Newly announced candidate for 1st District U.S. House Representative, Alan Jilka engaged in a conversation with RCDem Bill Rogers during the Demofest luncheon on Saturday. Governor Mark Parkinson gave an inspiring speech encouraging Democrats to remain positive during the upcoming election. But the most enthusiastic response from the crowd came when current State Representative Raj Goyle from Wichita took the stage. Goyle's efforts in the legislature and his successful unseating of an incumbant have inspired high hopes for his successful bid for the open seat in 4th District, formerly held by Todd Tiahrt.

Later in the day Democrats from Pratt, Reno and McPherson county met with Kenny Johnston to discuss plans to renovate the State Fair Booth. Staffing of the booth and increased cooperation from KDP were among items addressed as needing improvement. There will be further discussion and presentations made at Democrat Washington Days in February of 2010. Watch for more details in coming months and make plans to attend this important event.

T-BAGGERS A NO-SHOW AT DEMOFEST

Despite encouragement from rightwing bloggers, protesters failed to appear at the showing of "What's the Matter With Kansas", a documentary inspired by Thomas Frank's book. A theater filled with Kansas Democrats was welcomed by the Sedgwick County Chair. The film consisted primarily of interviews with conservatives which in retrospect did illustrate the problems facing the state. There was a segment following a family to the Creationist Museum that proved to be unintentionally humorous. More sobering were the revelations of numerous followers of Reverend Terry Fox and the ill-fated affiliation with Wild West World. One couple lost $300,000 to developer Etheridge when the project failed. There are increasing instances across the country of the trusting faithful being fleeced by a few unscrupulous charlatans seeking to take advantage of the "religious right".

RENO COUNTY DEMOCRATS TRY SOMETHING NEW

After taking the summer months off it was back to work for the Democratic Party in Reno County. There were many familiar faces on hand to discuss plans for the future. There will be a meeting with KDP representatives at Demofest in Wichita to discuss improvements for the Kansas State Fair Booth. The prime location and public relations opportunity of this event cannot be ignored. Democrats are encouraged to step up if asked to volunteer their time to staff the booth next year. We will be deep into the election season by then and your efforts are vital to success.

It was reported that Salina native Alan Jilka will definitely be running for Kansas 1st District Representative. Alan's credentials are impressive and he will need our full support as time goes on.

Following a lengthy discussion it was decided that the "LAST WEDNESDAY" meeting will become the "LAST SATURDAY MORNING" meeting. Reno County Democrats are encouraged to gather at the Go Plaza (truck stop just outside of South Hutchinson) for a breakfast meeting at 8:30 AM. This will leave the rest of the day for weekend activities and it is hoped, will allow more to attend. Mark your calendar for Saturday October 31st, 8:30 AM and join us at the Go Plaza for breakfast!

THANKS TO OUR RCDEMOCRATIC VOLUNTEERS

Left to right: Patrick Clark, Nancy Self, Margie Breeze, Nancy Clark, Betty Taylor, James Taylor. Not pictured: Duane Anstine, Kathie Moore, Heidi Unruh and daughter.

RENO COUNTY DEMOCRATS DIG IN - GET IT DONE

In just a few short hours it was "mission accomplished"! Nine area Democrats showed up with shovels and loppers in hand to fulfill a commitment to perform a community service project. The former Hutch Floral property was acquired by the Kansas Cosmosphere for future expansion. Due to a lack of funds/staff to do regular maintenance the site had become overgrown. Using an ingenious tool James Taylor dispatched a potential forest of volunteer trees. Others went after the weeds that were choking out remaining flower beds, cleaned out grasses growing through concrete patio area and picked up trash scattered across the property. Loaded down pick-ups supplied by the Taylors and Margie Breeze were filled to overflowing with the debris that was taken to the landfill. An independent photojournalist from Wichita stopped to interview and videotape the volunteers at work. If you missed this opportunity there will be other chances to join in future projects.

DEMOCRATS MAKING HEADWAY AT THE FAIR

Contrary to the rather dismal mention in the Wichita Eagle things picked up at the Democratic Booth after a shaky start. There have been some ongoing problems with people not honoring their scheduled commitments but the Reno County Democrats have stepped in to fill the gaps. This points out how important it is to honor those commitments. Pictured above is Jon Powell, a Hutch native that has returned to the fold. Jon's enthusiasm and winning ways with the public will make him a tremendous asset to the party. He is seen here helping a Democrat sign up for the drawing to win an autographed copy of President Obama's book "The Audacity of Hope". A good sized box containing the entry slips was nearing full when I left on Tuesday. Also visible are poster sized sheets with names, two columns wide, of supporters of the public option in health care. Three of these large sheets have been filled with a fourth started late Tuesday.

The difficulties experienced with the lack of materials was brought to the attention of Topeka. After emails and telephone calls it would seem there will be much more input and support from KDP in future years. The positive comments from a surprising number of Democrats who stopped by was encouraging. Even better were the Republicans who signed the petition and voiced their disgust with the recent direction taken by their party. There are many more of these unhappy moderates than people think. So there will be much to accomplish in the months leading up to the next election but if we are willing to stand behind our candidates there could be a whole new ballgame in Kansas.

An email to those Reno County Democrats signed up will be coming out soon but I will mention here that we will be resuming our regular monthly meetings starting Wednesday, September 30, 5:30 at the RCD headquarters in Mark Treaster's Rainbow International building at 1129 W 4th. Betty Taylor will be bringing refreshments so join us there for some important discussions.

POSSIBLE FIRST DISTRICT CONTENDER

Several representatives of the Reno County Democratic Central Committee and a number of former candidates/elected officials met with Alan Jilka recently to discuss his possible run for U.S. Representative in the 1st District. Mr. Jilka, a graduate of Notre Dame, has served on
the Salina City Commission, three years as Mayor of the city where his family owns a furniture business. Fluent in Spanish he has a masters degree in Comparative Literature and has studied in Portugal and Brazil.

Jilka worked for Dan Glickman in Washington D.C. In his conversation he expressed support for renewable energy plans in Kansas and an interest in a viable, active arts community. All who attended were impressed with Jilka's presentation. He received advice from former candidates on campaigning, fund raising and a suggestion that he acquaint himself with the state fair and the opportunities to connect with constituents from across the western part of the state. Currently there are at least 5 Republican contenders for the seat.

It is hoped Jilka is just the first of many capable candidates that Reno County Democrats will be able to support in the upcoming elections of 2010.