Paul Morrison, on Phill Kline's election as his replacement:
"Like many people I'm really disappointed the Republican Central Committee ignored the obvious wishes of the voting public."
"It's a very demanding job the requires skill and experience, and I worry that he doesn't bring any of those qualities to the table."
"I think what we've seen with Phill Kline and Currie Myers certainly showcases the flaws in that (committee election) system."
"I think Phill Kline will find himself in real trouble if he follows a narrow political agenda instead of his other responsibilities."
"I'll do my best to make the transition smooth."
Posted by Dave Helling
Paul, Phill Kline isn't the one following a "narrow political agenda."
Posted by: Davy BOy | December 12, 2006 at 02:54 PM
"Like many people I'm really disappointed the Republican Central Committee ignored the obvious wishes of the voting public."
It should be obvious that the GOP is not in the least bit interested in the "wishes of the voting public". Kline's "election" to be DA shows that the far-right radicals are still running the GOP and are not interested in either the will of the people or even the future of their own party.
Posted by: | December 12, 2006 at 02:57 PM
If Phill's agenda is not narrow, then pigs can fly. LOL
Posted by: | December 12, 2006 at 03:44 PM
The continued myopic focus on Phill's willingness to enforse Kansas' abortion laws is frustrating and misleading. As Kansas AG that case was only a small portion of the work accomplished for the people of KS in the past four years. If this paper had ever published any of that parhaps people would have a different perspective.
None of that matters because much as many of you will never admit it you are just as "single issue" as you accuse Phill of being.
Posted by: shrugging | December 12, 2006 at 03:51 PM
shrugging, enlighten us. What exactly did Kline accomplish in the past 4 years as AG? I saw a lot of press conferences that seemed, oh, shall I say, all Phill. I did read a not so positive quote from Stephanie Schmidt's father about Phill (something about Phill's ability to work PR and then when it comes to working, he leaves the scene--I'm working from memory, so I don't want to quote him). I live in Missouri, so I have no horse in this race.
Posted by: jenniferm | December 12, 2006 at 04:02 PM
A perfectly fair question jenniferm. One I will answer later tonight although, perhaps not in your case, I have little hope many here possess the open mind to read anything about the AG fairly.
Go to go to basketball games for the kids right now.
Posted by: shrugging | December 12, 2006 at 04:08 PM
You know what would help this paper publish all those wonderful achievements? If Phill Kline touted some of those wonderful achievements.
But he never did. He touted abortion and Jessica's law. Oh, and he argued a case before the US Supreme Court.
Even Phill Kline couldn't come up with any examples of what he accomplished in 4 years as Attorney General.
Posted by: Dirk | December 12, 2006 at 05:03 PM
Phill Kline is perfectly qualified for the job. His lack of qualification was campaing speak over the last several months which was fueled by partisan media. I don't agree with placing Phill in office - not because of a lack of ability. I think a new face with future candidate potential should've been instilled.
As to Mr. Morrison's assessment of the situation - Who Cares? I certainly don't. Paul cared more about compromising his values and advancing his political career than the office of JOCO DA, so his opinion really isn't very necessary. At least he could've won the office with grace and supported Mr. Kline's candidacy. Memo to Paul: You won. Move past the Phill Bashing.
Posted by: Mike Shaw | December 12, 2006 at 06:19 PM
Phill Bashing?? LOL How do you figure that? You mean when Paul dragged out that decade old sexual harassment suit against Phill? Or when Paul accused Phill of releasing a murderer from prison?
Oh yeah, those were accusations Phill made against Paul.
Now is this about politics and someone's career and/or the future of the Republican party in Jo Co? Or should it be about what is best for the people of Jo Co?? And speaking of those people, don't forget they VOTED AGAINST Phill - just a little over a month ago.
But then, why should the people matter? They are just getting in the way of Phill's political career.
Posted by: Proud Dem | December 12, 2006 at 08:07 PM
This will be the last we EVER see of Kline. He will dissapear to an island where he will meet up with Matt Blunt, Frist, Santorum, DeLay, and the rest of the crew. Everyone will forget them and no one will ever care to know of them.
Posted by: PeachPit | December 12, 2006 at 08:30 PM
And good news, none of Kline's new puppies turned out gay.
Posted by: PeachPit | December 12, 2006 at 08:32 PM
I have found the reaction today to the Kline news very enlightening. For the most part Democrats have been quiet - it has been the moderate R's that are making noise. Heck, there was even a Republican precinct voter on 980 KMBZ this evening talking about reforming the precinct/nomination system.
Paul has to feel a pit in his stomach when he thinks about the work he put in to the DA office and what of that will be torn down quickly.
Posted by: Corey Mohn | December 12, 2006 at 09:26 PM
I have not heard anyone comment on the irony of Phill Kline winning an election in a church. Anyone want to take that one on?
Posted by: Corey Mohn | December 12, 2006 at 09:35 PM
Looks like Pendergrast moved across the state line and joined the GOP.
Posted by: craig | December 12, 2006 at 10:02 PM
Was Pendergast a talibornagain?
Posted by: Proud Dem | December 12, 2006 at 10:09 PM
Proud Dem,
I don't know, just know dirty politics when I see it.
Posted by: craig | December 12, 2006 at 10:13 PM
I have never actively campaigned against a Republican candidate, but now is the time. As a member of the Kansas bar and a lifelong Republican, this action will be long remembered and I look forward to putting my time and wallet to use to right this wrong.
Posted by: Scott | December 12, 2006 at 10:40 PM
Morrison should worry about his new job, not his old job. And it seems like he's a Democrat now, so why should he EVEN be whining about who the Republicans choose for JoCo DA. Paul? --Democrat or Republican? ...better figure out what you are Pablo. I can't wait to see how Cowboy Paul weasels out of those abortion cases. Hey KC Star--be sure and do that up big.
Posted by: jeetzwillagers | December 12, 2006 at 10:50 PM
If you live in Johnson County better carry a Bible in your car!
Posted by: | December 12, 2006 at 10:54 PM
Why is Paul Morrison saying anything about former sheriff Currie Myers?
Frank Denning is ONLY sheriff of Johnson County now because his brother BOUGHT the election for him, and the press ignored the story.
The July 26, 2004 contribution report for the Citizens for Justice PAC showed $47,000 in contributions from just two contributors: Frank Denning's brother, Jim Denning, contributed $11,000 + $20,000 + $5,000 = $36,000, and sister-in-law, Marearl Denning, contributed $11,000. So, without Frank Denning's brother and sister-in-law donating $47,000 to his campaign via the Citizens for Justice PAC, would Frank Denning be sheriff today?
The election results (from http://www.jocoelection.org/archives/results/results080304.htm ) show Denning won the August 2004 primary 40,153 to Myers 36,391. That was $47,000 to win by 3762 votes, which works out to almost $12.50 per winning vote. If Myers had a brother that could spend $47,000 on a PAC to support Myers for sheriff, would Denning be sheriff today?
For additional information ignored by the press: Denning's brother "buys" JoCo sheriff's election for him with Citizens for Justice PAC
http://www.kansasmeadowlark.com/2004/08-08a.htm
Again, why is Morrison maligning Myers, or the election process? Why does the press withhold such information from the public?
Posted by: KS Meadowlark | December 12, 2006 at 11:40 PM
It is amazing to me that there are people Morrison being one) who simply lick their finger, stick up in the wind, and jump on a bandwagon that is blowing in that direction. That's why he became a Democrat.
Fortunately Kansas Law doesn't follow that method of "finger pointing." For no where in the Kansas Law will you find it favoring one party or the other. Kansas Law is simply "Law." And that law created the method by which JoCo chose Morrison's replacement.
And EVEN MORE interesting is that the person now elected to uphold the laws of the State of Kansas is complaining about a law he doesn't like. Dear Paul: Your job is to be the law"MAN," not law"MAKER." See, Morrison is already confused about his new job description. And he hasn't even taken office. It's different at the State level, Pablo. Watch and Learn.
Posted by: jeetzwillagers | December 13, 2006 at 05:01 AM
For those interested in a recall effort, join
AARDVARK
Appalled Angry Republicans and Democrats Against Retaining Kline
Posted by: Patty PV | December 13, 2006 at 06:26 AM
Get a over it. Give-up the character bashing and judge them both after a year or two on the job. Can these dogs hunt? That's all I care about. The legal systems in place have resulted in the roles these two players will occupy. Stop crying about the results you "wish" didn't occur. You've probably heard the old saying. You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. Which one do you think will fill up faster?
Posted by: JeffL | December 13, 2006 at 09:20 AM
Proud Dem -
Who went negative first? Paul. Who went negative the most often? Yea, Paul too. Who had to respond in-kind to several months of his name being dragged through the mud? That would be Phill.
If you want to question Mr. Kline's ability to handle the office he was just elected for, name one mistake he made as Attorney General of the State of Kansas. And, if you bring up the abortion records, out goes all credibility.
Posted by: Mike Shaw | December 13, 2006 at 11:20 AM
silly me, I thought that experience prosecuting criminal cases would be a requirement to become DA. I guess all that is required is financial and political backing from Kansans for Life.
Posted by: Kansasdog | December 13, 2006 at 11:58 AM