VOTE MODERATE - ELECT DEMOCRATS!

Following a well attended Last Thursday meeting of Reno County Democrats, ideas were thrown around for a slogan or sign that might help spread the truth about this election season's Democratic candidates. Putting their heads together Frances Garcia and James Taylor came up with the catch phrase above. In this time when the GOP is rushing to embrace the extremism of candidates such as Huelscamp, Kobach and Senator Sam, Democrats do indeed appear to be the party of moderation. This is the message that needs to get out. Write a letter, talk to a friend and let Kansans know that Democrats have the sensible answers to the problems the state is facing. Then volunteer and vote to put them in office!

OUR FUTURE LEADERS?

Is this the new face of political leadership? One can only hope it's a fad like pet rocks or cabbage patch kids but the attention being paid to psuedo celebrities such as Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, Rand Paul etc. is alarming. There are signs of hope as a recent report indicated that moderate Kansans are showing some skepticism towards such TB notables as Kris Kobach. I am reminded of the hype accompanying a new book/movie/soap - the media is blanketed with news of the item. People hear the brand name repeatedly and the psychology of salesmanship works is magic. Only after the money's spent (vote is cast?) do they discover they've been had. The promises were empty; the product doesn't perform; the candidate is a front for special interests. The solution is to become as informed as possible and encourage others to do the same. Used up tea bags belong in the trash.

JUST THE BEGINNING!

This is how it starts. One yard sign at a time. One phone call to a friend. One afternoon helping a candidate share their message by phone or by knocking on doors. It would be wonderful if Democrats could just sit back and let the prevailing winds blow them into office but it just won't work in Kansas. I've talked to enough moderate Republicans to know that the support is there. We just have to earn it!

It's a sad state of affairs when Kansans say they can't run for office because it might hurt their business; when employees are literally afraid for their job if they "go public" with their support of a Democratic candidate; when eligible voters stay home because "you can't win against the Republicans". These are direct quotes I have heard over the past few years.

Unless you are ready to accept the extremism represented by Birthers, the Tea Party and believers of Beck, Limbaugh and their ilk, it's time to realize that YOU CAN make a difference. As important as it is to vote, it's just not enough. There's nothing radical in the positions held by our Democratic candidates. They are moderate and practical in their common sense approach to addressing the challenges faced in Kansas and the United States. But they can't succeed without our full support. Resolve today to do all you can in this critical election year - or live with the consequences.

DEMOCRATS HONOR EMANCIPATION DAY PARADE

Candidates for Lt. Gov. Kelly Kultala, US House of Rep. Alan Jilka and Ks House of Rep. Jack Mace (not pictured) all turned out to participate in Saturday's parade along with an army of supportive Democrats. Somehow an old joke came to mind: How do you keep an "elephant" away? Since the GOP candidates were conspicuous in their absence the answer must be, celebrate Emancipation Day!

LT. GOV. CANDIDATE IN HUTCHINSON

Kansas State Senator and running mate for Tom Holland, Kelly Kultala will join Reno County Democrats to appear in the August 7 Emancipation Day Parade. This is Kultala's second trip to Hutchinson recently as she was the featured luncheon speaker at the Democratic Women's convention in late June. Reno County is calculated by some to be key to victories by several of this year's candidates. It's up to us not to disappoint when called upon to support them.

JILKA ON CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Temperatures were a little cooler as Reno County Democrats gathered in the shade at the courthouse to hear KS 1st District candidate Alan Jilka. Jack Mace running for state 104th district representative greeted Jilka and discussed campaign plans. Most agree Jilka's Republican opponent Heulscamp is at the far right fringes of politics potentially making him easier to defeat. There are several opportunities for Democratic gains in Kansas this fall but it will take a whole hearted effort.