Over the last few weeks, I've tried to invest the time and land hours into trying to get Democrats energized for the 2014 election cycle. In the current Connect! Act! Unite! we list two events: July 20, Emporia Kansas (Sunday Evening), and August 9th, Hays Kansas.
Today, I'm adding a third event: July 26, Hutchinson Kansas. I'm going to start off with that event, but I want to explain why the event in Hutchinson is truly special.. and as you to share this with your friends and non-Kossacks, because I most certainly will be. I'm asking Kossacks who are in Kansas to share this diary or at least the date, as we need a lot of great attendees, and I know there are Kossacks in that area of the state (I've met some of you). This is an open event, but it would be great to make an impression where our voice matters.
That leads me to why this race is special.
This race, the one in Hutchinson, represents an important story for Kansas and for democrats across the country.
When Aaron Sorkin began writing The Newsroom he looked for stories around the country for stories that typified what might be wrong with politics in America. You have to know that one of those races would be in Kansas.
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And let me say: I called it. Jan Pauls has worked as an anti-choice, anti-gay issues 'democrat' who finally this year decided to switch parties, laying down a blistering attack on women and gay rights groups.
In her statement on switching parties to the press, Jan Pauls said this:
“I have watched over the years as the party leadership has refused to acknowledge the public rebuke of the political correctness now associated with the Kansas Democrat party. By giving priority to those who advocate for abortion, the homosexual agenda, and even gun control, the Democrats have lost much public support and lost elected representatives because of their ever more leftist image,” she said in her announcement.
“My jump to the Republican Party should not be surprising to any of my fellow Democrats. They have seen the direction that the Party Chair and others have taken the Kansas Democrat party,” Pauls said.
http://www.hutchnews.com/...
In February, I asked around the state who would challenge Jan in the primaries? This is a democrat who is anti-choice, voted for turn gay away, and has spent years tearing down her fellow democrats on almost every social issue.
http://www.hutchnews.com/...
Hutchinson developer Brian E. Davis collected 280 signatures to obtain a spot on the Democratic primary election ballot in the 102nd Kansas House District.
Davis will turn in his petition sheets today at the Kansas Secretary of State’s office in Topeka. Incumbent Rep. Jan Pauls, D-Hutchinson, also plans to file today in Topeka, paying the overall $105 filing fee/governmental ethics fee.
“Promote social justice and equal rights for all” is also on Davis’ platform, an apparent reference to Pauls’ votes against gay rights legislation, including her stand on a “religious freedom” bill. It contained language designed to benefit workers who have sincerely held beliefs against same-sex marriage, and she voted for it. In the end, the business community opposed the bill and it did not become law.
Davis collected “definitely more than enough” names – 68 signatures were needed – to qualify for the Aug. 5 ballot. A check of the signatures by The News showed people from throughout the 102nd signed it, including Hutchinson USD 308 School Board President Mary Lynn Baker.
Now that Pauls has switched parties, we will likely see Davis Vs. Pauls. I'm proud to say that on July 26, I'm urging more democrats to unite for real change in Kansas.
If you wish to donate to Davis, you can do so here: http://davisforhouse.net/
This is a race that can be won and lost based on TENS of dollars. No, not thousands, no not hundreds, your donation of a couple dollars means a lot for small Kansas races.
In light of this, on July 26, 2014, we are throwing a Major Democratic event in Pyle Park, Hutchinson.
This event is specifically sponsored by the Brian Davis Campaign and The Progressive Caucus of the Kansas Democratic Party, in association with the Kansas-Missouri Kossacks.
In attendance:
Jean Shodorf (Candidate for Secretary of State)
Brian E Davis (Candidate for State House of Representatives)
Jim Sherow (Candidate for 1st District US House of Representatives)
Jill Docking (Candidate, Lt. Governor) (Confirmed)
County Party Leadership
And of course, I will be mounting our DailyKos Banner.
There will be food as the town is holding their BBQ cook-off. We're going to supply deserts and things (think Watermelon, etc) and if you want to bring a lawn chair I'm working on some surprises. We will hold this event from 11-3PM.
This is one of those very special races anywhere in the country that changes the attitude of a state house. It is a chance to throw away the stigma that came to this state from nationwide sources thanks to attacks by a 'democrat' against their own party.
Other Kansas Events you should be aware of:
July 20: Emporia Kansas. Lyon County Democrats are holding their county meeting. Governor Candidate Paul Davis will be in attendance. This will be held at the Emporia Senior Center, 5PM. Potluck. (I'll bring something I'm sure) This is a great event for those in that area. We will have a short 'how to campaign' with staff and Kossacks who want to stay!
August 9, Hays, Kansas, Municipal Park - I've booked Municipal Park for August 9, 2014 from noon to 4, we will be holding an event there and Jim Sherow will be our guest. County Democratic leadership will also be in attendance, and we are working on more invitees. Again come for free food, entertainment.
If you are in Kansas, keep watching. Once a week I will mention new events we are working to plan. IF you are ANYWHERE in Kansas and you need an event in your area for a candidate to speak or a chance to get out in public, PLEASE message me! Or feel free to email, tmservo433 @ gmail.
I look forward to seeing many there at any event that is close to you, and let's try to plan a new way to look at Kansas!
3:39 PM PT: Jill Docking is officially confirmed! We look forward to getting everyone a chance to meet their local, state and national candidates.