FORT SCOTT, Kan. - State House District 4, Representative Shirley Palmer of Fort Scott, announced her campaign for re-election. Palmer, first elected in 2006, represents all of Linn County and most of Bourbon County. This election cycle, she is running unopposed in the August 3 Primary, but will face two candidates from Linn County running on the Republican ticket. Renee Slinkard of Parker, a local Tea Party organizer, and Caryn Tyson of Parker is the GOP second district chairperson. 
Shirley Palmer
"It has been an honor to serve the people of the 4th House District," Palmer said. "I have deeply appreciated the opportunity to work across party lines to find practical and efficient ways to solve problems. I have made every effort to vote according to the values of our district, keep my constituents informed, and help those in need."
Palmer serves on the House Committees on Commerce and Labor, Veteran's, Military, Homeland Security, Higher Education, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation, Education, Rules and Regulations as well as the Commission for the Aging. Throughout her four years of service, Palmer has maintained near perfect attendance both in committee and on the House floor.
She was only absent when her husband was in the Mayo Clinic this year. In four years, Palmer has missed only one recorded vote.
"In these challenging times, Kansans deserve more than partisan gridlock and empty rhetoric in Topeka," said Gov. Mark Parkinson. "Shirley Palmer has always demonstrated the ability to work across the aisle in an effort to protect Kansas schools, ensure the safety of our communities and provide for our elderly and disabled. With Palmer in the Statehouse on behalf of Linn and Bourbon counties, Kansas will emerge from this economic recession better and stronger than ever."
Palmer has worked in all levels of education for over 40 years. Her experience ranges from elementary school teacher to service as a member of the Kansas Board of Regents. She was named Kansas Teacher of the Year in 1982, was inducted into the Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame in 2002, was named one of 7 top Kansans of the Year by the Topeka Capitol Journal in 1993 and served as National President of the Pittsburg State University Board of Directors for the Alumni Association in 2005-2006. Honored with outstanding Alumni Awards from both Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University, Palmer has an outstanding record recognizing the importance of education.
She is a lifelong Kansan and immerses herself in community events. Her state and local involvement include Leadership Kansas - Big Brother, Big Sister Board - Countywide 4-H Horticulture Leader, and she is a County Fair supporter. Other past and present involvements include: Fort Scott Community College Alumni and Friends Board; Presbyterian Advisory Council - Delta Kappa Gamma - Progressive Mother's Club - First Baptist Church - Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce - Rotary - Courtland Group - Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer - Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame First District chair, and Precinct Committeewoman.
Palmer earned diplomas from Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Junior College before obtaining both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education from Kansas State College of Pittsburg. She also holds an Education Specialists Degree in School Administration from Pittsburg State University. Currently, Palmer resides on a farm southwest of Fort Scott with her husband of 47 years, Ron. They have two grown sons and five grandchildren. The Palmer family has also owned and operated several small businesses in the past.
Previously, she has received support from: Kansans for Life - Kansas Livestock Association - National Rifle Association - Kansas Farm Bureau - K-NEA - Kansas Association of School Boards and School Administrators - Kansas Families United for Public Education, and Kansas Citizens for Higher Education.
Press Release/Rep. Shirley Palmer/ Edited for publication
Photo - Courtesy of Gary Palmer
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