Yesterday Sam Brownback was sworn in as Governor and a new legislative session began. In the days, weeks, and months ahead we will witness the most extreme government in Kansas history. Our schools, communities, and our entire state will feel the impact.
Today we start to fight back, and we need your help.
Washington Days, our annual convention, will be the first time Democrats have been together since last year's election. It will be held in Topeka on February 25 and 26, 2011, and will be our first opportunity to organize and build a foundation for success in the 2012 elections and beyond.
We are excited to announce this year's Washington Days keynote speaker, Senator Claire McCaskill. We are also excited to welcome back Kathleen Sebelius, who will be our special guest and will introduce Senator McCaskill.
Senator McCaskill and Kathleen Sebelius know what it takes to win elections and defeat Republicans. After their words of wisdom on Friday night, we will spend the weekend organizing and training to strengthen our party. Will you join us?
Fight back at Washington Days: purchase your tickets today! KSDP.org
Our schools, our communities, and our state are now controlled by the most extreme government in Kansas history. We can't afford to wait for even one moment. Help us fight back by attending this year's Washington Days.
Sincerely,
Larry Gates Kansas Democratic Chair
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Democratic Values
Although Shirley Palmer did not receive the support to continue on as our state legislator we must begin the next two years with a fresh perspective and a new will to continue fighting to elect Democratic representation in our state.
A recent report revealed that 20 states are now controlled by Republican majorities. We have much to do if we hope to continue the cause of making sure that residents in Kansas and fellow Americans are receiving the proper resources for what our state and federal Constitutions mandate: Protecting the welfare of our citizens - every American should have the right to affordable health care coverage. Our seniors have worked hard to receive and maintain benefits through Social Security and Medicaid. Republicans are threatening to reduce those payments that retirees have come to rely on. Seniors who are now receiving a 50 percent discount on prescription drug costs, will once again be paying too much. Parents who have been given the opportunity to add their children to their health care coverage while students are still in college and looking for jobs face losing that ability if the GOP has their way. Those people who now receive coverage face being refused any health care coverage due to preexisting conditions if the GOP have their way in repealing health care reform.
In the first week of Jan. 2011 our national unemployment rate dropped from 9.8 to 9.4 percent and while these numbers are still high and many are still seeking work, experts have made it clear that the economy is on the right track and spending levels have increased. President Obama, has in two short years, taken a monthly job decline of over 700,000 jobs to an increase at its best level since May of 2008, adding hundreds of thousands more jobs.
Here in Kansas we take pride in our high school graduation rates of nearly 80 percent of our youth. Governor Sam Brownback threatens to lower that rate over the next ten years to a mere 30 percent through underfunding our schools and pushing to restructure our state tax system to fund individual vouchers for private (for profit) schools and taking the experience of school years away from our children by allowing a virtual school system to overrun and outsource our school districts. People in rural Kansas take much pride in their schools, a loss of a weekend football game, other sports, musicals, plays, etc., have already been impacted from reduced funding. Further cuts threaten to eliminate these programs all together. Democrats can be proud of the knowledge that our party stands for supporting the betterment of the lives and services provided to our communites. We will continue to fight for funding for not only our schools but our law enforcement, our fire departments, and our county works departments to keep our roads and bridges properly cared for. These sources are what communities thrive on and a lack of funding will weaken our viability as a community we can be proud to call home.
A recent report revealed that 20 states are now controlled by Republican majorities. We have much to do if we hope to continue the cause of making sure that residents in Kansas and fellow Americans are receiving the proper resources for what our state and federal Constitutions mandate: Protecting the welfare of our citizens - every American should have the right to affordable health care coverage. Our seniors have worked hard to receive and maintain benefits through Social Security and Medicaid. Republicans are threatening to reduce those payments that retirees have come to rely on. Seniors who are now receiving a 50 percent discount on prescription drug costs, will once again be paying too much. Parents who have been given the opportunity to add their children to their health care coverage while students are still in college and looking for jobs face losing that ability if the GOP has their way. Those people who now receive coverage face being refused any health care coverage due to preexisting conditions if the GOP have their way in repealing health care reform.
In the first week of Jan. 2011 our national unemployment rate dropped from 9.8 to 9.4 percent and while these numbers are still high and many are still seeking work, experts have made it clear that the economy is on the right track and spending levels have increased. President Obama, has in two short years, taken a monthly job decline of over 700,000 jobs to an increase at its best level since May of 2008, adding hundreds of thousands more jobs.
Here in Kansas we take pride in our high school graduation rates of nearly 80 percent of our youth. Governor Sam Brownback threatens to lower that rate over the next ten years to a mere 30 percent through underfunding our schools and pushing to restructure our state tax system to fund individual vouchers for private (for profit) schools and taking the experience of school years away from our children by allowing a virtual school system to overrun and outsource our school districts. People in rural Kansas take much pride in their schools, a loss of a weekend football game, other sports, musicals, plays, etc., have already been impacted from reduced funding. Further cuts threaten to eliminate these programs all together. Democrats can be proud of the knowledge that our party stands for supporting the betterment of the lives and services provided to our communites. We will continue to fight for funding for not only our schools but our law enforcement, our fire departments, and our county works departments to keep our roads and bridges properly cared for. These sources are what communities thrive on and a lack of funding will weaken our viability as a community we can be proud to call home.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Voter Support for Democrats Exceeds Support for Party in Power in 1994 and 2006
While history would suggest that the 2010 elections stand to be challenging for Democrats, a variety of recent polls suggest that the barriers to success for Democratic candidates this year may not be as high as some have suggested. While pundits are now commonly comparing this year's elections to those of 1994 and 2006, years in which the minority party took control of Congress, voters today express greater support for Democratic leaders and more trust in Democratic leadership than for the political party in power in either of those election cycles, In fact, an analysis of the relative strength of the party in power, the temperature readings of the incumbent president and the approval ratings and generic ballot tests for the party out of power for 1994, 2006 and 2010 proves that comparisons between those election cycles and today are at best poor.
President Obama is much more popular than President Bush was in 2006 or President Clinton was in 1994.
According to a Washington Post/ABC Poll: President Obama’s approval rating is 50%-47% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], while a Bloomberg poll measured President Obama’s approval at 52%-44% [Bloomberg Poll, 7/14/10].
In comparison, a November 2006 Washington Post/ABC poll measured President Bush’s approval at 40%-57% [ABC/WP Poll, 10/13/08] and, according to an October 1994 Gallup poll, President Clinton’s approval rating that fall was 41%-52% [Gallup President Approval Rating Index]. Considering the current state of the economy, a country engaged in two wars, the oil spillin the Gulf and united and politically motivated Republican obstruction in Congress, President Obama’s job approval ratings remain relatively strong and are much stronger than either those of President Clinton or President Bush when their party’s lost control of Congress.
Similarly, more voters trust the President and Congressional Democrats to lead the country than trust Republicans to do so.
According to a recent Washington Post/ABC poll, 43% of voters have confidence in the President and 32% have confidence in Congressional Democrats to make the right decisions for the country’s future. In comparison, only 26% have confidence in Republicans in Congress to make the right decisions for the country’s future. [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10] While much has been made of the result on this question for the President, politics is a comparative exercise and President Obama and Congressional Democrats remain in a stronger position with the public and are held in higher esteem than are Republicans.
In fact, on what may be the most important issue of this election – the economy – Democrats lead Republicans in voter trust, and do so by a similar margin to Democrats in 2006 and a larger margin than Republicans in 1994.
According to a Washington Post/ABC poll, registered voters trust Democrats over Republicans 42% to 34% to do a better job handling the economy, an 8 point margin [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10].
In October 2006, when the Washington Post/ABC asked the same question, registered voters picked Democrats over Republicans by 50%-41% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], a nine point margin. And when they asked the same question in 1994, registered voters picked Republicans over Democrats 43%-38% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], a five point margin. So, in the two most recent elections where control of Congress flipped from one party to the other the party out of power held the advantage on the economy while the party in power holds that advantage today.
And voters don’t just trust Democrats on the economy; they support Democrats’ legislative efforts to improve the American economy and to move our country forward in other ways. And voters are more likely to support candidates who back the Democratic agenda.
A recent Washington Post/ABC poll found that 39% of voters are more likely to support a candidate who supports the Recovery Act, compared to 37% who are more likely to support a candidate who opposes the Recovery Act [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10]. Similarly, a recent Bloomberg poll found that 58% of voters are more likely to support a Congressional candidate that “supports spending government money to create jobs and stimulate employment,” while just 24% said they would be less likely to support that candidate [Bloomberg Poll, 7/14/10].
According to NBC/WSJ, 51% are more likely to vote for a Democratic candidate who says they will give health care a chance while only 44% say they would be more likely to vote for a Republican candidate who says it should be repealed. (NBC/WSJ, 6/21)
And a recent Bloomberg poll found that 45% of voters say they are more likely to support a Congressional candidate who supports “tougher regulations on Wall Street firms,” while only 15% would be less likely to support such a candidate.
Polls Indicating Republican Electoral Potential Fail to Make the Case for a Major Republican Victory
Despite voter support for Democrats on key issue tests like the economy, some polls do show narrow support for Republicans over Democrats on the generic congressional ballot. However, Republicans hold only a tenuous lead in such polls, with generic support for Republicans this year nowhere near that of Democrats in 2006.
In the latest Washington Post/ABC poll, Republicans led Democrats on a generic congressional ballot by 47%-46%, a one-point margin with little statistical significance [ABC/WP Poll,7/13/10]. In contrast, in an October 2006 Washington Post/ABC poll, voters preferred Democrats over Republicans on a generic Congressional ballot by 54%-41% – a much larger 13 point gap[ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10].
Similarly, Republican cheerleaders have cited polling showing support for GOP control of Congress as an electoral boon; however, such polling has proven an unreliable indicator of electoral results.
In the current Washington Post/ABC poll, voters by 51%-43% say it’s important for the GOP to control Congress as a check on President Obama’s policies. But although a September 2002 Washington Post/ABC poll found that voters supported Democratic control of Congress “as a check” on Bush’s policies by 56%-34%, more than 20 points, Democrats in that election actually lost seats [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10].
Conclusion
While many Democratic candidates this year may face tough races, polling suggests that this election is shaping up to be different in many respects than either 1994 or 2006, with Democrats in position to win close races across the country and to maintain strong majorities in both the House and Senate. In fact, Democrats today are in a greater position of strength than Democrats in 1994 or Republicans in 2006. Democrats have real accomplishments that benefit middle class families and small businesses to campaign on, an economy that is once again growing and creating jobs and a public that still remembers the disastrous consequences of failed Republican policies that cut taxes for the wealthy, cut rules for big corporations and cut the middle class loose to fend for themselves.
So after 18 months of Democrats governing while Republicans in Congress have stood on the sideline and rooted for failure, Democrats are in a strong position to begin the campaign season and present voters with a clear choice: keep America moving forward or going back to the same polices that created the worst economy since the Great Depression.
It's the long shadow of the failed Bush economic policies that is keeping support for Republicans at a near record lows and why support for Republicans falls short of support for the minority party in either 1994 or 2006.
President Obama is much more popular than President Bush was in 2006 or President Clinton was in 1994.
According to a Washington Post/ABC Poll: President Obama’s approval rating is 50%-47% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], while a Bloomberg poll measured President Obama’s approval at 52%-44% [Bloomberg Poll, 7/14/10].
In comparison, a November 2006 Washington Post/ABC poll measured President Bush’s approval at 40%-57% [ABC/WP Poll, 10/13/08] and, according to an October 1994 Gallup poll, President Clinton’s approval rating that fall was 41%-52% [Gallup President Approval Rating Index]. Considering the current state of the economy, a country engaged in two wars, the oil spillin the Gulf and united and politically motivated Republican obstruction in Congress, President Obama’s job approval ratings remain relatively strong and are much stronger than either those of President Clinton or President Bush when their party’s lost control of Congress.
Similarly, more voters trust the President and Congressional Democrats to lead the country than trust Republicans to do so.
According to a recent Washington Post/ABC poll, 43% of voters have confidence in the President and 32% have confidence in Congressional Democrats to make the right decisions for the country’s future. In comparison, only 26% have confidence in Republicans in Congress to make the right decisions for the country’s future. [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10] While much has been made of the result on this question for the President, politics is a comparative exercise and President Obama and Congressional Democrats remain in a stronger position with the public and are held in higher esteem than are Republicans.
In fact, on what may be the most important issue of this election – the economy – Democrats lead Republicans in voter trust, and do so by a similar margin to Democrats in 2006 and a larger margin than Republicans in 1994.
According to a Washington Post/ABC poll, registered voters trust Democrats over Republicans 42% to 34% to do a better job handling the economy, an 8 point margin [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10].
In October 2006, when the Washington Post/ABC asked the same question, registered voters picked Democrats over Republicans by 50%-41% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], a nine point margin. And when they asked the same question in 1994, registered voters picked Republicans over Democrats 43%-38% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], a five point margin. So, in the two most recent elections where control of Congress flipped from one party to the other the party out of power held the advantage on the economy while the party in power holds that advantage today.
And voters don’t just trust Democrats on the economy; they support Democrats’ legislative efforts to improve the American economy and to move our country forward in other ways. And voters are more likely to support candidates who back the Democratic agenda.
A recent Washington Post/ABC poll found that 39% of voters are more likely to support a candidate who supports the Recovery Act, compared to 37% who are more likely to support a candidate who opposes the Recovery Act [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10]. Similarly, a recent Bloomberg poll found that 58% of voters are more likely to support a Congressional candidate that “supports spending government money to create jobs and stimulate employment,” while just 24% said they would be less likely to support that candidate [Bloomberg Poll, 7/14/10].
According to NBC/WSJ, 51% are more likely to vote for a Democratic candidate who says they will give health care a chance while only 44% say they would be more likely to vote for a Republican candidate who says it should be repealed. (NBC/WSJ, 6/21)
And a recent Bloomberg poll found that 45% of voters say they are more likely to support a Congressional candidate who supports “tougher regulations on Wall Street firms,” while only 15% would be less likely to support such a candidate.
Thus, Republicans’ continued weaknesses and low approval ratings are helping Democrats turn this election into a choice between the two parties rather than just a referendum on the party in power. Despite the downcast assessments of Democratic political fortunes, we believe that this election stands to be different than so-called “wave” elections of the past and that Democrats have every reason to be hopeful that we can weather a treacherous political climate and maintain strong majorities in the House and Senate.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Meet and Greet Featuring State Treasurer Dennis McKinney
The Linn County Party will host an open meet and greet at the Labette Bank, located at 501 Market St. in La Cygne on July 10 at 2 p.m.
Our featured guest speaker will be our Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney. McKinney has been touring the state, helping residents recover unclaimed property over the past year and he has begun a new program to teach the importance of financial responsibility to our school children. McKinney recently announced his candidacy for state treasurer in his hometown of Greensburg, KS. Tribute was payed to residents and business owners who contributed to rebuilding a new environmentally friendly, energy efficient city, that has received world-wide recognition after the city was devastated by a tornado.
We encourage all residents in surrounding counties to attend, and help us give a warm welcome to our State Treasurer.
Light refreshments will be served.
Our featured guest speaker will be our Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney. McKinney has been touring the state, helping residents recover unclaimed property over the past year and he has begun a new program to teach the importance of financial responsibility to our school children. McKinney recently announced his candidacy for state treasurer in his hometown of Greensburg, KS. Tribute was payed to residents and business owners who contributed to rebuilding a new environmentally friendly, energy efficient city, that has received world-wide recognition after the city was devastated by a tornado.
We encourage all residents in surrounding counties to attend, and help us give a warm welcome to our State Treasurer.
Light refreshments will be served.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sat. June 19 Open Forum
U.S Senate Candidate Lisa Johnston, 2nd Congressional Candidates Cheryl Hudspeth (confirmed), Sean Tevis (likely attending), and Kenny Johnston, Kansas Democratic Party Executive Director, will be the featured speakers.
This event is open to the public - attendance by all political affiliates are encouraged to attend.
A true Democratic process deserves that every candidate for public office be heard so voters can make an informed decision.
The meeting will be at 2 p.m. in the Labette Bank, located at 501 Market St., La Cygne, KS
Light refreshments will be available.
This event is open to the public - attendance by all political affiliates are encouraged to attend.
A true Democratic process deserves that every candidate for public office be heard so voters can make an informed decision.
The meeting will be at 2 p.m. in the Labette Bank, located at 501 Market St., La Cygne, KS
Light refreshments will be available.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Important Reminder: Precinct Filing Deadline
Please remember that the filing deadline for precinct committeemen and women is June 10 at noon.
You must file at the Linn County Courthouse by the deadline to have your name appear on the ballot this August.
Our county re-organizational meeting will be held on the second Saturday in August at 2 p.m. at the Labette Bank located at 501 Market St. in La Cygne.
Please check back for future important announcements.
You must file at the Linn County Courthouse by the deadline to have your name appear on the ballot this August.
Our county re-organizational meeting will be held on the second Saturday in August at 2 p.m. at the Labette Bank located at 501 Market St. in La Cygne.
Please check back for future important announcements.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
June 19, Open Q and A - Features Three Speakers in La Cygne
On June 19, 2010, the Democratic Party of Linn County will host Lisa Johnston, candidate for U.S. Senate. Lisa is a dynamic voice for education with a long resume in promoting K-12 students to attend college. She has been a key member on college boards throughout Kansas in legislative policies that promote student academia.
As Assistant Dean for Baker University, Lisa has taken a leave of absence to run against the primary candidate on the Republican ticket in November. Lisa exemplifies the strong educational values of Kansans.
Cheryl Hudspeth of Girard, KS is running for KS 2nd District U.S. Congressional seat. Cheryl will be speaking at this meeting as well.
Also attending the June meeting will be Kenny Johnston, Kansas Democratic Party Executive Director. Kenny will discuss the importance of getting out the vote (GOTV), and how we as active community members can play a key role in voter turn-out.
The Democratic Party is grounded in the belief that all elections are vital in our Democracy.
We hope to have a good turn-out in welcoming speakers.
There will be a Q & A.
Refreshments will be provided.
Join us at 2 p.m. at the Labette Bank located at 501 Market St. in La Cygne, KS.
As Assistant Dean for Baker University, Lisa has taken a leave of absence to run against the primary candidate on the Republican ticket in November. Lisa exemplifies the strong educational values of Kansans.
Cheryl Hudspeth of Girard, KS is running for KS 2nd District U.S. Congressional seat. Cheryl will be speaking at this meeting as well.
Also attending the June meeting will be Kenny Johnston, Kansas Democratic Party Executive Director. Kenny will discuss the importance of getting out the vote (GOTV), and how we as active community members can play a key role in voter turn-out.
The Democratic Party is grounded in the belief that all elections are vital in our Democracy.
We hope to have a good turn-out in welcoming speakers.
There will be a Q & A.
Refreshments will be provided.
Join us at 2 p.m. at the Labette Bank located at 501 Market St. in La Cygne, KS.
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