SUCCESS

(Proof positive if I can manage the Internet then anybody can) A new crop of Young Democrats joined in the large crowd on hand to support Tom Holland in his debate with Senator Sam. Forgive me for stooping to partisan sniping but when I saw the stickers favored by the yellow-shirted group reading "I'm a Brown-backer" couldn't help thinking it should instead read "I'm a Brown-noser". This because those who showed up were treated to free transportation, free shirts, free lunch and free admission to the fair - all courtesy of our Senator Sam. Money can indeed buy a lot of things. Let's just hope Kansas isn't for sale in November. It's up to us, people!

WHAT WE'RE AIMING FOR

According to all volunteers who worked throughout the fair, this was a common remark: "I don't want Brownback for governor" (and some even stronger comments from members of his own party). Whether or not this negative response can bring moderate voters into Tom Holland's camp is largely dependent on us. Talk to undecided or waivering voters. Acquaint yourself with Tom's positions, history and accomplishments at working in a bipartisan effort to improve Kansas. He's working hard to defeat the extremism that's invading our state. We need to pitch in and help him in that effort.

DUE TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES...

Having a hard time getting some of my photos from the fair transferred. They are worth the wait and hope to have them up for your enjoyment soon. Thanks for your patience. This one that I miraculously managed to download does give a great view of the KDP side of the booth where mainly state and federal candidates were featured. Check the blog again soon as I struggle to conquer the challenges of Techno-world!

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!