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.

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.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Dean Olufson a web design manager from Olathe has been a
Lisa Johnston registered Republican for over 20 years. Having known U.S. Senate Candidate Lisa Johnston for the past eight years, Olufson says he was "quite surprised by her announcement speech and how she articulated her views." Olufson admits he has always voted Republican, yet "I am extremely tired of politics as usual from both sides. I believe she's [Johnston] worth listening to and watching as the race unfolds."

Of his own party, Olufson admits, "While I'm sure she'll be raked over the coals for not having political experience, I think it's exactly what we need." Olufson refers to Johnston as someone who has worked with many in Kansas communities and is not another talking head.

"She has real things she wants to accomplish and she isn't doing it by tearing down the other side. She's more interested in working and listening than she is in getting in front of the cameras and having her 15 minutes of fame. She's an ordinary citizen..." Olufson believes in getting "back to basics" and says that is the message he is hearing and is willing to support.

LA CYGNE, Kan. - Kansas Secretary of State Chris Biggs of Junction City, and Senator Chris Steineger from Kansas City, KS sat side by side in La Cygne last weekend to share views on what the secretary of state office includes, and what it does not include. Both will face-off in the primary on the Democratic ticket, while three Republicans also are vying for the same position.
Chris Steineger

Steineger has served in the state senate for 14 years, eight of which were spent on the election committee. As a small real estate business owner, Steineger believes he is uniquely qualified to be secretary of state because of his many years in the senate dealing with election laws, his ability to balance a budget from his personal business, dealing with banks and marketing, and his customer service skills.

Steineger said Kansas elections have been fairly run, however, he also stated that Republican Candidate Kris Kobach's claim that illegal immigrants voting is a problem "is totally patently false. Ron Thornburgh (former secretary of state) looked into that and denied it was a problem."

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Lisa Johnston has spent the past 17 years working in higher education teaching and supporting students. This should come as a breath of fresh air when viewing the current education disparities in Kansas and the nation.

For the past seven years, Johnston has worked as Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services at Baker University where she both teaches courses and oversees a variety of support services for students.

Prior to holding this position Johnston served in a variety of administrative, teaching, and academic support roles at several different universities. She has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology from the University of Central Missouri and the University of Kansas and will complete her Ph.D. in Foundations of Education from the University of Kansas in May of 2010.

TOPEKA, Kan. - Citing his experience, professionalism and dedication, Governor Mark Parkinson today named Chris Biggs as Kansas' Secretary of State.

"Chris has been in public service for more than twenty years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our state, our citizens, and our future," Parkinson said. "Chris will bring his forward-looking vision to the Office of Secretary of State while increasing the efficiency and participation in Kansas' elections."

Prior to today's appointment, Biggs, also served as an attorney in public service, including 14 years as Geary County Attorney. Biggs is a graduate of Kansas State University and KU Law School.

MOUND CITY, Kan. - In 2002, Tom Holland said that he ran to represent his neighbors in the Kansas House of Representatives, "because our schools were facing severe funding shortages."

He explained, "Year after year, I watched my kids' classroom sizes get bigger and important programs being cut. I knew how to solve problems for businesses, and when I saw the problems facing my kids' schools, I decided to lead. I set out to share my vision with other Kansans. The critics said I had no chance. But, I went on to beat the established candidate, a four-term incumbent, and the chair of the House Education Committee."

Living in Kansas full-time, Holland raised four children: Thomas, a Kansas University graduate; Derek, a Baker University graduate; Brandon, a Kansas University junior; and Louisa, a South Junior High eighth grader. All four attended Lawrence schools during a tumultuous time when public schools faced severe funding shortages.

MOUND CITY, Kan. - Preacher Lou Engle, Sen. Sam Brownback's D.C. roommate for nearly a year, cited for the 2006 documentary "Jesus Camp," that he believes legalized abortion would lead to a second American civil war. Engle appeared in the documentary alongside Becky Fischer who "specializes" in evangelizing children and stated she would like Christian children to learn to be as dedicated as Hamas suicide bombers while taking back America for Christ.

Engle has on numerous occasions made reference to "radical Muslims" as his guide, preaching that he mourns Islam's followers who know how to die for their faith, yet Christians have become soft and forsaken martyrdom. Engle has called for a second civil war in the United States, while boasting an "underground" Christian church that plans to take over the world.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Listening to senate subcommittees discuss amendments can serve as wake-up calls for citizens interested in learning about government spending and whether or not their legislators engage in pork barrel spending.

Here is one example that shows how a Republican lawmaker believes in and supports pet projects that cost tax payers millions of dollars.

The following text was taken from such a meeting held Aug. 4 when Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) bucked majority votes and still came out with a victory for his earmarks.

MOUND CITY, Kan. - Tea Party elitist, Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), made a very special video ad for his pal Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) endorsing his bid for the Senate.

Inhofe, well known for his staunch support of Israeli policies, and his hair-raising opposition to climate change legislation, is the last person Kansans should want endorsing a candidate to represent them in the Senate.

"Our future is on the line," Inhofe said, "and Todd Tiahrt is ready to answer the call."

Yes, Tiahrt has been answering many calls of late. While ethic probes continue, his attitude has remained above reproach. His ties to the wicked ways of "The Family" have left him feeling even more above the fray and likely even giddy to receive such honorable (in his mind) mention.