Grant Predicts Difficult Road Ahead

The Fort Scott Tribune is running a series on the plans of area legislators. This morning features Rep. Bob Grant, KHD 2.

Most of the discussion focused on the difficulties the Kansas Legislature will be facing in January.

I think it will be one of the toughest sessions I've seen since I've been up there (Topeka)," the 17-year legislator said Thursday. "It's not going to be fun. We're not going to have money to spend. There will probably be some cuts and some tax breaks. It will probably be a lean, mean session.

The economy has lead to a decrease in state revenue, and now the impacts will be felt in the Kansas budget. The result is a nearly $150 million shortfall.

The budget affects everything else," he said. "If we don't do something now, then in 2010 we're looking at probably a shortfall of over $1 billion. Everybody hates to see programs cut, and maybe we don't have to cut them. I won't say we won't cut them, nobody wants to, but if we don't, what do we do a year from now? Where's the money going to come from? It's great to get tax breaks, but tax breaks mean a loss of revenue and it just compounds the problem.

Education funding will be cut this year. At 65% of Kansas' budget, there does not currently appear to be an alternative. Other possible "fun" topics include a rematch on coal-fired power plants, illegal immigration reform, and property tax relief.

Grant compared the upcoming session to that of 1992, a "Year of Hell" spent discussing abortion, the death penalty, and the redistricting of the legislative districts. Could 2009 become "Year of Hell 2"?

Roberts Blocks Bailout

It comes as no surprise that at least one US Senator from Kansas voted against even discussing important legislation. This time, Pat Roberts did so when it came to saving the American auto industry...during the holiday season.

Waking up this morning, the conservative consensus is "Let's blame the union." Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn went so far as to say "We were about three words away from a deal." What does all this equal for the auto industry and the economy as a whole? CNBC's Phil Lebeau discusses the possible results of last night's vote:

And Just When You Thought Elections Were Over

Municipal election season begins.

Taggart Wall, 19, a Winfield resident and Southwestern College student, has filed for candidacy in the upcoming City Commission race. Most people agree that 2008 was not a great year for the KDP, however Young Democrats did fairly well. In addition to retaining our incumbents, we gained Milack Talia (KHD 23), Mike Slattery (KHD 24), and Sean Gatewood (KHD 57). Looking towards 2009, maybe we can pick up a couple more elected YDs.

In Lawrence, Jacob Beaumont has formed IMpac, or the Independent Moderate Political Action Committee, with the goal that “moderate and progressive candidates that will move Lawrence and Douglas County forward in a responsible manner, independent of special interests and personal agendas.” In short, he hopes to recruit candidates for each of the three city council seats up for election this spring.

We here at the Burro Blog are excited as the 2009 election heats up.

Action Alert: Bridge Loans to Auto Industry

"Last night the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to provide $14 billion in emergency loans to the American auto industry in an attempt to prevent the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. Without these emergency loans these companies will likely collapse, creating a ripple effect in our already struggling economy that will prove wide reaching and devastating."

Write Roberts and Brownback Today

When looking at how Kansas cast it's four votes last night, it should come as no surprise that our two Democrats voted YES while the two Republicans said NO. Now with Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback on deck to cast their votes, the fun begins. The KCStar reports that Brownback supports the bailout, and that Roberts is one the fence. Brownback was rather outspoken against the October bailout of the fanancial industry, so it makes me caucious until the vote is finally cast. It is crucial to let both of these men know why you support the continued existance of the American auto industry. Don't wait:

Write Roberts and Brownback today

Going, Going, Gone...Gilstrap.

Well, he's finally done it. Mark Gilstrap is a Republican.

It hurts to lose an election, especially if it's the Democratic primary in Wyandotte County when you are a 12 year incumbent. Please keep in mind that voting with the Republicans on abortion, gun control and taxes, tends to make Democratic voters view you as a DINO. Btw, the KSD 5 includes Lansing, Leavenworth, part of Bonner Springs, and part of Kansas City...so in one of the few places Democrats basically walk into elected office, the voters may want to ensure that they are electing someone who actually represents parts of the Democratic platform.

I love that Gilstrap accused the KDP of "no longer tolerat[ing] dissenting points of view." Since when do we have a Loyalty Oath? A wide range of views can be found within Democratic circles. Last time I checked, Dennis McKinney is not the most liberal of Democrats, and he was just appointed Treasurer. Additionally, numerous former Republicans have converted over the past few cycles, including LtG. Mark Parkinson and Rep. Cindy Neighbor. Hmmmm...all of that might suggest that the KDP is much more inclusive than our GOP counterparts.

In the end, Gilstrap's complaints will have little impact. It's too far until the 2010 election for this to harm Sebelius or Hensley. More importantly, Kelly Kultala (who beat Gilstrap in the primary) will assume office in January.

And we're back.

The KYD Burro Blog is back in business. We'll be using the blog as an ongoing discussion about policy and priorities for the the next year. Remember, we won. Elections have consequences. But we only won nationally. State-wise, we do not have the same mandate as President-elect Obama and the Democrats of the 111th Congress. However, to say that this lack of a mandate means that we should fight aggressively for our beliefs is to throw away our traditions of fighting for justice as a party and our proud history of progressive policy as a State. (The Grange, anyone?)

As chair of the Labor caucus, I'll be advocating for equal protection in the workplace, stronger occupational safety standards and the right to organize. But we can not advance our own issues and causes to the detriment of each other. We won this election together and now it's time to win these battles together. For example. as chair of the Labor caucus, I'll also be advocating for policies like the Employment Non-discrimination Act, the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay act, and stronger pollution standards.  These three issues concern the workplace, but also touch on LGBT issues, women's rights, and environmental protection. 

Over the next few weeks and months, we'll be developing priorities and goals for the coming legislative session. Feel free to add your voice to the discussion.

Hours before election!

This year has been in many ways, a pivotal year in the American Story.

Senators Barack Obama and John McCain are at the forefront, with the race for the White House, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda and Lynn Jenkins running in the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas, and Representative Tom Holland and Senator Roger Pine race for the 3rd Kansas State Senate District.

In the 2nd Congressional District, the race seemed to tighten and it the hope of this opinionated pundit that Congresswoman Boyda wins. Lynn Jenkins has ran a VERY negative campaign in the last remaining months, citing Boyda as a "Tax and Spend Liberal" that voted for the quote unquote largest tax increase ever. Jenkins also ran adds attacking the congresswoman for stepping out of a congressional hearing.

From what I have been able to gather about my portion of the 2nd District is that voters aren't buying what Jenkins is selling when it comes to attacking Boyda. The congresswoman won Jefferson County (VERY Republican) by 51% of the vote. Everywhere you go, there aren't very many that think Boyda deserves to be voted out because of the fact that she has been able to do in two years pale what the last republican to hold the office, Jim Ryan was able to do in ten.

In the 3rd Kansas Senate District, Tom Holland as been hitting hard against Roger Pine for the fact that the senator has been living in Leavenworth County while serving as treasurer on a drainage district board and registered to vote in Douglas County. Shortly after the primary, the Pine family registered to vote in Leavenworth County however, Sen. Pine was still serving on the drainage board until almost a month before the election. Holland, State Senate Democrats, and The Topeka Capital Journal have cited that Sen. Pine wrote annual $900 checks to himself and two other board members for "consulting" while other members served for no pay. Pine has yet to address this issue without referring to the questions brought by the Capital Journal as "mudslinging".

When it comes to the Presidential Election, I have way to much to talk about to mention in this one post. I will say that the election has had mixed signals out of the McCain Campaign, negative ads about Obama's relationships with Bill Aires and Rev. Wright and McCain's Hilarious appearance on SNL, while Sen. Obama's campaign is ahead in the polls going into Election Day.

Regardless of what happens tonight after the polls close, America decides the future of the American Experience.

Good Luck to us all!

Because this is just ridiculous...

While surfing the web over the weekend, google, in its infinite wisdom, popped up with this sponsored link:
Where is the Red?

It seems that the College Republicans are making a last ditch effort to seem relevant. A team (squadron?) of them are driving across the country to prove that one could drive from coast to coast without ever leaving a Republican held seat. If you check their map, it seems they're going to try to go to Topeka, because they describe Kansas as a "Republican stronghold". Have they checked the map lately? First, I'd like to see how they're going to reach Topeka without touching the Kansas Second or Third, not to mention the many democratic seats in Missouri. Second, this state hasn't been such a stronghold lately, if you look at, oh say, the Governor's mansion, or recent polling. But god knows, Republicans have never let facts stop a good PR event.

What's more telling is that the CR national committee thought in a summer of record gas prices the best way to connect with real young voters would be to drive across the country. Who, exactly, is paying for this little joyride? Exxon? I can promise you that our YD national committee will never do something so facetious. To start with, they have jobs. Now, to be fair these are college republicans, but still, most of us had to work during the summer months, not take off on extravagant road-trips.  More importantly, our national committee is focused on winning this fall, not making YouTube videos of their best Kerouac impersonations. 

But I encourage this little excursion by the College Republicans. I hope they've got a violin with them, because they're fiddling while Rome is burning.

PS: How are they going to navigate California? Probably by avoiding all minorities.

On patriotism

As the Fourth of July draws near, it is natural for Americans to commemorate the United States, and marvel at the beauty of our democracy. Whether it takes the form of cold beer, grilled burgers, or mortars, American's unite on the Fourth for what is ostensibly a celebration of freedom and a renewed commitment to patriotism.

For some Americans, however, Old Glory waving and trumpets blaring makes them uncomfortable. Some Americans feel a tad reserved with this wave of patriotic display, for various reasons. For Democrats, especially, there is often a powerful association of fireworks and picnic blankets with the GOP.

This wariness is often unnecessary. You may, and should, feel proud to be an American, and a progressive American at that. It's alright to join in at the rendition of the National Anthem. This doesn't preclude you from reflecting on the atrocities of Abu Grahib. March in the small-town parade; next month, you can march on in opposition to the Iraq war. Indulge in your blueberry pie and all the warm & fuzzy American feeling it embodies.

Patriotism should never be equated with complacency. Rather, patriotism is recognizing and attempting to remedy America's flaws. Patriotism is fully present in a critical, democratic citizenry. If only perfect governments merited patriotic sentiments, the world would be a treacherous lot.

Use your voice and embrace your freedom this July 4th; that is, while it lasts...

Faith: the national factor

We heard it in 2004: social issues, "faith-based" voters, gay marriage, abortion and an enumeration of all the issues that supposedly divided voters of faith and more secular voters.

The time has come for the Democratic Party to stress the universality and national scope of religious voters and values. People of faith aren't confined to red states, secularists aren't exclusive to blue states. In anticipation of the 2008 election, it is time to embrace the atheist in the cornfields in Kansas, the Hindu surfer in Florida, the Orthodox Jew in New York, and the personal spirituality of numerous Californians. The Party can't survive, nor would it want to, without the inclusive support of religious voters.

Leaders in the Democratic Party have taken notice of this dire need. Perhaps most notably, Rev. Joseph Kitchen has spearheaded a movement to obtain official approval from the Young Democrats of America's National Committee as an official caucus. To this end, Rev. Kitchen and staff have created a website to mobilize and inform voters about the groups goals and priorities: www.youngfaithdems.org.

The group cites four priorities:
1) Ending Poverty
2) Ending the Genocide in Darfur
3) Fighting AIDS/HIV
4) Protecting the Environment

These priorities are such that people of faith and non believers alike can herald them as just and worthy. The Democratic Party cannot survive more divisive politics. The time for caustic divisiveness is over. It is time to unite-Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Catholics, Mormons, Protestants, Lutherans, Baptists, and everything in between- and succeed. Success in 2008 depends on it.

Talitha Hazelton, Atchison.

An Example for Congress

As appeared in the May 15 issue of the Topeka Capital-Journal:

Letter: Example for Congress

On May 3, Rep. Nancy Boyda visited Valley Falls as part of her 2008 listening tour called "Congress on Your Corner." She is back in the 2nd District nearly every weekend, listening to what folks have to say and helping people get results from federal bureaucracies where difficulties persist.

I am always amazed how hard-working and genuine she is. In Valley Falls, Rep. Boyda and our community had in-depth and candid discussions on issues ranging from supporting veterans, continuing middle-class tax cuts, immigration policies that are enforced and work, sound trade policies that strengthen the United States and difficulties within Social Security and health care.

I was thoroughly impressed when Rep. Boyda stated that she and her husband, Steve, declined the stellar health care plan offered to her as a member of Congress. Instead, they pay gobs of money every month out of their own pocket. The reason: they couldn't accept this benefit in good conscience when so many of us here in the district struggle to obtain and/or pay for coverage. This is a bold example that other members of Congress should follow.

After the session ended, townspeople had an opportunity for one-on-one time to get help battling bureaucratic obstacles. Then, she was off to Fat Jack's on Broadway for ice cream and antique browsing.

She had a few minutes before heading to her next stop, so she stopped by the home of a Valley Falls woman who has been battling health problems and didn't have the strength to make it to the event.

What an excellent example Nancy Boyda is.

CRAIG GUNTHER, Valley Falls

It's anyone's game

No one will claim that Jim Slattery has a walk in the park, however, the latest Rasmussen Reports' survey of Kansas voters found Roberts leading Slattery by only 52% to 40%. Yes, in November 52% equals a clear victory for any candidate, but this is May.

Slattery leads Roberts by three points among unaffiliated voters. Each candidate can expect support from their own party's base, but from an ideological perspective, the candidates are tied at 46% among moderate voters.

So what does this all mean? It's anyone's game in November.

Kline for DA?

Both the Kansas City Star and Nebraska.tv are running stories of a possible Phill Kline run for JoCo DA. And just when the people of Kansas had come to believe he was history... Not only did Kline lose statewide in 2006, he lost Johnson County. It was the JoCo GOP who "elected" him to complete Paul Morrison's DA term. Voters as a whole were outraged.

Since becoming JoCo DA, KCTV (Kansas City's CBS affiliate) aired an investigative report on Kline. Turns out, he didn't really want to be back in JoCo. Instead, Kline and his family remained residents of Topeka, in violation of Kansas statute.

When he wasn't refusing KCTV-5 access to the courthouse (in retaliation), Kline was waisting time and tax dollars to further his personal crusade against legally obtained abortions. This month, the Kansas Supreme Court unsealed documents which revealed that Kline had spent much of 2007 in Topeka responding to two lawsuits filed by former AG Morrison and Planned Parenthood, who sued Kline to retrieve evidence.

With all these points against him (and that's only a year and a half's worth), should Kline run? Why not? Already in the race are Republican Steve Howe and Democrat Rick Guinn, former Johnson County prosecutors. Howe has secured most of the heavy endorsements on the Republican side, ensuring that to be in the general election, Kline will likely file unaffiliated. If that splits the Republican base in JoCo...well, you can just imagine those November results.

Step Up for the GI Bill

Today, hundreds of Young Democrats and young veterans are asking Congress to fulfill the promise we make to always stand by every man and woman who puts on the uniform in service to our nation. Young Democrats are urging immediate action on the Webb-Mitchell "Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act," a bill that will expand educational benefits for the men and women who serve in our military.

"As both a student and a veteran, I know first-hand how important veterans' benefits, especially educational benefits, are to our service men and women coming home from overseas," said Cole Hickman, an Army Reserve Sergeant and Iraq war veteran who serves as Chair of the Young Democrats of America's Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus and President of the Young Democrats of Arizona. "This new 21st Century G.I. Bill will give America's newest veterans the support they need to become engines of our economy, improve our communities, and continue their service to our nation while at home, just like the greatest generation did after World War II."

"An investment in our veterans is an investment in America. For less than the cost of fighting in Iraq for one week, this legislation significantly expands benefits to our veterans," said Young Democrats of America President David Hardt. "We urge Congress to include this important legislation in the Iraq war supplemental bill."

Currently, educational benefits for veterans are dispensed based on a law designed for peace-time service -- a law that insufficiently handles all the veterans currently serving in a time of war.

The 21st Century G.I. Bill will:

• Make benefits available to all members of the military who have served on active duty since 9/11/2001, including activated reservists and National Guard.
• Provide benefits for tuition, housing, and books for up to 36 months of education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
• Link amount of benefits to amount of time served on active duty.
• Increase amount of time after leaving active duty to collect educational assistance to fifteen years compared to ten.
• Allows additional payments for tutorial assistance as well as licensure and certification tests.
• Create a new program in which the government will agree to match, dollar for dollar, any voluntary additional contributions to veterans from institutions whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum assistance provided.

Six ways the GOP can save itself (but won't)

I don't mind sharing these tips (provided by Politico) because I know the GOP will ignore them. The KS GOP failed to over-ride a veto on coal, something their leadership made a top priority. Since November of 2006, multiple lawsuits were filed regarding unpaid salary. The last finance report for the KS GOP shows only slightly more than $4,000 (no, I didn't forget any zeros) cash on hand. With all these problems combined, I could walk into 2025 SW Gage Blvd. pass out copies of these suggestions, and it wouldn't help them a bit in November. It's good to be a Kansas Democrat this year.

1. Get a clue: Republicans desperately need to cook up some new ideas and craft an attractive agenda to have any chance of success. Former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate Mitt Romney says it should be a modern edition of Newt Gingrich’s “Contract With America.”

2. Cut the crap: Republicans are dominating Democrats in one area right now: humiliating sex scandals. If former Rep. Mark Foley isn’t e-mailing young male pages or Sen. Larry Craig isn’t playing footsie in the bathroom, then Rep. Vito J. Fossella’s getting busted driving drunk and then admitting he fathered a love child. You can’t run on family values when you don’t practice them.

3. Beg for help: The Republican infrastructure is crumbling. Making matters worse, Democrats are erecting a pretty impressive network of donors, think tanks and activist groups that is exploiting the GOP’s structural weakness. The GOP “needs to realize what the opposition is and how formidable it is,” said former GOP leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas). “The Democratic Party is organized chaos, but it is so much better than what we are doing.” It will take no less than three to five years to fix, smart Republicans estimate.

4. Burn the Bush: There is something honorable about loyalty. But taken too far, it can start to look downright loony to voters. President Bush is as unpopular as Richard Nixon was in the days before his resignation. Cut him loose — quick, says Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.). “We can go our own way with our own programs, and even disassociate ourselves from President Bush,” Davis said in a memo to fellow Republicans.

5. Change the pitch — and your face: Several well-known Republicans said the party needs fresh, reassuring packaging and a more diverse crowd to deliver it.

6. Fan the fear: Ignore the critics, Republican wise men say — there is still no better way to win than to stir up concerns about Democratic patriotism and their commitment to national security and killing terrorists. It often remains the best call in the GOP playbook, especially with McCain atop the ticket.

Those who don't know history...

Are doomed to repeat it. I always assumed that meant making the same mistakes as past generations, but it looks like some Republicans would have done well to repeat history in high school.

Many of you know that President Bush accused Sen. Obama of appeasement during a speech to Knisset, the parliament of Israel.  Putting aside the many problems with taking our politics beyond the water's edge, it was historically inaccurate. So the President may not get called out on failing US History and European History, but the rethuglican spin-lackeys who do try to stick to the message will be. Check out the awesomeness.

Wichita's Congressional Hope

College Democrats Superdelegates Lauren & Awais Endorse...

After weeks of emails, facebook messages, and youtube videos

Scott Kleeb wins Nebraska Primary!

While not officially KYD related, we must mention Nebraska's primary results. Scott Kleeb, a 32 year old Nebraska rancher is officially his state's Democratic candidate for US Senate. With 73% of precincts reporting at this hour, Kleeb had 68% of the vote.

Kleeb's wife, Jane Fleming Kleeb, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Young Voter PAC, having completed a successful tenure as ED for Young Democrats of America.

Those of us at the Burro Blog expect exciting things for these liberal youth activists in the coming months.

Why Labor matters

I'd like to post a detailed analysis of why labor matters, but I can't. I can't because I'm posting this from the panera next to where I work during my lunch hour. So I'll make this brief:

Labor matters because we work.

It's not just that we work, but most of us will work for a corporation or large organization. We won't work for ourselves, we may not work for that independent small business, but we will all work. And working could be far worse.

I work at least eight hours a day, five days a week. I spend all of that time on my feet, except my government mandated lunch break.  Before Labor, there were not mandatory breaks. There was no OSHA, no work place safety, no standard work-day, no worker protections. But because of Labor, there are.

Now, the issues have changed. Fair wages and wage growth compared to the astronomical salaries of CEOs. Healthcare and affordable coverage. Protecting American jobs and fighting for Fair Trade.  These are the issues of Labor today, things that affecting everyone of us. And that's why Labor matters. 

I'd love to post more, but my break is up. It may have seemed short, but I know who to thank for it.

Slattery makes it Official

Jim Slattery has four stops in Kansas today: Topeka, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Wichita. At each, his speech begins, "My name is Jim Slattery and I am running for the United States Senate."

Slattery's reason for candidacy:

• The future of our economy is unstable and uncertain.
• Our reliance on foreign oil has created a national security crisis -- and a budget crisis for Kansas families.
• And our nation is engaged in a tragic and costly war.

The bulk of Slattery's words focused his statement, "We can do better. We must do better." Unlike many politicians, only three simple promises were made:

• I will be an independent voice for Kansas in the U.S. Senate
• I will always put the people of Kansas ahead of any political party.
• And, I will use every ounce of God-given energy and strength to address the problems facing our country.

Slattery contests incumbent Pat Roberts, a career politician who chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee and is responsible for U.S. military involvement in Iraq.

Support Veterans' Education Benefits Today

Today, over one hundred Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans will converge on Capitol Hill in a call for immediate legislative action to pass the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act," a bill that will expand the educational benefits for the men and women who serve in our military receive. Please join them virtually by signing a petition supporting the bill and take action online to help it pass

Dear YD,

As both a student and a veteran, I know first hand how important veterans' benefits, especially educational benefits, are to our service men and women coming home from overseas.
Educational support not only keeps our military strong, it also helps our nation fulfill the promise we make to always stand by every man and woman who puts on the uniform in service to our nation.

Unfortunately, the way we currently dispense educational benefits to veterans is based on a law designed for peace-time service - a law that insufficiently handles all the veterans currently serving in wartime - and does not provide adequate support to those who are lucky enough to receive it.

Please join me in supporting a new bill being offered by Congressman Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) and Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) to modernize the way our country provides educational assistance to our veterans: "The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act."
The education of our nation's veterans is a cost of war.

Sign the petition today to support a 21st Century GI Bill.

After World War II our nation began offering educational assistance to millions of returning veterans, helping their transition to private life through the "G.I. Bill." Returning veterans received assistance paying for their books, fees, tuition, training costs and other important expenses. This educational investment helped educate a generation of heroes, but that wasn't all it did. The WWII G.I. Bill sparked tremendous economic growth and expansion, provided opportunities to millions who otherwise may have not been afforded them, and strengthened our families, our communities, and our nation.

For less than the cost of fighting in Iraq for one week, this legislation significantly expands educational benefits to our veterans and has the potential to strengthen our economy when it is in desperate need of help.

The 21st Century GI Bill will:

• Make benefits available to all members of the military who have served on active duty since 9/11/2001, including activated reservists and National Guard.
• Provide benefits for tuition, housing, and books for up to 36 months of education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
• Link amount of benefits to amount of time served on active duty.
• Increase amount of time after leaving active duty to collect educational assistance to fifteen years compared to ten.
• Allows additional payments for tutorial assistance as well as licensure and certification tests.
• Create a new program in which the government will agree to match, dollar for dollar, any voluntary additional contributions to veterans from institutions whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum assistance provided.

It is time that we start keeping the promises we give the men and women in uniform. Please support this legislation in any way you can.

Thank you for your support,

Cole Hickman

Chair, Young Democrats of America Veteran's & Military Affairs Caucus
President, Young Democrats of Arizona

Sign the petition today to support a 21st Century GI Bill.

Community Corps

I'm liveblogging from a 3rd district meeting at JCCC about the community corps program. It's a great program to help us reach out to swing voters in our neighborhoods. Lindsay Gentry, Field Organizer for the 3rd district is presenting. The foundation of the program is that each volunteer contacts 25 voters in their neighborhood to talk to them about the upcoming election. 

A little election math:

Research shows that for every 11 voters we contact face-to-face, we produce a vote. The program is designed that we contact each voter 3 times. Therefore

(25 voters x 3 contacts ) / 11 contacts per vote = 6 votes produced!

Everyone who participates has the possibility to produce a solid six votes. That may not seem like a lot, but remember that Gene Rardin won by two votes. You can make the difference. For more information, contact the State Party, your local field organizer, or one of the KYD officers.

Random updates

Hey kiddos, A few things to make you aware of:

Service Opportunity! 

If you're in the Emporia area next week and have some freetime, why not help build a playground? A totally non-partisan group is helping to put together a community playground and is looking for volunteers. This is copied from an email I recieved:

Better yet, get someone who hasn't signed up yet to listen. We are still short of volunteers, about 200 short. And we desperately need volunteers for the morning shifts on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I know, people work for living. But in a community of 25,000+, surely there are folks who would be available to work on a worthwhile project such as ours. I feel comfortable guaranteeing that once people come and work at the site, they'll find they're enjoying themselves so much and discovering how critical they are to this project that they'll volunteer to come back again. What we have to do is get people to come once. Can you help with that? We are at the crunch point. Could you ask one person to volunteer? (One who hasn't volunteered already, of course.) Just one. If everyone asks one person, and half of those sign up, we'll have exceeded our recruiting goals and be in fantastic shape to build this playground.

If you're interested in helping, contact Mike Dorcey at 620-794-3476 for more information. The site is located in Lynn county.

And now for something completely different: 

An Indiana Republican running for Congress made an unusual campaign stop last week at a National Socialist Worker's Party (read: NAZI) birthday celebration for Adolf Hitler. I can't make this stuff up. This is just one of the many reasons we're Democrats. We have souls.

Attack of the Red States!

Jim Slattery and our other races are getting more notice on the national blogs. Check out this piece from Daily Kos on the Kansas and Oklahoma Senate races.

Keith Olbermann: The Commander and Chief Test

Again Olbermann is the man. This gives the absurdity of Sen. Clinton's argument no validity what so ever! We need someone that gives a care about the American people and that will reverse the W Presidency and bring hope and peace to our world once more, that is the true Commander and Chief Test.

Jim Faris

Join the Young Voter Revolution

Slattery denounces Washington incompetence

Jim Slattery finally unveiled his campaign for the U.S. Senate on Saturday, telling a partisan audience that the time had come to end the “breathtaking incompetence” in Washington.

Slattery, a former six-term congressman from Topeka, decried the run-up to the war in Iraq, America’s faulty health-care system, the failure to more aggressively address the environment, and runaway spending that he termed “generational robbery.”

Rep. Bill Otto

Yep, this is the type of Republican Kansas elects

Per Aspera, Part 2

A good chunk of RJ's speach.

Per Aspera

Yeah, this, this is happening. More to come. Right now R.J. Wilson is speaking to us on a number of issues. One thing we're talking is the Holcomb issue. If you get the chance, write your State Representative and Senate a hand-written note about this issue.

A myth to be debunked is that "we need Holcomb to install more Wind power in the state." We don't. It would actually make wind power less cost-effective. That plant would hurt our local environment so many different ways I can't even get to all of them in a live-blogging post. 

In case you missed it

Now I'm not normally a fan of the Colbert Report, but last night's show was the best. In case you missed it, here it is:

Hilarious healthcare video

I found this video on DailyKos, and had to post it here.

We've all either had that crappy job, or are currently living through  its hell. I'm not sure which act this bill refers to specifically, but portable, affordable health coverage for every American is just one of the many reasons we must win this November.  As chair of our campaign committee, you can look for more information in this space about how we're going to do it. 

MESSAGE FROM THE YDA WOMEN'S CAUCUS

Take Action on Pay Equity Day!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Currently, women earn77 cents to the dollar, a narrowing of the wage gap by less than half a cent a year. Over a working lifetime, this wage disparity costs the average American woman and her family an estimated $700,000 to $2 million, impacting Social Security benefits and pensions.

In 1996, Equal Pay Day was created by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) as a way to raise awareness about the gap between men's and women's wages. The day, observed on a Tuesday in April, symbolizes how far into the year a woman must work, on average, to earn as much as a man earned the previous year. (Tuesday is the day on which women's wages catch up to men's wages from the previous week.) Because women earn less, on average, than men, they must work longer for the same among of pay. The wage gap is even greater for most women of color.

Equal pay has been the law since 1963. But today, 45 years later, women are still paid less than men—even when we have similar education, skills and experience.

Ideas for Action
Show “We’re in the Red”
On April 22, wear red to symbolize “women are in the red”.

Become informed
Read up on research, employment laws, and current legislation being introduced to close the wage gap.

Share the benefits with our Democratic and Non-Democratic brothers
Equal pay benefits men as well!

Raise awareness
Send a pay equity e-card to your friends, family and colleagues to help highlight the issue.

Coordinate a seminar on negotiation skills for womenEconomists agree that differences in negotiating abilities can lead to pay variation among workers with similar skill sets. This would be a great women’s caucus event if you have a women’s caucus in your state!

Contact Your Senators
Let them know that you want them to support the Fair Pay Restoration Act.
Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121, or find your Senators and their direct phone numbers.
Or send them an email.

For More Information:
Coalition of Labor Union Women
American Association of University Women
National Committee on Pay Equity

Taxes and the Young Person

Today, across the blogosphere, Democrats are talking taxes. I know that all of you have already filed your taxes. Or at least I hope so. 

But here, we're going to talk about the myth of the Republican tax cuts. Republicans love to talk about how Democrats want to increase taxes and how they supposedly cut taxes. But there's as many holes in their logic as their are in the corporate tax code. I just want to take this opportunity to debunk a few of the myths as they apply to young voters.

Myth 1: Taxes are bad.

Taxes give us such things as warning sirens for storm season, the US Armed Forces, safe highways, and Kindergarden teachers. I guess the question is then, why do Republicans hate Kindergarden teachers? This sort of reductionist argument is unfair and simplistic, but it's all too easy to attack taxes without talking about all of the wonderful things that taxes provide us. Everyone has thought of all of the things we would do with the money we paid in taxes last year, but let's just take a moment to think about what it bought us.

Myth 2: Tax cuts are good.

Let's hold up there a moment. Republicans love to talk about how they cut taxes, but Democrats cut taxes for the middle class and working Americans.  Is there a difference? Yes,  absolutely. The difference comes down to what economists call the multiplier effect. Imagine if that the government gave you and Bill Gates a ten thousand dollar tax break. What would you do with that money? If you're like most young people you would use it to pay off loans or you would buy something. That is, you would either consume now, or consume later in terms of freeing up future income by paying down your debt.  But what would Bill do? The question isn't really what would he do, it is would he notice. Most likely he would just save the money, sticking it in some bank account. 

Here is where the difference comes into play. When you spend that additional money, that ten thousand dollars, it multiplies and gets re-spent several times over. How many times it gets re-spent depends on a number of economic variables. But what about our friend Billy? He doesn't re-spend the money. Instead it sits in a bank, where it doesn't get respent. It may be loaned out, but the effect on the economy isn't the same. (Depending on a number of economic variables).  

The baseline is that not all tax cuts are the same, and that not all tax cuts grow the economy as much.

Myth 3: Tax cuts are more important than a balanced budget.

This myth is a question of priorities, but I feel obliged to point out that those tax cuts for the rich do not have as much impact on the economy and that they often result in budget deficit. The problem with deficits is that the government has to turn somewhere to finance that deficit and when it becomes debt. The government turns to the same credit markets that finance business growth, student loans, and home mortgages. The presence of such a large borrower in the credit markets makes it harder and more expensive for people like us to get credit for ourselves. So when you're looking to get a new car and are shocked by how much you're going to pay in interest, thank a Republican for budget deficits.

Legislative Day of Action

Our First Annual Legislative Day of Action was held on April 1. Here are a few photos from that day:

Too Many Voters, Too Little Space

Over 30 thousand Kansans voted this Tuesday. While the numbers give many hope, the hundreds or even thousands of people who gave up are cause for concern. It took me six (yes, 6) hours from the time I joined the line to the time I finally left my caucus site.

In Senate District 8, we did not waste hours debating the candidates or narrowing down delegates to the Congressional District Convention. We stood in line for hours waiting to get into the small church that was our caucus location. The volunteers were forced to take people in groups of slightly more than a hundred.

As the weather turned colder, the rain turned to snow. Those registering as Democrats for the first time were hurried through the line, while those who had been Democrats prior to the caucus were left outside.

In many of the more populated districts, turnout was so great that it took hours to vote. People left because of health concerns, not because of a lack of determination. While many sources have focused on the impressive turn out, remember that the numbers would have been even greater had the caucus sites been large enough to accommodate the crowds.

Talking to the candidates, and getting candidates to talk

At the JOCO state of the union watch party, I had the opportunity to speak with Lee Jones, one of the two Democratic candidates for the US Senate. While I won't seek to transcribe our entire conversation, I did take a moment to ask him to speak to young voters.
We spoke about a few key issues for younger voters including healthcare, the economy, and education. As a former union worker, I was interested to learn that he had worked for the railroads during and after college, and eventually represented the interests of railroad workers in DC, before returning to the state. These experiences will no doubt provide a philosphical basis for many of his policy positions. On education, he stressed that he believed that every student should have the opportunity to attend College. With healthcare, he was more oblique, not fully advocating for universal coverage, rather speaking more for affordability. While some might consider that position to not go far enough, I would remind them that he is running for Senate, not President. Always remember when listening to candidates' proposals that they will never be the only voice heard.
Some of the things he stressed about himself was that he was a lifelong Kansan, born and raised in our fair state, and a committed Democrat, who had been registered to vote Democrat long before deciding to run for office. This topic is a delicate one, which Kansas voters will have to consider carefully in the August primary.

What's that you say? August primary? I know many young people are not aware that Kansas has a seperate primary for Congressional candidates from the caucases next week. In order to highlight that primary and the importance of young voters this election, our blog will be featuring contrasting view points from candidates about the issues important to young democrats. We will be working with candidates and campaigns to answer the questions that are important to you. We hope to feature our two senate candidaes, Lee Jones and Greg Orman soon. I'm sure the Orman campaign will have a few things to say about this blog post.

PS: A link is coming soon to the Jones campaign website. As soon as it's more than a placeholder.

Sebelius endorses Obama

Her announcement came hours ahead of Obama's rally in El Dorado, the hometown of his grandfather on his mother's side. And one week from today are the Kansas caucuses, which are part of the Super Tuesday contests.

Democratic presidential candidates long had sought Sebelius' backing in a state that George W. Bush carried by large margins in the 2000 and 2004 elections.

Her endorsement has been rumored for weeks but she had said she wouldn't make announce it until after giving the Democrats' response to President Bush's State of the Union Address.

Sebelius said her two "20-something" sons and 86-year-old father, former Ohio Governor John Gilligan, were already backing Obama.

Sebelius said Obama had the ability to bridge generations for the betterment of the country.

It's official

New American Majority!!

While some may have hoped for a more partisan speech, I appreciated the elegant tone of our Governor's response. Obviously, Sebelius is an eloquent speaker and followed yet another of Bush's butchering of the English language.



Full text of tonight's response

Live from the JOCO State of the union watch party!

Hey there readers! We're live from the Johnson County State of the Union watch party hosted by Democracy for the Heartland of America and the Johnson County Democratic Party. We've had a great turnout tonight, a lot of dedicated Democrats came out for food, socializing, watching our beloved Governor, and booing Bush. Standing here looking over my shoulder is Bill Roy, chair of the county party. If you ever want to get more involved with the party, get in touch with your county party and see when they have an event.

We, the bloggers here at Burro Blog need to let you know that today a new candidate, Lee Jones, entered the race for the US Senate. The Kansas Young Democrats does not endorse candidates for contested Democratic primaries. We wish both Lee Jones and his opponent Greg Orman the best of luck in their race.

I had a chance to talk to Mr. Jones tonight at the watch party and ask him about some of the issues important to the young voters of Kansas. Gov. Sebelius just came on, so that post will have to wait.

It's Official

Stephen Six is Kansas' new attorney general.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius this morning appointed Six, a Douglas County judge, to replace Attorney General Paul Morrison, who will resign at the end of the month...

Wichita Eagle

Sebelius expected to name Douglas County Judge Stephen N. Six as attorney general

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today is expected to name Douglas County District Judge Stephen N. Six the state’s next attorney general, Democrats told The Kansas City Star on Thursday.

The son of a former state Supreme Court justice, Six would succeed disgraced Attorney General Paul Morrison, who announced his resignation Dec. 14 after publicity surrounding an affair with a one-time co-worker.

Sebelius is to announce her choice at 11 a.m. today in her state Capitol office. The news conference will end weeks of statehouse speculation over perhaps the biggest personnel decision Sebelius has confronted during her five years in office...

KCStar

More Than a One Night Stand

After young people turned out in record numbers in Iowa and New Hampshire, you would think that those who regularly trash Millennials, Generation Y and others in our 20s and 30s would stop scapegoating young voters for our alleged apathy towards democratic participation.
Apparently not.

Although nearly 37 percent of 18-to-29 year olds cast a ballot in the New Hampshire primary (more than double the percentage from four years ago and a larger percentage of the total vote than those 60 and older), the naysayers soon labeled this show of electoral force a "fluke."
The return to thoughtless disparaging hit a new low on the pages of the Huffington Post when it was suggested that young voters would rather be drunk than democratic, despite the fact that the trend since 2002 has been significant increases in youth voting...

Jason Carter: More Than a One Night Stand: Millennials Building a Meaningful Relationship with Democracy - Politics on The Huffington Post

Sebelius to give Democratic response to Bush address

WASHINGTON — Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has been chosen to deliver the Democratic response to President Bush’s annual State of the Union Address on Jan. 28.

The nationally televised response will give the Kansas Democrat a massive audience across the nation.

Sebelius has generated national buzz by winning two terms in a traditionally Republican state. She is widely believed to have her eye on running for the U.S. Senate in 2010.

Sebelius served recently as chairwoman of the Democratic Governors Association.

CjOnline

Obama Surpasses Clinton Among Young Democrats

Barack Obama has blown past Hillary Clinton as the candidate of choice among Democrats under the age of 30, according to the results of a USA Today/Gallup Poll published today.

A USA Today article on the findings of the poll of 2010 adults, conducted Thursday through Sunday, says 57 percent of Democrats under the age of 30 favor Mr. Obama, while 29 percent favor Ms. Clinton.

As of December, Ms. Clinton had been the clear front-runner Democrats in the 18-29 age bracket, leading Mr. Obama 45 percent to 28 percent.

The poll results released today show that Ms. Clinton retains the lead among Democrats as a whole, with 45 percent favoring her, 33 percent favoring Mr. Obama, and 13 percent supporting John Edwards.

Gallup said the margin of error in its polling of Democrats was plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Obama Surpasses Clinton Among Young Democrats - Chronicle.com

KYD Presidential Appointment Application 2008

KYD Presidential Appointment Application 2008
Due to yonahana@gmail.com by March 2, 2008, 5pm CST

Name:

Address:

Home Phone: Work: Cell:

E-mail:

Date of Birth:

Can you commit to attending three State Committee meetings a year?

Position Sought:

If there is a position you wish to apply for that does not currently exist, please attach additional sheets as needed to give the title and description for the position you think should be created.

Please answer the following questions, each in 150 words or less.

1. Describe your activities with local, state, and national Young Democrats.

2. What experience do you have that qualifies you for the office you are seeking?

3. Why are you seeking this position and what do you want to gain from the experience?

4. What particular goals do you want to accomplish if selected for this office?


Please attach a short (1-2 pages) resume highlighting relevant experience in political and non-political fields.



STANDING COMMITTEES

Each committee has a Chair and Vice Chair (with the exception of Credentials which only has a Chair). The Chair of the each of the Standing Committees is a voting member of the State Committee.

Membership Committee
The committee shall develop an annual written plan for presentation to the executive committee designed to help chartered chapters increase and keep active members by providing resources and assistance when possible, and for expanding the membership of the Kansas Young Democrats.

Constitution and Rules Committee
The committee shall review and report on all proposed amendments to this constitution, shall set the rules governing the election of officers at the state convention, providing those rules are not contrary or in derogation to this constitution, and shall decide on any question presented to it by the chair regarding the rules, parliamentary procedure, balloting, or other questions excluding credentials challenged.

Platform and Policy Committee
The committee shall present to the state convention for approval a platform for the Kansas Young Democrats which shall not exceed 5,000 words, and shall at all times though resolutions, promote to the Executive and State Committee and the various chapters issues and polices for the Kansas Young Democrats.

Credentials Committee
The committee shall have jurisdiction over the credentialing and chartering of chapters and delegates at the state convention, and any State Committee meetings.

Campaign and Elections Committee
The committee shall submit to the State Committee for approval in even numbered years a campaign plan for the organization, maintain a dialogue between the people of this state and the Democratic Party, and shall conduct an intensive voter registration campaign on an annual basis.

Mid-Year Conference

The Mid-Year Conference was a success. In addition to Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson, KYD was visited by Senator Chris Steineger, Representative Gene Rardin, and Greg Orman.

Many new faces were seen at this year's conference, many from the KC metro but also including Atchison and Hutchinson. Thank you everyone who participated.

The results are in....

And Obama has won the KYD straw poll!

Results:
Clinton- 17.65%
Edwards- 17.65%
Gravel- 0.00%
Kucinich- 5.88%
Obama- 58.59%

Greetings from one of your new bloggers!

Hey guys, this is John, I'm one of the newer bloggers on this now group blog and I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm orginally from Overland Park, and just graduated with a degree in Economics from Arizona State. I've been involved with YDA at ASU and on a national level. Personally I've worked on several exciting Congressional races and helped get YDs elected to the Arizona statehouse. I'm looking forward to turning Kansas blue this election. A quick note for those of you on facebook: if you're going to friend me, which I encourage, I'm a friend of Jamie's.

Super Tuesday: Caucus Locations

Caucus locations by state Senate district:

1. Atchison High School Gym, 1500 Riley St, Atchison
2. 2nd Congressional District: Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E. 6th St, Lawrence
2. 3rd Congressional District: Liberty Hall 642 Massachusetts St, Lawrence
3. Metcalf Memorial Armory, 200 Iowa St, Lawrence
4. KCKCC Performing Art Center, 7250 State Ave, Kansas City
5. Woodlands Race Track, 9700 Leavenworth Rd, Kansas City
6. Turner High School Auditorium, 1312 S 55th St, Kansas City
7. Asbury United Methodist Church, 5400 W 75th St, Prairie Village
8. ShawneeMission Unitarian Universalist Church, 7725 W 87th St, Overland Park
9. Olathe First Christian Church, 200 E Loula St, Olathe
10. Mill Valley High School Little Theater, 5900 Monticello Rd, Shawnee
11. Leawood Middle School, 2410 W. 123rd St, Leawood
12. Paola High School, 401 N Angela, Paola
13. Franklin Community Center, 701 S Broadway, Franklin
14. Municipal Building Basement, 112 S 17th St, Parsons
15. Iola National Guard Armory, 1021 N State St, Iola
16. El Dorado Civic Center, 201 E Central, El Dorado
17. Best Western Inn, 3021 W Highway 50, Emporia
18. Robinson Middle School, 1125 SW 14th St, Topeka
19. Highland Park High School, 2424 SE California Ave, Topeka
20. Topeka West High School, 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka
21. Marysville City Hall, 209 N 8th St, Marysville
22. 1st CD: Geary Co. Historical Society & Museum, 530 N Adams St, Junction City;
22. 2nd CD: K-State Union Main/West Ballrooms, 17th & Anderson, Manhattan
23. Gardner-Edgerton High School, 425 N Waverly Rd, Gardner
24. Hageman Education Center, 409 Cloud, Salina
25. Sedgwick County Courthouse Jury Room, 525 N Main Street, Wichita
26. Derby Middle School, 801 E Madison Ave, Derby
27. Newman Uni., De Mattias Hall Rehearsal Hall 251 3100 McCormick St, Wichita
28. Machinist Hall, 3830 S Meridian Ave, Wichita
29. WSU Metroplex Gym, 5015 E 29th Street, Wichita
30. Robinson Middle School Gym, 328 N. Oliver, Wichita
31. Red Coach Inn, 1301 E 1st, Newton
32. Baden Square Dining Hall, 8th & College, Winfield
33. Pratt Community Center, 619 North Main, Pratt
34. Memorial Hall, 101 South Walnut, Hutchinson
35. McPherson Senior Center, 112 East Euclid St, McPherson
36. Hays VFW 2106 Vine, Hays
37. Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park
38. Knights of Columbus Hall, 800 Frontview, Dodge City
39. Garden City Community College, 801 N Campus Dr, Garden City
40. NWK Educational Service Center, 703 W 2nd, Oakley

YOUNG VOTER REVOLUTION IN IOWA

from YDA's blog:

Washington, DC – Young voters proved to be the decisive demographic in tonight’s Iowa caucuses, turning out in record numbers and demonstrating overwhelming enthusiasm for Democratic candidates.
“The Young Voter Revolution continued in Iowa tonight, with young voters again showing they will turn out when targeted,” said Alexandra Acker, Executive Director of the Young Democrats of America. “Young voters were the margin of victory for Barack Obama tonight and they will by the margin of victory to propel our Democratic nominee to victory in November.
In 2004, young people turned out in record numbers and turned out for Democrats, as they only age group to support the Democratic ticket. Tonight, young voters proved they are track to repeat and increase those margins in 2008.
According to early reports, young voters comprised at least 20% of all caucus goers and supported Barack Obama by 57%. In 2004, according to independent, non-partisan analysis from CIRCLE, young voters comprised 17% of all caucus goers and supported John Kerry with 35%.
“Young voters are motivated and excited to elect a Democrat to the White House,” said David Hardt, President of the Young Democrats of America. “The Iowa caucus returns demonstrate that Young Democrats and Americans are ready for change. In 2008, young voters will propel Democrats to victory up and down the ballot.”
“With all eyes on Iowa, young voters delivered for Democrats,” said Alec Schierenbeck, President of the College & Young Democrats of Iowa. “And young voters will turn Iowa blue in November.”