When I look at the Kansas Second Congressional District race, I see much of what is wrong with our politics today. Driven by the United States Supreme Court decision on Citizens United, unlimited money is pouring in to try defeat Paul Davis. With no limits for billionaires on how much they can put in and the fact that it can all be done in secret, it makes for ads filled with false information—and the candidate who’s being helped by them can simply deny responsibility.
In 2014, if there had not been the off-the-charts efforts of National Republicans to save Senator Pat Roberts’ re-election, plus dark outside millions, Paul Davis would be Governor Davis today and running for a second term. Anyway, that didn’t happen. But now, in Paul Davis, we have a candidate with a proven record of solid Kansas values and important leadership experience. He understands how government works, what being a representative of the people means, and how to best serve the people of the Second Congressional District.
His opponent, Steve Watkins, it is fair to say, is totally new to politics and does not know what it means to represent the people. He has few if any real Kansas connections and his resume is filled with outright lies. In fairness to many Republicans, he would not be the Republican nominee without the very crowded field of candidates and lots of his father's money. I think it is fair to say there were several other candidates with more relevant experience. Even far-right Republicans should have some concern, given Watkins’ support of Democrats before his recent conversion to the Republican Party. Now, contrast that with Paul Davis, who has built up a strong record of public service as a Democrat who knows how to work with both parties to deliver common sense solutions for Kansans.
However, the reality Paul Davis faces in the next four weeks is huge. The Republican Speaker Paul Ryan PAC has targeted more money for the Kansas Second than any other district in the country. As much as four million dollars to support Republican Steve Watkins will be coming into the district. If you are asking why, it is quite simple. Many of the very, very rich that have benefited much from the federal government in past years do not want any changes in Congress that could over time take those tax breaks away.
So what does Paul Davis do to win? Well for sure his campaign team and Paul Davis know very well what that is. He has to raise as much money as he can so it doesn't get too one-sided on TV advertising, continue to work the district growing his army of supporters, and make sure every county is taken seriously, especially in close elections, every vote does count. In the end, his supporters have to come through and, most importantly, they must help get every vote out for Paul Davis.
One other thing I add is the value to Kansas to have both Democrats and Republicans representing our state in Washington. There would be at least two benefits: One, we would have links to both sides of the aisle in Congress and ties to whichever party had the White House, and two, Kansans would be hearing directly from representatives of both political parties. Now we only hear one side, and all-too-often, only one side of the argument has gotten their way in Washington.
We need our representatives to work on behalf of all the people, not just those who can afford to pour endless money into an election in order to amplify their point of view. But, in order to make that happen, everyday Kansans will need to stand up, speak out, and work hard in support of candidates who will do right by Kansas. In the Second Congressional District, that means sending Paul Davis to Congress.
In 2014, if there had not been the off-the-charts efforts of National Republicans to save Senator Pat Roberts’ re-election, plus dark outside millions, Paul Davis would be Governor Davis today and running for a second term. Anyway, that didn’t happen. But now, in Paul Davis, we have a candidate with a proven record of solid Kansas values and important leadership experience. He understands how government works, what being a representative of the people means, and how to best serve the people of the Second Congressional District.
His opponent, Steve Watkins, it is fair to say, is totally new to politics and does not know what it means to represent the people. He has few if any real Kansas connections and his resume is filled with outright lies. In fairness to many Republicans, he would not be the Republican nominee without the very crowded field of candidates and lots of his father's money. I think it is fair to say there were several other candidates with more relevant experience. Even far-right Republicans should have some concern, given Watkins’ support of Democrats before his recent conversion to the Republican Party. Now, contrast that with Paul Davis, who has built up a strong record of public service as a Democrat who knows how to work with both parties to deliver common sense solutions for Kansans.
However, the reality Paul Davis faces in the next four weeks is huge. The Republican Speaker Paul Ryan PAC has targeted more money for the Kansas Second than any other district in the country. As much as four million dollars to support Republican Steve Watkins will be coming into the district. If you are asking why, it is quite simple. Many of the very, very rich that have benefited much from the federal government in past years do not want any changes in Congress that could over time take those tax breaks away.
So what does Paul Davis do to win? Well for sure his campaign team and Paul Davis know very well what that is. He has to raise as much money as he can so it doesn't get too one-sided on TV advertising, continue to work the district growing his army of supporters, and make sure every county is taken seriously, especially in close elections, every vote does count. In the end, his supporters have to come through and, most importantly, they must help get every vote out for Paul Davis.
One other thing I add is the value to Kansas to have both Democrats and Republicans representing our state in Washington. There would be at least two benefits: One, we would have links to both sides of the aisle in Congress and ties to whichever party had the White House, and two, Kansans would be hearing directly from representatives of both political parties. Now we only hear one side, and all-too-often, only one side of the argument has gotten their way in Washington.
We need our representatives to work on behalf of all the people, not just those who can afford to pour endless money into an election in order to amplify their point of view. But, in order to make that happen, everyday Kansans will need to stand up, speak out, and work hard in support of candidates who will do right by Kansas. In the Second Congressional District, that means sending Paul Davis to Congress.
At this event, Paul is announcing a group of Republican leaders who have endorsed him in this race for the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas.
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