, plus television news veteran John McGrath and his step-father, the most patient man in the world – Wayne Hohl – who loaned us his wife, Theresa,  for a year.

We also wish to salute the entirely volunteer efforts of our first and second campaign managers: Mayre Hoffman and Theresa Hohl, without whose tireless efforts this campaign could never have been waged.

Our  efforts across the state included DFA campaign training; attendance at three state KDP conventions; sponsoring hospitality rooms at two of these conventions, speaking at caucuses and congressional district meetings at these conventions; participating in parades in numerous cities; speaking to county meetings, breakfast meetings and dinner gatherings in over 20 cities; meetings with union leaders; and attendance at U.S. Senate forums in many cities, one of which was televised.

We appreciate the time and efforts that many committed Kansas Democrats have given to our efforts and hope that our campaign in some small way has helped arouse public awareness of the changes still needed in our country.
 

Sadly but predictably, mudslinging in the Kansas U.S. Senate race began around 1 a.m. on Wednesday in Senator John Cornyn’s congratulatory statement to Congressman Jerry Moran.

Cornyn stated, “Democrat nominee Lisa Johnston has clearly demonstrated that she would simply serve as another rubberstamp for President Obama and Harry Reid’s out-of-control economic agenda if she makes it to Washington, perpetuating the President’s failed record of higher taxes, skyrocketing job loss, and bloated government bureaucracy.”

This statement has absolutely no basis in reality and it is clear from his statement that Senator Cornyn knows nothing about Dr. Lisa Johnston or her campaign priorities. One of her key priorities is integrity and leadership. Her campaign literature states “We need true representation for the people – not politicians who work for special interests. This requires a commitment to integrity and fighting for what is best for Kansans.”

During a July 15, 2010 bipartisan candidate forum in Mound City, KS, Lisa was asked “Will you as a Senator vote according to the wishes of the people you represent even if it meant voting against your party line?” She replied, “Absolutely, without question. One of the things I am committed to is leading with integrity and having an independent mind. I think that we have far too much partisanship in Washington... I’m committed to doing what’s best for Kansans not necessarily just following along with the party line...” Video of this question and answer exchange is available on YouTube

In response to Cornyn’s statement, Lisa stated “It is ironic that Senator Cornyn uses the term “rubberstamp” as this is the perfect word to describe the current negative Republican messaging toward Democrats. The general template seems to be:  If elected, [insert Democratic candidate name] will [follow, continue, or serve] the [some combination of the following names Obama/Reid/Pelosi] agenda and this will lead to [insert various current problems and negative stereotypes about Democratic candidates].”

“This approach to campaigning is a disappointing insult to the voters of our state and our nation. Criticism must be based on facts in order to be valid. This template-style attack aimed at undermining any Democratic candidate is completely transparent and symptomatic of the politics as usual approach that makes people despise and distrust politicians.”

Lisa also noted, “It is extremely disappointing to see the negative rhetoric off to such an early start. I want to keep my campaign focused on how to solve our challenges and move our country forward. However, I will not allow patently false statements to go uncorrected. Voters deserve the truth.”

Learn more about Lisa's positions on issues important to Kansans at LisaForKansas.com

Dr. Lisa Johnston was very pleased to accept the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate late Tuesday evening. Johnston won over a field of four other Democratic candidates.

“I am honored by the support of our Democratic primary voters”, said Lisa. “I am looking forward to campaigning in the coming months and working hard to gain support from voters in the general election.”

“I think some pundits underestimate voters by assuming they will blindly vote based solely on party affiliation. I believe what Kansans care about most is not the letter beside your name but if you are the right person for the job.”

Lisa emphasized the contrasts between herself and the Republican nominee, Jerry Moran, stating, “I believe Kansans are hungry for a leader rather than a traditional career politician. My background in education is an important asset as education is a profession that is very underrepresented in our political leadership, especially in the United States Senate. I am dedicated to representing the best interests of the people of Kansas as I believe that this is one of the most important and sacred responsibilities of any elected official.”

Commenting on the upcoming general election campaign, Lisa stated, “Kansans deserve more than bickering and attack ads. The voters deserve an in-depth discussion of our challenges and potential solutions.”

Johnston will face Moran in the November 2nd general election.

Learn more about Lisa's positions on issues important to Kansans at LisaForKansas.com

In the August 2nd Survey USA poll conducted for KWCH in Wichita examining the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, Dr. Lisa Johnston continued to maintain the substantial lead she has held for all primary polls that have been conducted.  

In this latest poll, 29% of respondents indicated that they would vote for her today as compared with 21%, 12%, 7% and 6% for her opponents.  This was a sizable increase from the 23% of respondents indicating support for Dr. Johnston in the July 19th poll. Although there are still a number of undecided voters, it seems reasonable to expect that they will split among the five candidates in a proportional fashion.

These results bode well for Dr. Johnston and reveal the significant possibility that she will become the Democratic nominee for the United States Senate.

.

Kansas City Star Editorial - June 30, 2010
"Give Schollenberger credit for addressing one of the most important issues facing Kansans in the coming years - how to boost fortunes in the western half of the state... Schollenberger's playbook: Get this campaign back on issues that affect Kansas and Kansans"

Kansas U.S. Senate candidate Charles Schollenberger is now supporting the creation of a Great Plains National Park... True, Schollenberger is a Democrat, running not only in GOP-friendly Kansas, but also in a difficult climate for his party. Still, he's got this one right and for the right reasons. Schollenberger has pledged to support the rather grand idea for a new national park in western Kansas because it both preserves the native Kansas prairie and "the tourism generated by the park could also become a potential savior to the dwindling local economies."
Give Schollenberger credit for addressing one of the most important issues facing Kansans in the coming years - how to boost fortunes in the western half of the state...

Kansas City Star editorial - July 18, 2010
"Charles Schollenberger is the the best choice is a novice field"

In the Democratic primary, Charles Schollenberger is the best choice in a novice field. The longtime political activist and former Congressional staffer has been around the game since the 1970s, which helps to compensate for his lack of experience in actually holding an office.
Schollenberger believes in cutting the federal budget by limiting earmarks and pruning defense spending. He's a strong advocate of green job potential for Kansans through wind energy. . .

Hutchinson News editorial - July 19, 2010
"Schollenberger a solid choice for Democrats"

Schollenberger - a retired newspaper journalist and communications executive from Prairie Village - also would make the general election campaign competitive. Schollenberger has been in the race far longer than any of the others, having started last summer in an exploratory mode. He has been visible since and active in articulating position papers on 10 key issues, from agriculture to energy, foreign policy and the economy. This is impressive, and it makes Schollenberger a solid choice for Democrats.

Salina Journal editorial - July 20, 2010
"Schollenberger is the best pick of the bunch"

Schollenberger is the best pick of the bunch. He has worked the hardest of any other candidate, like when he toured the state to hear directly from Kansans. He is bright and well-spoken, and Democrats need someone of his caliber for the fall campaign.

Winfield Daily Courier editorial - July 27, 2010
"In the Democratic race, Charles Schollenberger stands out"

In the Democratic race, Charles Schollenberger stands out. He knows the issues and is an experienced political hand.
 

Leading U.S. Senate Candidate, Lisa Johnston, will attend the election watch party sponsored by the Johnson County Democratic Women.  The Tuesday, August 3rd election watch event will take place at the Lucky Brewgrille at 5401 Johnson Drive in Mission, KS starting at 7 p.m.

Lisa invites all her supporters to attend the event and take part in the excitement as we find out who the voters have chosen as our Democratic party nominees for a variety of important races including the U.S. Senate.

By Stuart Elliott
Taken from: http://newappeal.blogspot.com/2010/07/who-i-am-voting-for-in-august-kansas.html

"I don't ever remember so many choices in the Kansas Democratic primary as we have this year.  There has been a lot more heat and dollars spent on the GOP side, so the information to make an informed decision has been hard to come by. For what it is worth, here are my recommendations.

U.S. Senate: CHARLES SCHOLLENBERGER is the candidate who has taken the most progressive positions on the issues. Schollenberger, so far as I can determine, is the only candidate to openly support unions and the Employee Free Choice Act.

On the economy, Schollenberger has articulated a strong, progressive program in contrast to Lisa Johnson who displays the rhetoric of the right. She writes about the "skyrocketing federal deficit" and promotes the misleading and dangerous notion that the federal government, instead of acting to stabilize the economy as a whole, should emulate the mythical household. David Haley in the Wichita Eagle Candidate survey also pushed the GOP line about balanced budgets and even supporting the line-item veto.

Schollenberger supports a strong economic recovery program and advocates that it be paid for by a financial transaction tax.

Schollenberger takes a courageous position in support of immigration reform and is strong in his opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Haley on immigration channels Kris Kobach and Pat Buchanan, telling the Eagle that the U.S. must "immediately mitigate the rewards currently found for lawlessness and the resulting erosion of our established American culture."

Any of the Democrats will be a decided underdog to either Jerry Moran or Todd Tiahrt in the November.  Since there is no strong practical politics case that I can see for any of the Democratic rivals, I am going to vote for the most progressive candidate. That is clearly Schollenberger."

STUART ELLIOTT, based in Wichita, Kan., is dedicated to championing the causes of civil rights, social justice and democracy. He is active in the American Postal Workers Union and with workers' rights nationally and internationally. He blogs at http://newappeal.blogspot.com/ and is the webmaster for http://ksworkbeat.org/ of the Wichita/Hutchinson Labor Federation of Central Kansas, AFL-CIO. Contact him at stuart323@sbcglobal.net.

 In a Topeka Capital-Journal article, Dr. Bob Beatty applauded leading U.S. Senate Candidate, Lisa Johnston, for running the most successful campaign on limited funds:

"Lisa Johnston's campaign for U.S. Senate on the Democratic side has been impressive. Her last campaign finance report showed she had spent less than $5,000, but her website is excellent. She is the only Democratic Senate candidate to produce and run TV ads." 

In these tough economic times, having the ability to make the most of every dollar donated and to put forth a credible campaign on a limited budget is essential to compete against the likely Republican nominee, Jerry Moran.

In his column in the Hutchinson news, Dr. Beatty urges Democrats to pay attention to the primary and singles out Lisa Johnston once again: 

"Most interesting of all could be the U.S. Senate primary, where the three main candidates have very different backgrounds. State Sen. David Haley and journalist Charles Schollenberger argue that their political experience makes them the best choice to take on Jerry Moran or Todd Tiahrt in the fall, but it is the new face in this race that is intriguing: college administrator Lisa Johnston. Johnston shined in the one TV debate shown statewide, and despite only raising $10,000, she is the only candidate in the race with a TV ad on the air."

 

In recent weeks, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Lisa Johnston has continued to draw interest as the best candidate to face the Republican U.S. Senate nominee in November. With a clear message of leadership rather than politics as usual, an emphasis on education, and a well executed communication strategy, Lisa is working hard to expand her lead over the field of Democratic candidates and win the nomination on August 3rd.

Recent news stories highlight her efforts:

An article on KansasFreePress.com states, "Lisa Johnston stands out among Democratic hopefuls for Tuesdays primary with a strong voice and message, as demonstrated repeatedly while traveling throughout Kansas." As the only Democratic candidate running ads, the article notes, "Dr. Johnston is the only candidate in her primary who places a high value on reaching as many Kansans as possible to share her message; which lends credibility to her being the clearest choice in the upcoming primary."

During a July 23rd Ad Watch segment broadcast on KSNT in Topeka, anchor Mitch Weber and political analyst Dr. Bob Beatty analyzed Lisa's ads, noting she's the only Democratic candidate running ads in the primary. Lisa has frequently stated she's the best candidate to create a contrast with the Republican candidate in November. While analyzing Lisa's ad, Weber recognized this contrast, stating, "It's a completely different tone … to Moran and Tiahrt's." Beatty noted that the tone of the ads may be "quite refreshing" to viewers and voters.

Both of these stories reinforce Lisa's position as the the Democratic candidate who's best suited to mount a strong, effective campaign in the November election.

Winfield Daily Courier editorial - July 27, 2010

Our preference in the Republican primary race for the U.S. Senate is Rep. Jerry Moran. Neither he nor our own Rep. Todd Tiahrt has distinguished himself in this campaign.

But Moran's brand of conservatism is a bit more moderate, more balanced, than Tiahrt's.

In the Democratic race, Charles Schollenberger stands out. He knows the issues and is an experienced political hand.

The irony of Tiahrt's troubles as a candidate is that he has done his job too well.

Elected with a new conservative agenda, Tiahrt learned how to bring home the bacon. He brought it home to Cowley County in the form of the Winfield Veterans Home and the Arkansas City levee. He brought it home to Wichita in the form of railroad overpasses, jobs and aviation research grants.

Unfortunately, Tiahrt and his staff got a little too close to some of the defense industries they tried to help - and raise campaign funds from. We believe his race with Moran is closer than some of the polls suggest. Tiahrt is a fighter. He could still pull this thing out.

But we hope Moran wins.
 

Dr. Bob Beatty, KSNT Topeka Political Expert and Commentator, singled out Lisa Johnston in his debate analysis earlier this week indicating that she came across very well and her statements like "I may look sweet, but I'm a fighter" are bound to draw attention.

The video of the Monday night Democratic primary debate is available on the KWCH website.  Dr. Beatty's full commentary is available on the KSNT website.

Additionally, in remarks at the Harvey County Democratic Primary Headquarters, Lisa's primary opponent, David Haley, was quoted in the Newton Kansan as saying Lisa "clearly won the debate".

See full article at the Newton Kansan website.

Salina Journal Editorial - July 20, 2010

For the Republican Party

U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran is the Journal’s hands-down favorite in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sam Brownback. . .

Moran’s only meaningful competition comes from Rep. Todd Tiahrt, Wichita, who has alienated Kansans with sleazy mudslinging and distortions of Moran’s voting record. Others in the GOP primary include Tom Little, of Mound City, and Robert Londerholm, of Overland Park. . .

There is very little difference between Moran and Tiahrt in their political positions. Both have sprinted to the right to attract conservatives, typically the most active voting block in Kansas. The notion of “compassionate conservatism” is nowhere to be found in their rhetoric. . .

For the Democratic Party

Democrats have a slim chance of defeating the Republican candidate in the fall general election, yet the primary still attracted a slew of candidates vying to represent their party.

Those running include: Robert Conroy, of Shawnee; David Haley, of Kansas City; Lisa Johnston, of Overland Park; Charles Schollenberger, of Prairie Village; and Patrick Wiesner, of Lawrence.

Schollenberger is the best pick of the bunch. He has worked the hardest of any other candidate, like when he toured the state to hear directly from Kansans. He is bright and well-spoken, and Democrats need someone of his caliber for the fall campaign.
 

 

Overland Park, Kansas — July 21, 2010 — Dr. Lisa Johnston, leading Democratic candidate for United States Senate in Kansas, will debut her first two campaign commercials today, "Education Deserves a Strong Voice" and "We Need Leaders". The ads focus on Lisa’s positive message of bringing a strong voice for education to the U.S. Senate and the importance of electing leaders rather than traditional career politicians.



To watch both ads, visit Lisa’s campaign website or her YouTube page.

In both Survey USA polls of Democratic primary voters, Lisa has led by 8 and 9 point margins respectively. These results suggest that her message of being a leader with professional expertise in education continues to resonate with voters across the state.

When asked about her target audience for her commercials, she said "I hope to reach voters across the political spectrum by sharing my message and key priorities. We must strengthen our schools, find practical solutions to increase economic stability and further job growth, as well as enhance fiscal accountability. If elected, I pledge to be a true representative for the people of Kansas as this is one of the most important and sacred responsibilities of any elected official."

The commercials will air statewide and will run through the August 3rd primary election.

Hutchinson News editorial - July 19, 2010

The race to succeed U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas has been one of the ugliest in recent memory. So for voters who already may be sickened by the mudslinging rhetoric of congressmen Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt, it is nearly time to make a choice in the Republican primary Aug. 3. . .

Our choice is Moran, who has a stellar record of being a constituent-focused representative for the sprawling Big First District and hopefully will retain some sanity if he emerges the winner. . .

Meanwhile, over on the Democrat side, few voters may know that five candidates are vying for the nomination. None has the credentials of Moran or Tiahrt, but Charles Schollenberger has been running hard and would be a good pick for Democrats interested in a political outsider. . .

On the Democrat side, the best credentialed candidate would be Haley, but one always wonders about a politician’s true ambitions when he first runs twice for Secretary of State, unsuccessfully, and then ends up in the U.S. Senate race. . .

But, from a contrarian standpoint, Schollenberger – a retired newspaper journalist and communications executive from Prairie Village – also would make the general election campaign competitive. Schollenberger has been in the race far longer than any of the others, having started touring the state last summer in an exploratory mode. He has been visible since and active in articulating position papers on 10 key issues, from agriculture to energy, foreign policy and the economy. This is impressive, and it makes Schollenberger a solid choice for Democrats. . .
 

In the newest Survey USA poll of Democratic primary voters throughout the state released on Monday, Dr. Lisa Johnston continues to maintain a lead for the Democratic nomination. Of the primary voters polled, 23% indicated they would cast their ballot for Lisa Johnston. All other candidates were 9 or more points behind at 14%, 12%, 7%, and 7% respectively.

These results suggest that Lisa's message of being a leader rather than a traditional career politician and having professional expertise in education continues to resonate with voters across the state.  

To learn more about Lisa's background and issue positions, please visit her campaign website. For more detail about the latest primary election polls, visit the KWCH website.