PHOTOS FROM WASHINTON DAYS - TOPEKA

There was a high energy level at this year's gathering of Kansas Democrats at Washington Days. Attendees were treated to speeches from the growing roster of candidates for the 2010 election including Gubenatorial candidate Tom Holland. Senator Holland should push for as many debates as possible as he proved to be an excellent speaker especially compared to the lack luster style of Senator Sam. There was a substantial response to the Reno County display seeking input regarding the State Fair Booth. This meeting prompted a lot of worthwhile discussions and idea sharing from Democrats throughout Kansas. It had one of the largest number of participants to date, showing the growing enthusiasm and willingness to support Democratic candidates this fall.

CONGRATULATIONS COUNTY CHAIR VIC MOSER

The Kansas Democratic Party presented the Robert E. Tilton Award to our Reno County Democratic Party chair Vic Moser at the Saturday luncheon of the Washington Days Meeting in Topeka on February 27, 2010. Also pictured is State Representative Jan Pauls. This is the highest honor that can be awarded to a County Chair in Kansas. Vic deserves our congratulations and support as he continues to work on behalf of the Democratic Party.

THIS SAYS IT ALL

It's been a year since the passage of the stimulus bill. Here's the graphic illustration of its effect. This must be the clearest demonstration of what those who are cheering for failure of Obama's administration fears the most. There is progress being made. There are numerous articles being published describing the hypocrisy of many conservatives Republicans in Congress decrying the program while touting the projects it has brought to their state/districts. It is indeed a slow painful process but the trend is clear so rant radio is going full bore to discredit what is obvious.

TEABAGGERS BEWARE

It should come as no surprise that the WW of the North (think Wizard of Oz) delivered a load of "red meat" to the starstruck tea baggers that gathered to hang on her every word as she berated our President and Democrats in general. So I feel it my duty to issue a warning: a steady diet of red meat can be hazardous to your health. Not only that, if one isn't careful they could choke on such gluttony.

UNDERDOGS UNITE!!!!

Anyone who knows me knows I am not a rabid sports fan. When the hype was building over the superbowl, I knew early on I was on the side of the Saints. I was delighted when President Obama went out on a limb stating his support of the team. Some criticized his choosing a favorite, but as he stated "I'm for the underdog". This summed up my sentiments exactly. New Orleans needed a boost; the establishment needed to be shaken up; and after hearing "Maja- Rushie" wax eloquent over the unlikelihood of the Saints coming up with a win I was more adamant in my support than I have ever been over a superbowl team.

So here's the challenge to Kansas Democrats: if the Saints can fight their way back from a ten point deficit against an award winning quarterback, then we should take heart and be willing to stand up for our beliefs. Democrats are engaged in a contest against a potential governor who votes against a bill that includes huge amounts of earmarks he boasts of benefiting Kansas. Ditto for the darling of the conservatives who wants to be our next senator. Both are affiliated with a radical group that has co-opted religion for political means. A Hutchinson legislator who has been the subject of charges of nepotism is now set to benefit financially by representing some of his generous donors in a suit he has filed against our state! It is time for Democrats to stand up and fight for honest, capable leadership in Kansas. No doubt about it - we are the underdogs. We have the talent, we have the incentive now we need the will to win!

OBAMA REACHES OUT

He proposed new drilling, safe nuclear power plants, small business tax credits, spending freeze, deficit reduction - and the Republican reaction: NYET, NINE, NON, NO WAY! I heard GOP leadership actually say he didn't offer us anything! Ignoring the reality of the President's message, when they did acknowledge suggestions to cut spending, they dismissed it as not enough! What don't they understand about you have to start somewhere? Saving hundreds of millions of dollars sounded pretty impressive to me. Their true nature has once again been revealed for all those not too blinded by partisanship to see.

Have I been thrilled with progress from the Oval Office to date? No. But do I believe that with the cooperation of Congress there could be real headway? Absolutely. We have candidates who are willing to do the work necessary; Alan Jilka running for the Big 1st District and Charles Schollenberger standing against Tiahrt or Moran. If we just fold up our tents and refuse to fight for better representation we all know where it leads - NOWHERE. There are voting records and past positions that leave Republicans vulnerable but it requires the effort of us all to get the information out. Thanks to the Supreme Court's decision it's more important than ever that individuals fight for their voices to be heard. Obama made a plea for cooperation saying he couldn't do the job alone. If the right in Congress isn't willing to support the way forward it's up to us to lend the support needed to turn the country around. The GOP establishment, rant radio and right wing extremists want this administration to fail. In our silence we would be supporting their agenda.

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING!?!

I'm wondering if everyone was as stunned and angered as I when I heard of the recent Supreme Court decision conferring "person hood" on corporations! At a time when Americans have become aware of the abuses and corrupting influences that already exist in the world of campaign finance they have not only greatly added to the existing problems by allowing outside forces -NOT PEOPLE - free range to support attack ads, but have struck down all existing state laws that place restrictions on contributions. Pouring salt into the wounds the decision, by citing the first amendment to the constitution they have blocked any possibility of corrective legislation. There is a bi-partisan bill in the house -H.R. 1826 - that has languished for some time that calls for public financing to be instituted but short of either ratifying an amendment to the constitution or all out revolution - neither of which is likely - there is no solution except for voters to soundly reject candidates who accept or do not condemn this practice. How ironic that this stormy decade is bookmarked by the Supreme Court decision in 2000 that gave us W and this decision in 2010 that sanctions the selling of the soul of the political process. The very least we can do is to make our anger known!