Earning his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in liberal studies emphasizing cross-cultural studies and public administration at Wichita State University, Whipple continues to pursue his doctorate of arts in leadership and policy at Franklin Pierce University.

Focusing his education on social services, community development, and public policy, Whipple believes "education is a pathway to a brighter future; a future where every Kansan has the opportunity to succeed. No one should be denied the opportunity for a quality education."

When discussing some of the main issues confronting residents, Whipple said, "I am running for office to bring more jobs to Kansas, to protect and fund education, and to make our state a place of opportunity for every citizen."

As a State Representative, Whipple will combine his passion for service and strong education to serve the South Side community.

Wife, Chelsea, a lifelong resident of Wichita, after earning a Bachelor's degree at Wichita State University, where the two met, is now completing her Master's degree in New Testament Studies at Bangor Theological Seminary.

Chelsea shares her husband's passion and commitment to bettering their community. Chelsea, a former missionary who has served in the developing world, and in the Katrina-ravished areas of New Orleans, is now working for a local non-profit organization that assists families in need.

Whipple, who previously worked as an adjunct professor at Hesser College teaching liberal arts, social sciences and general education courses, also worked in Costa Rica teaching impoverished children.

As a volunteer with the AmeriCorps, Whipple began serving Wichita's south side community in 2003 as a mentor with the Wichita Public Schools' GRASP program. AmeriCorps GRASP members provide direct service to twelve Title 1 schools and participate in National days of service and local community service projects.

Logging more than 1,700 hours in less than a year working with troubled teens at South High School, Whipple said, that experience demonstrated the positive effects public service provided his community.

Whipple is actively involved with the Southwest Neighborhood Association, adding his assistance to numerous educational and community development programs throughout the area.

Recently, Whipple enjoyed helping out with the Association's Neighborhood Clean-Up Day, and last month, he joined other volunteers to help with Operation Holiday, which provided food to hundreds of Wichita area families.

"In these tough economic times, it is important for a legislator to serve the community to the best of his or her ability. Part of that service is about listening to the public. As a legislator, I will meet with business leaders, the heads of unions, and the south side community to facilitate job growth.

Some of my neighbors are worried about the future of our state's education. A good education is the backbone of a strong economy. Without a well-educated public, our local economy will fail. If elected, I will fight to protect and fairly fund our schools so if times are tough, we never again jeopardize the future of Kansas children or the future of the Kansas economy."

Whipple said he has heard from many Wichita residents who are worried about access to affordable health care. "I have experienced this in my own family. Another driver hit my mother and due to her injuries, she was unable to work and lost her health coverage. Right now, my opponent and the establishment in Topeka are trying to make it harder for Kansans to get access to quality, affordable health care. This is unacceptable," he said.

Incumbent, Phil Hermanson, a licensed realtor, fills the seat vacated by former State Representative Terry McLachlan.

McLachlan recently threw his support to Whipple when he gave his endorsement, saying Whipple will make a great state legislator because he is ambitious, and "is interested in doing what is right for our neighborhood, community, and state."

"Representative Phil Hermanson repeatedly refused to provide any responses to citizens on the issues through the 2008 Political Courage Test when asked to do so by national leaders of political parties, prominent members of the media, Project Vote Smart President Richard Kimball, and Project Vote Smart staff."

They asked the question, "What is he hiding? Constituents have, or should have, a right to know where candidates stand on the issues."

The Political Courage Test is a key component of Project Vote Smart's Voter Self-Defense system who asks candidates one central question: "Are you willing to tell citizens your positions on the issues you will most likely face on their behalf?" The Political Courage Test is administered to all candidates for presidential, congressional, gubernatorial, and state legislative offices.

District 96 has gone to recount in the past two elections; Republicans won in the most recent election by a mere 32 votes.

Raised in a modest household, Whipple's father is a union carpenter and his mother, a former waitress.

"They taught me the value of hard work and community service. I do my best to give back to the community that has given me so much; through working with at-risk teens, teaching women's self-defense courses and now running for office."

Whipple believes he is the best person to serve the 96th district "because I am an active part of the community and no one will work harder than I to represent the people of Wichita's South Side."

"I will work every day to bring jobs to Wichita. I believe that Kansas has the best manufacturing workers in the country. If we can build planes, I know we can build solar panels and wind turbines. If elected I will do all I can to expand every part of our local economy to bring high quality jobs to Wichita."

"In short, I am running for the 96th district because I believe holding public office is one of the highest forms of service and gives me the greatest opportunity to improve our community," Whipple said.

Residents will have an opportunity to join Whipple at a public meet and greet on Thursday, January 28 at Finns, located on 131 N. Rock Island St. in Old Town, Wichita. The event will begin around 6:30 p.m. A suggested donation of $5 for students, $10 for professionals, or $15 for couples, will cover cost of appetizers.

Whipple's campaign is currently seeking volunteers to help with door-to-door canvassing, phone calls, fund raising and general office duties. Volunteers may sign up at his official web site.