GREAT BEND, Kan. - Circular firing squads are stupid. There are so few Democrats in Kansas that it is important that we stick together, and not shoot each other. 2010 was my seventh consecutive trip to Topeka for "Washington Days," the annual Kansas Democrat gathering. But this was the first one where I felt some overt dissension among the party faithful.
The major complaint: Kansas Democrats have no "bench." But the thing is, we have so many "starters" holding statewide office, we have a great lineup right now.
Democrats need to count their blessings. Eight years of a Democrat Governor has done wonders for the Kansas Democratic party. Governor Sebelius and now Governor Parkinson are both extraordinarily talented. And a lot of new political talent came forward over the last 8 years due to Democratic control of the Governor's Mansion.
In the Kansas House of Representatives, Raj Goyle and Josh Svaty are two of the most impressive political figures I've seen. Goyle is running for U.S. Congress in Wichita, and he and Svaty are not "bench players," they are starters. Likewise, Svaty is honing his experience by serving as Kansas Agriculture Secretary.
Our current statewide officeholders are outstanding. Kansas Treasurer Dennis McKinney and Attorney General Steve Six are both doing an outstanding job. McKinney and Six have excellent prospects for reelection. They are not "bench players," but starters.
In the Kansas House of Representatives, Democrats lost one seat in 2004, picked up five seats in 2006, and one seat in 2008. So the number of House Democrats is on the increase. Rep. Paul Davis, the Democratic leader of the House is bright, likable and talented. He's a starter. And the budget cuts this year are likely to get Democrats motivated in House races.
State Senator Tom Holland has never lost an election, and he is going to give Brownback fits in the Governor's race. He has two Republican scalps on his wall, and Senator Brownback's may be next.
Regarding Governor Parkinson's decision not to seek reelection, that is a private decision for him and his family. He never promised anyone he would run for anything. The five-seat House pickup in the 2006 election was in part due to the bi-partisan Sebelius-Parkinson ticket on the ballot that year. And Parkinson is brilliantly guiding Kansas through desperate financial straits. Parkinson is going back to private life in January, but I would be surprised if we don't see him back in public service someday.
Eight years of Democratic rule in the Governor's mansion has led to some excellent judicial appointments.
The twenty-something Young Democrats are a vibrant and outspoken bunch in Kansas. That's the bench. There are many Young Democrats who are sure to hold statewide office. In the 112th House District, I am proud to serve as Treasurer for Young Democrat Christina Stein. The 25 year old Stein has an excellent chance at becoming a member of the House of Representatives in January.
As Governor Parkinson said in his speech at "Washington Days," not a single vote has been cast in the 2010 elections. Things in politics can change fast, just like the Kansas weather.
Let's keep our powder dry and save the attacks for the Republicans. Our starters are playing well, and the twenty-something Young Democrats who got active over the last 8 years provide a deep bench.
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