Kim Zito is running for the Kansas House. A bit about the stakes and a bit about Kim, and an ask for help.
“THE STAKES ARE EVEN HIGHER
“Roe v. Wade was overturned the summer of 2022.
“Since then, we’ve helplessly watched the fallout of the Dobbs decision: states banning abortion, women fleeing their states for medical attention, 10-year-old rape victims having their privacy shattered because lawyers and courts have to get involved.
“Kansas: We are not out of the woods. The stakes are even higher.
“Yes, Kansas fired the shot heard round the world: shouting NO on August 2nd when the legislature sneakily tried to outlaw abortion.
“The state legislature has responded to our vote by creating over two dozen anti-abortion bills. Two of them became law because Gov. Kelly’s vetoes were overridden.
“Already in 2024, an abortion ban was introduced by Kansas House Republicans.
“The fight for repro rights will continue EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. until they achieve what they’re hellbent on: a total ban.
“The only way to stop this is to stop electing Republicans. Whether they’re MAGA or moderate, they all end up bending the knee to Republican leadership which, year after year, force this anti-women agenda down our throats.
“The only way to protect our rights is to elect Democrats. Once our right to our own body is taken away, it will be gone forever.
“I’m in this fight to stop that from happening. But I need your help. I need your vote.
“~Kim“
In 1997 Kim Zito earned a bachelor's degree from New York University and in 2006 she earned a graduate degree from City, University of London. Her career experience includes working in journalism, financial services, sales, and activism. She served as the chair of the Riley County Democratic Party. President Biden carried 5 of Kansas’ 105 counties. Riley was one of the five. Riley County is home to Kansas State University. And…
“WHO IS KIM ZITO?
“I am a military wife. I am a mom. I am a daughter.
“My husband and I are still of working age.
“We have a mortgage. Our cars are over 10 years old, and they need to last us much longer.
“I am 49 years old, and I just paid off my student loans less than a year ago.
“Meanwhile, we have a 7-year-old son whose college education we're saving for. (While also saving for our retirement!)
“My husband is a Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserves, which means we pay for our health care. We have monthly premiums as well as patient costs. It's not cheap; still, I know we are extremely fortunate.
“I cut coupons and compare the sales ads for groceries. I shop in the reduced meat section. Our grocery bill is as high, if not higher, than our annual property taxes.
“Our son is in 1st grade in USD 383. We need our public schools to work because private school is not an option.
“I am running for office because my lived experiences are common. But somehow, my experiences - YOUR EXPERIENCES - OUR EXPERIENCES - are not commonly found in Topeka.
“Our lived experiences are what should inform and shape the policies that affect us. And it’s clear that our current legislators don’t have a clue about our needs, our struggles, and the solutions we’re asking for.
“This is why I’m running. We need a representative who will be courageous in standing up for us.”
The above quotations were copied and pasted from Kim Zito’s campaign website. This somewhat (three years) dated newspaper article might provide a little different perspective on Kim Zito, her life, and her work.
I recently published this diary urging contributions to Justin Shore’s campaign in Sedgwick County. I belabored the matter of ending the GOP supermajority control of the Kansas legislature as much as I could. For 1 + 1 = 2 = sustaining Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto on a party line vote (should that again prove to be necessary). And two is how many seats we must win to end the GOP supermajority. Not to belabor it, but it takes 2/3 to override a veto. We have 40 seats. The Kansas House consists of 125 seats.
Please help as much as you are able now.