(Cross posted from BoydaBloc)
On Monday, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda's re-election became only the second federal campaign in Kansas to file by petition in the last 15 years.
The only other candidate to do so? Nancy Boyda- when she ran the first time in 2004.
TOPEKA, KS- Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District) today delivered petitions signed by 2,986 Kansans to the Kansas Secretary of State's office – over 500 more signatures than needed to file for re-election to the United States Congress.
Only 2,441 signatures were required to qualify Congresswoman Boyda for the ballot.
The petition process allows a candidate for Congress to bypass the usual $1,672 filing fee by demonstrating enormous grassroots support. According to the Secretary of State's office, it is highly unusual for a federal candidate to file by petition in Kansas. The last candidate to successfully do so was Congresswoman Boyda in her 2004 campaign for office.
"It's humbling and a true honor to have the support of so many thousands of Kansans," Congresswoman Boyda said. "Of course, the campaign season is still months away. Congress has a great deal of work to do between now and Election Day, and my focus remains on representing Kansas to the best of my ability."
Congresswoman Boyda will formally announce her candidacy for re-election at a public event later this year.
Anyone who has ever tried to go door-to-door and get anyone to sign anything- even if they agree with the petition- knows how difficult it can be. Also, in Kansas, the nominating petitions have to be organized by county, and can only be signed by registered Democrats, adding more elements of complication to the whole process.
What's particularly impressive is that this is the second time Boyda has expended this effort, and it is a very real indication of her on-the-ground grassroots support.
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