Retiring Local Republican Politicians

[Big Unit]

I realize that there are a great number of Republican Congressmen and women who are not even going to try to run for re-election this year. But it has become apparent in southcentral Kansas that local Republicans also are choosing to bow out of contention this year. Yesterday, the two-term incumbent Republican Sheriff, Gary Steed, announced his intention not to run agaim, and a couple days before that, Senator Peggy (neocon) Palmer from Butler County also announced that she would not run. Interestingly, both of them had already filed for re-election, and are now withdrawing.

What is happening elsewhere in the state? I think every incumbent Democrat down here is running again.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. One of our incumbent Dems is running for state school board

Sue Storm. She just announced the other night. She has served in the legislature for 12 years. For most of that time she has been the only Dem from Johnson County. But we need her on the school board. So it's a good decision.

I don't know about any Republicans leaving. But surely there will be more than a few. Sheila would probably know.

[Big Unit]

2. State School Board

Both of the positions on the Kansas School Board in Wichita - Districts 8 and 10 - have yet to find Democratic party candidates to run. Incumbent in District 8 Republican Carol Rupe is not running for re-election. Are there any pro-science Democrats or unaffiliated citizens out there from Wichita/Sedgwick County who would like to consider running for one of these positions? If so, please call Jason Dilts, Executive Director of the Sedgwick County Democratic Party at 316-262-7534.

[SheilaT]

3. I knew Sue Storm was

planning on not running again for the legislature and running for the school board. I believe there is a Democrat lined up to run for her seat in her district, but I don't know who it is.

I think there are a few Republican legislators who aren't running this year, but I can't name names. Bill Roy would know, but he hardly posts on this board. Those of you in Johnson County should be sure to go to the next Second Saturday, which will be May 10, at the Holiday Inn on Shawnee Mission Parkway, just west of Metcalf. Breakfast is served starting at about 8 am ($10.00 for the buffet, $3.00 just for beverages, nothing if you don't want food or beverages, just the company of fellow Democrats). The program starts between 8:30 and 9:00 am. Can't remember who the speaker or what the program will be.

[Big Unit]

4. Ken Wilks

Now I see that this incumbent also is not running for re-election. Isn't he from NE Kansas? What is the story there?