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June 4, 2004
ssharp@ink.org
Friends:
KS Primary Decision
Door-to-Door
Inside Kansas Politics
Senate Retirements
Area Races
Bullock
In true Kansas political form, I have had another Republican enter the race against me. This election will be on August 3rd. In addition, and contrary to Johnson County political form, I have also had a Democrat enter the race. Keeps the electorate (and me!) on its toes! I look forward to your support in August! Due to a court case and a decision by the Kansas political parties today, now EVERYONE can vote in the August primary – even Democrats, Unaffiliated, Independent, Reform, Green (you pick the party) can vote in this year’s primary on August 3rd.
What does this mean? I need your help, and tomorrow is the first test. If you have never walked a parade before, it is a lot of fun! The Old Shawnee Days parade starts at 10:00 am, and I am offering free t-shirts and lunch. Email me back if you are interested – bring your kids, friends, and teachers! We will meet at 9:30 am on the parking lot of the Tile Shop (SW corner of Nieman and Shawnee Mission Parkway).
Door-to-Door
Thank you to my old and new friends in Autumn Park, Autumn Woods, Chanderin Courts, and the east side of Northwest Woods in Shawnee for your interest in my campaign last week. A lot more door-to-door tonight and this weekend – You never know when I’ll knock on your door! I actually got bit by a dog this week – the dog seemed very nice and calm… Until I rang the doorbell! It didn’t break the skin, but I have some really nice, big, black bruises and tenderness. Will remind me to keep the pepper spray on hand, even if the dog seems nice!
Inside Kansas Politics
Tomorrow’s IKP with Rep. Rob Boyer (and me, calling in LIVE from the parade) will tackle the BI-STATE issue! Our guest will be Johnson County Sun publisher, Steve Rose. Tune in to 1510 AM at 10:00 am, or listen in live at www.1510.com.
Senate Retirements
Many of you heard about Senator Stan Clark (R-Oakley), who was killed in a tragic car accident on I-70 last week. He was a very nice man, a very gentle soul. He did have an opponent in the Republican primary, and the precinct committeemen and women there will hold a caucus to elect a replacement to run in that place. It is unknown whether the candidate already in the race, Dan Rasure (R) will be considered as a replacement.
Senate President and former gubernatorial candidate David Kerr (R-Hutchinson) is retiring, as is Senate Majority Leader Lana Oleen (R-Manhattan). In the Oleen race, my seatmate and fellow freshman representative, Roger Reitz has entered that race, and I am excited for him! He will be a great Senator. As you also may know, Senator David Adkins is also retiring – a true loss for Johnson County, children’s issues, and education. He was a champion of those issues and just a brilliant statesman. He will be missed. David Wysong and Dwight Sutherland have both filed to replace him in that seat.
A couple of other Senate retirements: Bob Lyon (R-Winchester), Bob Tyson (R- Parker), Ed Pugh (R-Wamego), Christine Downey (D-Newton). The Senate will be a different place next year! Hopefully for the better!!!
Area Races
In addition to my race, my “neighbor” to the north, Cindy Neighbor, will be doing a re-run of her 2002 race against Mary Pilcher Cook. Cindy is also a Shawnee Mission School Board member, and has two brand-new grandsons (in addition to the first two grandsons!). She’s the education “guru” in our class, and our go-to consult for last-minute bills that come up on education.
My southern compatriot is David Huff, and so far, he has no opponents! Hey David – how about I lend you one of mine?
Bullock
Not much on education this week except “guess-timations”. Now, what we are hearing is a possible Supreme Court decision (they begin deliberations on August 30) by late September, early October, and maybe later. Schools will go on and paychecks will go out as scheduled – I want to reiterate that.
Where’s Waldo (Rep. Sharp)? May 27 – June 4, 2004
- “Inside Kansas Politics” hosted Jim Sullinger. Capitol reporter with the Kansas City Star, and Dan Simon, editor of the Olathe Daily News for a discussion of the press in politics. It was a great discussion of bias in the media and how reporters attempt to keep personal opinions out of their writing!
- Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee meeting
- Steve Klika fundraiser – he’s running to replace Patricia Lightner, who is running for Congress.
- Tomorrow I’ll be at the Old Shawnee Days Parade – come have fun!
Question of the Week!
Last week’s question:
Who was the first U.S. vice president to die while in office?
Answer and Winner: Eric Bean of Lenexa wins a Kansas Seal lapel pin and one of my refrigerator magnets. In 1812, George Clinton became the first U.S. vice president to die while in office.
New Question: Who was the first Republican woman governor of a U.S. state?
As always, I would love your comments and questions about anything included here, or about anything in state government! If I can ever be of service to you, please do not hesitate to drop me a line!
Representative Stephanie Sharp
17th District, KS House
Serving Lenexa and Shawnee