Category: Election 2020

2019 Kansas Local Elections: Filing Deadline (June 3rd)

4/22/2019

As most of you know, I’ve been around for a while. I’ve had a chance to not just observe but occasionally have played a role in helping communities. From that experience, I can assure you there is a direct relationship between who is elected locally and where that community is headed. Lynn and I have lived in Manhattan now for 14 years, and there is no question that the quality of life and the high standards of public services, including schools, started with quality locally elected officials.

Counties all across Kansas will hold elections for local offices on November 5th, 2019. The filing deadline to be on the ballot in this November's election for local school board and city commission seats is June 3rd (at noon). By that date, potential candidates will have had to make a decision. And, because this will be only the second time we have voted for local elections in the fall of odd-numbered years, I suspect that deadline approaching in six weeks is not getting the attention it deserves.

Who local communities elect makes a huge difference for their future. Because of this importance, I urge civic-minded citizens to be looking for, encouraging, and ultimately finding quality candidates to run. This includes considering running for office themselves. In many ways, the future all starts locally and is dependent on quality candidates who are creative, can make good decisions, and have the skills to manage resources efficiently and serve not just the short-run but the future as well.

Why, more specifically, does who we elect locally mean so much? One important example would be the dollars from the state and federal government that flow to local communities, which are implemented at the local level and certainly impacted by locally elected officials. For instance, state school financial support is invested locally, but turning that investment into positive results is almost exclusively tied to local leadership. That leadership starts with the publicly-elected school board.

The future of Kansas will depend heavily on what we do to grow our population, build our businesses, and attract folks to work and invest here, raise a family, and be a part of a growing prospering state. For that to happen, we need to elect city commissioners and school board members that understand the importance of their role. I know the state will be doing their part to help grow, but they are going to need communities that have their act together and leaders who can carry that vision forward. And do not forget, quality schools are a huge factor in keeping what you have and growing and prospering.

That is why I am calling on those of you who read this blog to do your part in recruiting candidates and raising awareness for the fall local elections. And a great way to help a potential candidate who may be “on the fence” about running would be to offer them your help and support right out of the gate. Each candidate will need a team of committed folks doing what they can to help get their name and message out around the community. The larger the network around the candidate, the wider the reach, and the higher the chances of success in November.

But, obviously, success starts with quality candidates having filed. It is certainly in your selfish as well as community interests to make sure this happens, and you only have six weeks to work.

A view of the County Courthouse in Riley County, Kansas.

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Engaging with Kansas Legislators on their Break

4/10/2019

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Kansas legislators are now home and will be for the next three weeks, coming back to the Capitol on Wednesday, May 1st to wrap up the 2019 regular legislative session. This annual legislative break is a good time to communicate your frustrations, appreciation, interests, concerns, and whatever else is on your mind as the session draws to a close. Communicating well, particularly when you are not alone and have others with you in support, can have an impact. There is too much at stake on issues like Medicaid, to sit ideally by and hope that things turn out well for the state and our future.

One thing you need to remember is that most elected officials want to be re-elected. When they do not hear concerns from constituents, they understandably assume they are on the right track to re-election. But when you communicate another picture, it is possible that your influence can produce a different result, one you believe in and one that would help Kansas.

Here are some basics that, if followed, can also increase your chances for success. As important as anything is having your research done and making sure that you understand what it is you want to see happen and know the context of where the issue is at this point of the session. Medicaid expansion is an excellent example. It will take more than 21 votes in the Senate to get it out of committee and have it brought up on the floor. Do you know where your Senator stands on this issue?

One resource I would point to for learning more about the "nuts and bolts" of specific legislation in Kansas would be the State Library. They can be contacted by phone (through their toll-free legislative hot line, 1-800-432-3924, or via text message at 785-256-0733), email, or even a live chat with a librarian through their website. Reference and research librarians are available to answer questions on legislation, legislative procedure, state government, or policy issues, and your calls are confidential. It's a great way to learn more about the state of the issues that matter most to you.

Just as important as research is showing the elected official respect, even when you have very strong differences. After all, they were elected by your fellow citizens and are much more likely to listen if you respect them for performing public service. That doesn’t mean you share compliments that you really don’t believe. Almost all elected officials understand that many of their constituents differ with them and often strongly. But giving them their due, just might make a difference.

How you carry out this task can be done in a variety of ways. Direct conversation, scheduled or at a public meeting, is probably most effective. You know then that at least your message was heard. Most legislators have opportunities coming up, it will likely take a bit of research on your part to see when public meetings may be scheduled in your area or look up contact information to reach out to them directly and set one up.

But in person meetings may not always be possible, so a well-written letter, email, or leaving a voice message can be worth the effort. And it's very hard to ignore a strong personal story, supported by facts, with a direct call to action. What is usually least effective is signatures on a petition, unless the appeal has accepted credibility and numbers that simply blow one away. But often it takes a more sustained engagement over time to truly demonstrate strong support, the kind that could impact future elections.

Keep in mind that any elected official that is seldom-if-ever challenged with a differing opinion is one who not only will maintain his or her position but will likely run again and most often be re-elected. Potentially, a very valuable result of openly sharing your concerns could be to motivate yourself or a fellow citizen to seek public office. We need more citizens to run for office—more competition and a wider diversity of experience around the table can bring better ideas and results.

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Turning the Page on Reckless Tax Policy

3/25/2019

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When I left office in January of 1987, there was a very balanced tax structure in place for Kansas. That system was passed and supported by a Republican-led majority in the Legislature. At the time, the understanding was that this tax plan would fund future needs and, during good years, allow the state to set aside funds for when the economy declined. Then, in the 90’s, the popularity of tax cuts started, and it's tied to the beginning of the Republican Party shift from Eisenhower’s sane, well-thought-out conservative investments to an anti-government and tax-cut philosophy at every opportunity.

Today's Republican Party has gone from one that supports making investments, like education and infrastructure, as carefully and conservatively as possible, while still getting done what needs to be done, to no longer caring at both the state and national level. For the far-right Republicans, which include true believers as well as those just afraid of a primary at the next election, it is as much as anything an anti-government philosophy. Working nicely with that thinking is of course tax cuts, particularly for the rich who fund politics in this direction.

Sound conservative thinking used to include wisely investing in key areas necessary for the good of the people and solid commerce. In the end, underfunding costs the taxpayers more. Why? Getting behind on road and highway maintenance just guarantees higher costs. Not investing in our children at an early age only leads to lives under utilized and more expenses. Communities that do not find or have the resources for dealing with legitimate human needs are not where people who have options want to live, which leads to higher taxes and less in return for those who have to stay behind.

And now in the current Kansas Legislature, some Republicans are trying to take advantage of a new national tax law to pass along another state tax break that primarily benefits the rich. We need to fund public education at a responsible and constitutional level, at least avoid further cuts to higher education to limit tuition increases, and get back to taking care of our infrastructure. On top of this, we continually turn down federal money for Medicaid expansion, something so desperately needed and wanted by many.

How did this happen? As I stated earlier, the shift started at the beginning of the 90’s. One thing for sure, you have to give credit to these early movers and shakers. They knew what they were doing and they started at the grassroots of Republican politics. They were patient, knowing this seismic shift would take time. But, most important, they were great at framing their message, using the right words to be most effective. To turn this around, some of these same skills need to be used by Democrats and moderate Republicans to patiently return Kansas to wisely investing in the future, and it must start now to make sure 2020 results in more steps in the right direction.

And, knowing the many issues and priorities we have as a state, Governor Kelly rightfully vetoed the latest attempt to take Kansas back down the road of reckless and ineffective tax policy. Now it’s up to us—the people of Kansas—to make clear to legislators that we’re ready to turn the page on these policies for good and move towards a stronger, more stable future for our state.

Kansas Senate Chamber [KPR]

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Kansas Democrats and the Road to 2020

2/24/2019

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March 1st and 2nd will be the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual Washington Days convention in Topeka. There will rightfully be much positive attention on the Kelly-Rogers administration and Congresswoman Sharice Davids who won the 3rd Congressional District. New officers for the Party will also be elected, decisions which will have a huge impact on the success of the Party in 2020. The entire Kansas Legislature will be up for election as well as four Congressional seats and the United States Senate seat being vacated by Senator Roberts.

Presidential election years provide impacts that, for the most part, we have no input into. The popularity of a Republican incumbent President and how much the Democratic candidate excites Kansas Democrats to get out and vote impacts the down ballot races. I’m convinced that Jimmy Carter's popularity with Kansas Democrats in 1976 was a key factor in gaining the majority in the Kansas House and the opportunity for me to become Speaker. Then there is the far right of the Republican Party remaining a force, particularly in Republican Primaries. Their successes in more politically balanced districts are our opportunities. But whether we take advantage will depend on several factors.

The Kansas Democratic Party needs to start with recruiting good candidates who will develop a well-thought out plan that has been tested and who will work really, really hard in their districts. I am observing signs that, more and more, younger Kansans are starting to see the necessity that they engage. This can have an enormous impact on the candidates we recruit and the voters we can work to mobilize. I see legislators like Tim Hodge, State Representative from Newton, as an excellent example of what is possible in very Republican districts with hard work and an efficient strategy. Now we need to find those candidates from a very diverse pool of possibilities that fit that mold and concentrate on where it is realistic we can win. That process, if not already in action, should start now.

It also requires us to understand the math issues. Democrats are a minority party in Kansas, and that will not soon change. This means we need to recruit candidates that not only appeal to the broad spectrum of Democrats but have the potential to reach out and attract the Independent and Republicans votes needed to win. Keep in mind, winning is important. We don’t just do all of this because we enjoy politics. Kansas has real problems that need to be addressed.

Certainly, Democrats need to stick together—understand and appreciate that a fractured party guarantees losing. This doesn’t mean we can’t have differences. We do, and that will not change. The point is, we can’t let those differences keep us from being united in our mission to help this great state. That is certainly true when the majority of Republicans vote with the far right because of either philosophy or fear.

On Saturday, March 2nd, the Kansas Democratic Party will select their leaders for the next two years. Although I am not involved this year and do not know who the candidates are, I do hope that what I have shared here represents the thinking of a majority of the delegates and the leaders they select. Achieving real success in 2020 is not just for our party but for the future we want for Kansas.

Photo from the Inauguration of Governor Laura Kelly [Chris Neal/The Capital-Journal]

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The Consequential 2020 Presidential Election

2/18/2019

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When you think about where we are on climate change, the national debt, and international challenges like immigration and trade, as well as the possibility of four more years under the current administration, the reality is that this coming election will have more impact on our future than anything else. These issues, if not handled wisely, have the potential for devastating impacts not just now but will negatively alter the future for our children and even more so for our grandchildren.

So, with the 2020 election closer than we realize, where are we now? One thing for sure is that we are going to have plenty of candidates and possibly even more Republicans. Already several Democrats are out in Iowa with well organized beginnings of a national campaign. Several more are very likely to follow including an Independent candidate (one who usually negatively impacts the results). I hope the Democratic Party learned from the 2016 Republican Party mistakes dealing with so many candidates. Remember, they almost all initially thought Donald Trump was unqualified but they ended up splitting the votes and nominating the least qualified candidate.

So who is, for Democrats, the best nominee? It is obviously way too early to tell but I certainly have some criteria that I am using to evaluate the candidates. I am going to try avoid falling in love too early with any candidate that, upon further review, is unlikely to win in November 2020. That candidate might fit my personal agenda to be the one I want to work for in say a caucus fight, coming in about a year for Kansas. But that choice also might be one that has little chance in the end of winning.

So how do we pick a winner, one who can not just get the nomination but win and be our next President? First, it is remembering the Electoral College, not the popular vote, determines the outcome. Democrats have done well winning the popular vote, but that is not enough. What does this mean? Simple. The states Hillary Clinton lost but were very close need to be won. That means keeping in mind, as we evaluate the field, who will best appeal in states from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin? This is where we are most likely to pick up the electoral votes we need to win. It will be important to consider who is best at communicating a message that reaches the voters we need.

It is my hope we have a nominee who can run a creative campaign that doesn’t come across to voters in “red states” that they are the enemy. We need a candidate who brings people together, not further divides us. And, if done during the campaign, this will increase his or her chances of having success when elected. Having the right nominee will also give us a better chance of electing more Democrats to Governorships and more majorities in more state legislatures. Remember that it is not just “Winter is Coming” but the census and reapportionment that will be on the line in 2020.

Bottom line: Don’t rush to judgment. There is way too much at stake to get this election wrong.

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The New Congress Gavels In

1/3/2019

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Listening to several new members of the U.S. House of Representatives, I see a much stronger commitment to focus on the issues they ran on and act on what they learned from the constituents they now represent. Seems like these new members were motivated to run, to serve, and fight for what is needed and not just take a step toward a long career in politics, which requires putting re-election efforts first and foremost. If my initial observations prove to be true and new members sell some veterans on putting the needs of the people first, like health care and infrastructure, we just might begin to address gridlock in Washington D.C.

Much of the success in increasing the size of the Democratic Caucus was achieved by talented women. If history is any lesson, this is a very good sign. The current women in Congress have, in general, been much more willing to cross the aisle and put country first. There is no indication that the new members wouldn’t follow that same pattern of bipartisanship. In Kansas, it was the women in the Legislature, in a well thought-out, nonpartisan way, that made major contributions to reversing some devastating outcomes of the Brownback Experiment. In Washington, for key crossover votes, almost without exception, Republican women are on that short list. At this moment there are not many Republican women in Congress, but there are several key ones who are willing to at least listen and set politics aside for the good of this country.

The Republican makeup of the U.S. House is different only in having fewer members in the caucus. It isn’t like there was any surge of new Republicans who fit the moderate mold replacing hard-line conservatives. I assume this is tied to the President’s dominance in Republican politics, including picking and supporting only candidates that are in line with the current far right direction. The Republican political machine probably doesn’t even recruit moderates that might be the most likely to win and to partner with Democrats.

While there will be plenty of opportunities to contrast with the President and speak up for American values, I believe another key for Democrats is not to go “investigation-crazy” now that they have power. Yes, some questions need to be answered, but I hope they pick the investigations with the strongest case that most Americans expect them to conduct. Hopefully, they stay away from dominating the evening news cycle with only coverage of what is being investigated. Much of what needs to be done for the good of the country has strong public support (for example, dealing with climate change). But if the public does not get the news on those issues and becomes distracted by one investigation after another, they won’t be the partner needed to get legislation into law.

In sum, much of these new members’ success, in my opinion, will depend heavily on what legislative plan is put together and how hard they are willing to work to avoid being just another different version of what we’ve had before. If all we get is lots of talk and investigating with no real effort made to reach across the aisle, progress, if any, will be limited. They need to remember the Senate is now even more Republican and if the Democrats’ effort to work with them comes across as partisan politics, I fear come 2020, the public will not be happy with either party. It may be impossible, but their efforts have got to be real and effectively communicated.

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Forward>>

2019 Kansas Local Elections: Filing Deadline (June 3rd)

Engaging with Kansas Legislators on their Break

Turning the Page on Reckless Tax Policy

Kansas Democrats and the Road to 2020

The Consequential 2020 Presidential Election

The New Congress Gavels In

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