Late Monday evening, four days after filing for the Kansas Senate, the daughter of State Senate candidate Keith Humphrey was attacked on Twitter by a known Brownback associate.
"I served my country with distinction in the US Navy. I believe in freedom of speech. But actively stalking my 17-year old daughter on Twitter and making crude tweets of a derogatory, adult nature is unacceptable," said Humphrey. "I call on Gov. Brownback to call off his thugs. We can debate Sam Brownback's failed tax policy that gives tax breaks to millionaires while raising taxes on middle-class families, but my family is off-limits. I've faced tougher thugs than this in my life. I am not intimidated."
The tweet was sent by Jim Gardner, a former Topeka City Councilman and now an associate at Hickam Public Affairs, formerly known as David Kensinger Associates, late Monday evening and has now been deleted. Gardner had erased the tweet by late Tuesday afternoon. By its own admission, Hickam Public Affairs was previously named David Kensinger Associates, but changed names, when agency partner David Kensinger assumed the position of Chief of Staff to Gov. Sam Brownback. Hickam Public Affairs is now owned by Matt Hickam, a long-time Washington, DC political consultant and lobbyist. David Kensinger resigned from Gov. Brownback's office in April. Many lawmakers believe that Kensinger left the Governor's office to target moderate Senators in the November elections.
By colincurtis at 2012-06-12
Tyeler Rivera is the 17-year old biological daughter of Therese Humphrey, Keith Humphrey's wife. In 2006, Tyeler's biological father passed away from colon cancer. Since 2006, Keith and Therese Humphrey have raised Tyeler Rivera as their shared daughter. "I was fortunate to be there for the kids," said Keith Humphrey. "I've learned so much from being there to provide them with love and support during an incredibly difficult time."
Humphrey continued, "These are precisely the types of destructive politics and game-playing that must stop in Topeka. This is my first run for public office, and it's repulsing to see the depths at which career politicians will go to retain control. Washington, DC insiders have invaded our state. I ask the voters across the state to reject these types of destructive politics."
"Jim Gardner is a 39-year old man, and he thinks it's appropriate to tweet 'Teenage Lover!' to a 17-year old girl. It's despicable. He and his employers should be ashamed," said Katie Rohr, Humphrey for Senate communications director. "It's clear Keith has struck a nerve in the Governor's office, which is strange, because this is a Wichita-based campaign for Kansas' 28th Senate District. Undoubtedly, Sam Brownback and his Washington, DC thugs are trying to protect an incumbent senator in Wichita who is sure to rubber stamp the governor's policies, no matter how inconsistent those policies are with our district and region."
Keith Humphrey is a candidate for Kansas' 28th Senate District, which encompasses south central Wichita, northern Derby and Oaklawn-Sunview. Humphrey is the President of Jet AirWerks, LLC, a commercial jet engine maintanence, repair and overhall facility; and Jet AirParts, LLC, a jet engine component material distribution company. Humphrey is also a decorated Navy veteran, earning the Navy and Marine Corps Medal -- the second highest non-combatant medal for bravery awarded by the United States Navy -- in 1979.