OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - This November when voters head to the polls, they can choose a candidate who has demonstrated determination and desire to represent all people. Party politics aside, Kansans have a rare opportunity to send the first U.S. Senator with a doctorate in education to Washington.
Dr. Lisa Johnston
Lisa Johnston stands out among Democratic hopefuls for Tuesdays primary with a strong voice and message, as demonstrated repeatedly while traveling throughout Kansas.
There is no doubt Kansans, like so many others, are bushed from years of war, a sinking economy, and tax breaks for the wealthiest. Now, our "intelligent" elected leaders are playing high stake games in D.C. as a tool to make one party look bad for lack of accomplishment while real American's suffer further obstructions.
The reality of years of failure has set in motion a desire in voters to give incumbents the old heave-ho and replace them with commonsense politicians who will work to restore this country to its roots of greatness. The problem is, some are eager to throw out the politicians who have worked for eighteen short months and have made already a huge impact in gradually pulling our country out of recession.
The losers, with all due respect, are trying to send career politicians back to the Hill. The same politicians who under the Bush Administration voted for the largest tax increases on the middle class, approved the passage of the largest Federal deficit, and waged two wars while giving tax cuts to the top ten percent income earners.
Voting out incumbents is a great idea; however, when you make your choice (party politics aside), why not boot out the politicians who placed our country in its current state. This mess did not magically appear, it took years to get where we are and getting away from a sink or swim situation takes some time when our ship has strayed too far from where it belongs.
One candidate creates a true contrast with either Republican U.S. Senate nominee in Kansas. Dr. Johnston is in the best position to offer this contrast. She offers knowledge and skill that voters would do well to consider seriously when casting a critical vote next week.
The Republican nominee will be an incumbent, sitting U.S. Congressman with a background in denigrating others to advance his political status while offering no ideas that vary from the tried and failed, while their party was in control. Dr. Johnston, on the other hand, is a leader rather than a traditional career politician.
Her major appeal is her background in education, which is an area of representation exceedingly diminished in the Senate. If elected, Dr. Johnston would be the only U.S. Senator with a Ph.D. in education.
Because of nearly two decades in the field of education, with more than ten years as a university administrator, Dr. Johnston has a broad range of skills in management, budgetary, communication, and political experience that will lend great value to the Senate. Replete with knowledge, Dr. Johnston seems a logical choice for any voter who places value on the need to insure the best education for future generations.
Her voice is one of first hand knowledge of what will be required to lift the United States, and Kansas out of a sinking rate that places our country well below other nations in education and literacy. Visit Lisa for Kansas for a complete look at her background and stated goals.
Dr. Johnston is the only candidate in her primary who places a high value on reaching as many Kansans as possible to share her message; which lends credibility to her being the clearest choice in the upcoming primary.
Expert political analysis of Dr. Johnston's televised advertising, point out that her ads create a stark contrast from the negativity of the Republican candidates' ads and that many voters may find her approach to be a "refreshing" change of pace.
"I very intentionally kept my television ads focused on positively conveying my message and strengths. When candidates and elected officials put their time and energy into negative politics as usual tactics, the people are the ones who lose because the focus has been taken away from how to move our country forward and do what is best for the people of our state," Dr. Johnston said.
Expert political commentator, Dr. Bob Beatty, recognized Dr. Johnston's debate performance on Monday, July 19 as very strong, while pointing out that she will be well received and expects an upsurge in her poll numbers which already top out much higher than those of her primary challengers.
With about 34 percent still undecided voters, it is important for Independent and Democratic voters to select the best candidate in Tuesday's primary for U.S. Senate; this candidate clearly possesses the necessary skills to win a debate against the Republican nominee.
Some criticism waged against Dr. Johnston by one Democratic challenger who has resorted to making false and misleading claims was proven invalid and without merit. Dr. Johnston actually has a more active voting history in Kansas in all but one of four recent Democratic nominees for U.S. Senate could claim before becoming a nominee. It would not be logical to hold her accountable to a different standard than other U.S. Senate nominees.
Additionally, the Democratic candidate making last resort accusations was disingenuous in a recent Prairie Politics article, stating he had voted in all of the last ten elections. However, data revealed in Kansas Secretary of State records that he in fact had not voted in the 2006 or 2004 primary elections.
Dr. Johnston, sticking to a line in her campaign speech, "I may look sweet, but I am a fighter" had a message for the candidate who chose to start a personal debate as the primary draws closer and polls are not favorable for his campaign.
"These are the type of politics as usual tactics I have been speaking out against during my campaign. It is disappointing to see both negativity and dishonesty emerging in our Democratic primary. We should be focusing on our challenges and how to solve them -- not on playing dishonest, underhanded political games. When candidates and elected officials put their time and energy into these practices, the people are the ones who lose because the focus has been taken away from how to move our country forward. I am confident that our Democratic and Independent primary voters will not reward a candidate who lowers the bar with negative tactics in order to undermine his opposition.
"Going forward toward the general election in November, I am committed to educating Kansans about our challenges and possible solutions. I am committed to calling those on the carpet who make false or misleading claims, and setting the record straight by sharing the facts with voters. I want us to stay focused on the issues and how to move our country forward positively. However, I will not stand by and allow anyone to attempt to pass off distortions and lies as fact. The voters deserve the truth."
Our country cannot afford a setback in time. Over the years, our educators have handed over generations of intelligent self-starting entrepreneurs' who have boosted America to the top. Is doing away with the Department of Education as many Republicans suggest, rather than electing leaders with true knowledge in the field, a gamble that our future can risk?
Ok, I know she has a doctorate, but really, calling her "Dr. Johnson" in the title was a little misleading. I wouldn't want her to take my appendix out. Plus referring to her as "Dr." makes her seem as if she is above or better than the voters. I don't think that's a good strategy.
She's a one issue candidate and if she wins the primary, I think she'll have a very tough time in the general.
Exactly how is it misleading to use someone's appropriate title? The Ph.D. is the highest degree that anyone can earn and, although you may not realize it, those who have earned this degree are supposed to be addressed as "Dr.". This is why college professors are referred to by this title. The "Dr." title is not only for medical doctors.
I don't think the point is to make her seem "above" the voters but to acknowledge the title she has earned and her background in education.
You obviously have not looked at her website. She is not a one issue candidate but has many priorities.
She is clearly the best choice among the Democrats. I challenge anyone to watch the debate and claim otherwise. Haley is a nice guy but has no hope in the general as he ran statewide twice for Secretary of State and lost by around 35 percent both times. Schollenberger is a train wreck with no message. He also can't speak without reading from notes. The other two haven't even been campaigning.
I know I'll be casting my vote for Dr. Johnston on August 3rd and in November.
I agree that "Female Doctor" is misleading. maybe say "Candidate with a PhD in Education" or "Professor of Education" would be more accurate.
BTW, while I respect her work in the universities I'd like to ask how she intends to create jobs in the private sector.