KC Buzz Blog

Feeling Rumsfeldian today?

     Kansas' evolution debate has been a reporter's quote dream. And today, as the Kansas Board of Ed votes on yet another set of science standards, we got this gem from intelligent design proponent John Calvert:

"I think this is a subject where being sure may not be the best thing in the world," he said. "If you don't know something and you know you don't know something, you're better off than if you don't know it and you think you know it."

Calvert, who said this while addressing the Board this morning, was arguing that students suffer if evolution is taught as a neat explanation for the history and development of life.

Posted by David Klepper

Under the rainbow

  "Why do we still allow such moronic throwbacks to vote in national elections?"

And that's one of the nicer ones.

Check out the nasty things people are saying about the Sunflower State on the NYT blog:

Read it here.

Thanks to Red State Rabble for the heads up.

Posted by staff

Kansas School Board returns to evolution. Again.

    Two years ago, any time the Kansas Board of Evolution brought up the word “evolution” you could expect standing room only.
   Yet today in Topeka, with the board poised to repeal the controversial science standards that cast doubt on evolution, it was just another board meeting. The only reminder of the contention that’s marked the debate were a handful of local television cameras and a thick red rope erected to separate the board from any overzealous members of the public.
   The board is expected to vote at  4 p.m. today on new standards that return evolution to its former place in the scientific canon. The vote is largely a foregone conclusion, and only a handful of people addressed the board during its public comment session this morning.
   Still, familiar faces showed up to make their case, one last time. Harry McDonald, a retired science teacher from Olathe and a member of Kansas Citizens for Science, applauded the board for quickly revisiting the science standards.
   “The time for deliberation has passed,” he said. “It is time to act.”
   John Calvert was back too. Calvert, an intelligent design proponent from Lake Quivira, was a leading voice in the effort to put more scrutiny of evolution into the science standards. He came to the board meeting today armed with a few hundred more names on petitions asking the board to keep the current standards.
  Asked whether he was resigned to the board’s decision, Calvert chuckled.
   “I have a press release prepared,” he said with a smile.
Posted by David Klepper

FDA lab update

   Earlier this month, The Star reported on bipartisan congressional efforts to save 13 regional Food and Drug Administration labs, including one in Lenexa. (Confidential to Claire McCaskill: That's just over the state line from Missouri.)

   Now, we're informed by Rep. Dennis Moore's office that FDA staff meetings to discuss the potential closings have been postponed as agency brass respond to congressional inquiries and try to ensure Reps. Moore, Boyda, Cleaver and Graves and Sens. Brownback, Roberts, and Bond (who all wrote various letters to FDA questioning the proposed closings) are happy with the process. No word on when those meetings might be held.

   At stake: More than 50 jobs in Lenexa.

Posted by Matt Stearns

Roberts and Sebelius -- allies

    Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts found an ally Wednesday in Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in his drive to restore money for military construction projects in the state.

    The Governor's Military Council, an appointed bipartisan advisory group of civilians and armed services members, agreed to support efforts by Roberts and other senators to protect some of the planned military projects recommended by the Pentagon.

    In Kansas, $365 million in new construction at Forts Riley and Leavenworth could be affected.

    Those projects and others around the country are at risk because of a budget passed last week in the House which dropped millions of dollars in earmarks -  projects added on by legislators - and $3.1 billion in new construction recommended by the Pentagon's Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

    Roberts said he hopes the council's show of support  "will give us a little push. We're right up against the deadline."

   Because the last Congress didn't get around to approving parts of the 2007 budget, the current one has until Feb. 15 to pass one or the government will shut down due to a lack of money. That last happened during the Clinton adminstration during a budget fight with the Republican Congress.

    Roberts and several other senators hope to amend a measure funding government operations to restore $3.1 billion in BRAC projects. They include construction of a new barracks at Fort Riley to replace ones that are half a century old, and new runway.

    "These are not add-ons," Roberts said. "These are Department of Defense expected funds. There will be no earmarks."

Posted by David Goldstein

Olathe residents: Get your questions ready

   Kansas state legislators representing Olathe will be on hand to answer questions and give residents an update on activities at the State Capitol.
  The forum will be at 8:30 a.m.s Saturday, at the Olathe City Hall, 100 East Santa Fe. For more information call (913) 971-8609.

Posted by Mike Ekey

Clinton confirmed for KS Dems

   It's official: a day after KC Buzz Blog reported the rumors, the Kansas Democratic Party has confirmed former President Bill Clinton as the keynote speaker at the D's annual Washington Days gathering next month.

   Clinton will speak at the Topeka event March 2, the same day he'll deliver the Landon Lecture at Kansas State University.

   Gov. Kathleen Sebelius released a statement saying she is "delighted" Clinton accepted the party's invitation.            

   Last year's Washington Days speaker was Sen. Barack Obama.

   Tickets for Clinton's Washington Days address, $125 a piece, won't be available until Feb. 14.

Posted by Keith Chrostowski

Clinton (Bill that is) coming to Kansas for the Dems?

   This just in from a source close to the state Democratic Party: Bill Clinton will be the guest speaker at the party's Washington Days celebration next month.

   The official word from the party is that they can neither confirm nor deny Clinton is the speaker. They say an announcement about Washington Days will be made soon.

   This is no secret: last year's speaker - U.S. Sen. Barack Obama - will be hard for the Dems to top.

   Washington Days, the annual gathering of Kansas Democrats, is set for March 2 and 3rd at the Ramada Inn in Topeka.

   Earlier today, it was announced that Clinton will give this year's Landon Lecture at K-State.

Posted by David Klepper

A ban on new coal plants?

    A legislative committee in Kansas today heard from both sides of a proposed ban on new coal plants.

    This is in reaction to plans to build the biggest new coal plant west of the Mississippi in far western Kansas. Opponents say the plant will pollute and eliminate a great opportunity to explore wind power or other more green energy proposals.

   Supporters, however, say it's not your grandfather's coal plant. They say modern pollution controls and environmental safeguards ensure this will be a clean plant. And they say it could give a boost to wind energy by adding transmission lines in that part of the state. Plus, it'll add jobs in an area that needs them bad.

   Lawmakers in the House Utilities Committee say they'll probably vote on the proposed two-year ban on new plants this week. With Gov. Kathleen Sebelius opposed to the ban, and with only a handful of lawmakers seriously suggesting it, we're predicting a tough road for this legislation.

Posted by David Klepper

It's Kansas Day

    Come to the Kansas capitol today and you'll see hundreds of people running around, yelling, carousing and acting like 10-year-olds.

   No, we're not talking about lawmakers, lobbyists or the statehouse press corps (none of which really likes to run very much).

   It's Kansas Day, which means the statehouse is filled with school kids on field trips. There are historical reenactors, renditions of "Home on the Range," and a whole lot of love for the 34th state.

   As the state celebrates its 146th birthday today (if my math is correct), we'll ask: what's the biggest challenge facing the Sunflower State right now? The economy? Educating our kids for the future? Health care costs? Energy policy? Something else?

Posted by David Klepper

The return of Jodotte

   He's at it again: Kansas state Sen. Chris Steineger has reintroduced his bill proposing to merge Wyandotte and Johnson counties.

   Steineger, a Kansas City, Kan., Democrat, argues that consolidation of "Jodotte" would lead to leaner, more efficient government and savings for taxpayers.

   But lawmakers, especially those from Johnson County, are cool to the idea. Last year it went nowhere.

   While we're on the topic of mergers, anyone have any other fun combinations to suggest?

Posted by David Klepper

Nancy Boyda, most endangered Dem frosh?

   The National Journal has a piece out on the future electoral prospects for newly installed House Democrats who won in red districts. And Kansas' Nancy Boyda gets a special mention near the conclusion of the article, including her criticism of President Bush. And note the jab about his treatment of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Posted by DeAnn Smith

Vote delayed on smoking ban

   Looks like the first vote on a proposed statewide public smoking ban in Kansas will come no earlier than Thursday. The Senate Judiciary Committee was slated to vote on the issue today, but after several amendments were suggested, the vote on Senate Bill 37 was delayed.
   One amendment, offered by Sen. David Haley, a Kansas City, Kan. Democrat, was added to the bill.
   Haley's amendment would make it illegal to smoke while driving in a car with someone under 18. He said it's similar to a city ordinance recently passed in Bangor, Maine.
   The real question is whether the amendment will just give lawmakers a better excuse to vote against the bill.

Posted by David Klepper

Sort of like a Zagat guide, only for meth...

   A bill introduced this year in Kansas would require convicted meth cooks to register with the state just like sex offenders.

    The idea? Give the public a list so they know what the new neighbor might be cooking in his basement. Lawmakers say meth addiction makes convicted meth manufactures more likely to repeat their crimes than other criminals, and they say the dangerous nature of meth manufacture makes it a health hazard to neighbors.

  They also predict landlords would like the ability to consult the list before signing new tenants.

Posted by David Klepper

Kansachusetts?

  In her state of the state address Wednesday Gov. Kathleen Sebelius uttered those three words that have gotten Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mitt Romney so much attention: Universal. Health. Care.

   The GOP is unconvinced and they have their own plans. But still, Sebelius fired a shot across their bow. If they don't cooperate and pass legislation to expand access to health care, it won't be her fault.

   Another observation from last night's 24-minute speech: There were at least three Biblical allusions in it.

  "When one of us suffers, we all suffer, and when one flourishes, we all rejoice together." That's lifted from 1 Corinthians 12:26

   Then in the next paragraph, she said "Kansans have always had a commitment to freedom and a belief in the importance of protecting the least among us."

   That sort reminds one of Luke 9:48: "For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."

   And then toward the end, Sebelius said "We may make these commitments to a future many of us will never see or may only glimpse from afar." We're pretty sure that sounds like something from Exodus. But we can't recall the verse.

   Any Biblical scholars out there?

   And does universal health care access stand a chance?

Posted by David Klepper

Movin' on up

    Life in the House minority has turned out pretty well for Rep. Todd Tiahrt. He will soon be announced as the ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior. This is a plum assignment on the famously collegial Appropriations Committee, giving the Wichita lawmaker a big say in how tens of billions of dollars are spent. Should the GOP re-take the House, Tiahrt likely would become a "cardinal," a chairman of an Appropriatons Subcommittee. It doesn't get much better than that in the House.

Posted by Matt Stearns

Morrison fires Tiller investigator

     AP reports that Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison today fired the special prosecutor his predecessor appointed to prosecute Dr. George Tiller, the state’s most visible abortion provider.
    However, Morrison can’t force the prosecutor, Wichita attorney Don McKinney, out of office until Saturday because his contract required five days’ notice. McKinney was hired on Dec. 27 by former Attorney General Phill Kline, whom Morrison ousted in November, but his contract wasn’t signed until Friday.
   Morrison contends McKinney isn’t objective in assessing the evidence involving Tiller.
   Said McKinney today:  “I was fired to protect the abortion clinics.”

Posted by Keith Chrostowski

KS Board of Ed to take up evolution

   The Kansas Board of Education will revisit the teaching of evolution later today, setting the stage for a vote next month to rescind the controversial state science standards.

  No vote is expected today, but the board will discuss its options at 5 p.m.

   The standards, which cast doubt on the theory of evolution, were voted in last year by the conservative majority that then controlled the board. But two new moderate board members were elected to the board last year, giving control of the board back to moderates.

  The board, in its first meeting of the year Monday, also voted for a new chairman. Bill Wagnon of Topeka will replace Steve Abrams of Arkansas City.

Posted by David Klepper

She's from Kansas, after all

    Newly sworn Congresswoman Nancy Boyda of Kansas got a seat on the House Agriculture Committee today. That gives her two of her three choices so far. She already won a seat on the House Armed Services Committee.

     Freshmen normally only serve on two committees. But Boyda, a Democrat who represents the Second District, has requested  a waiver to allow her to also sit on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. No word on that yet.

Posted by David Goldstein

...and a fun time was had by all

   The Kansas inaugural ball Monday night was a pretty fancy affair, though casual enough to ensure a lot of mingling. Lawmakers, lobbyists, activists, Sebelius supporters, corporate types and old fashioned regular folks were all there, many dressed to the nines. It wasn't a standard 12-to-a-table chicken or salmon dinner; instead there were appetizers and fingerfood - along with several bars. That created an atmosphere more glitzy festive than stogey political.

   When Gov. Kathleen Sebelius entered, dressed in a red strapless number that matched her ruby red slippers and accompanied by her genial husband Gary (a judge), the audience formed a corridor and applauded as she paraded in. She was preceded by U.S. Congressman Dennis Moore, state lawmakers and others.

   Then there was a toast from What's the Matter With Kansas author Thomas Frank, brief comments from Sebelius (which this reporter could barely hear because of the crowd) and then the first dance, Sebelius and her husband.

The song?

"The Wind Beneath My Wings."

Posted by David Klepper

Hold on Mark: It's not your turn

   Kansas' new lieutenant governor, Mark Parkinson, appeared a little too eager during the swearing-in ceremony today on the Capitol steps in Topeka.

   Each statewide officeholder took turns receiving the oath of office. After Kansas Attorney Paul Morrison of Lenexa took the oath, Parkinson stood up to take his.

   Unfortunately, it wasn't his turn. Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh was next on the list. Smiling broadly, Parkinson stood as Thornburgh walked by on his way to receive the oath.

   "I'm so used to following Paul Morrison that after he was sworn in there was sort of a Pavlov's dog type response and I stood up," he said. "Ron Thornburgh does a much better job as secretary of state than I could ever do."

Posted by Jim Sullinger

Does that mean Mark Parkinson has to be Toto?

    Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will wear custom-made ruby slippers -- along with a strapless ruby dress -- to tonight's inaugural ball.

   So the question is: If Sebelius has taken the role of Dorothy, who are the flying monkeys? The tin man? The wicked witch?

This could be fun.

Posted by David Klepper

AG website back up

  It's up and running now.

  http://www.ksag.org/index.shtml

Posted by David Klepper

  And Phill's on the Johnson County DA site...

Posted by Dave Helling

AG Web site down

   Yet another casualty of bitter partisan politics: the Kansas Attorney General's Web site.

The site, which until today bore the face of Phill Kline, is now out of service. The problem is the new one, which presumably will feature Paul Morrison, hasn't yet been activated.

Posted by David Klepper

Sebelius' Inaugural Speech

     Gov. Kathleen Sebelius started her second term with a seven minute speech that touched on the need for "a new politics of true empowerment."
    Here's the text of the speech handed to reporters:
   "Today is a day of new beginnings.  It is a day when we look forward, filled with anticipation and hope for all that is yet to come.
   "As our state greeted this day, two of our newest Kansans greeted life.  Early this morning, twins named Kimberlin and Samuel were born to Christie and Tom Lovell of Mulvane.  In them the world is made new and Kansas is forever a different place.  They, like each of us, are blessed with a vibrant birthright — and in their first day as Kansans they embody all the hope and promise of what will be.
   "Our obligation as citizens – and stewards – of this great state is immense.  We are the beneficiaries of a long line of pioneers and visionaries who built and shaped our state.  Their disciplined work and tireless effort was fueled by a belief that the best days of Kansas are always yet to come.
   "I share that belief because I know the character of Kansas and of Kansans.  We are not a complacent people.  We are restless to explore, to create, to find a brighter future for ourselves, for our children and for Kansans yet to come.
   "Our forbearers never shrank from the uncertainty of the future.  Nor shall we. But we must remember the future is never a place we’re simply going to — it is a place we must create. 
   "And we must also remember on this day when we celebrate our hopes for the future that we should always recognize the service of the sons and daughters of our state who are securing that future.
   "The men and women of our military – many of whom are here today – stand in harm’s way as a testament to their belief in the way of life we enjoy.  Let us pray that God will hold each of them in the palm of His hand until the day they are all safely home.  I hope you will join me in remembering and honoring the service of these true Kansas heroes.
  "I accept this oath of office to serve a second term as your governor with profound pride in our state, with an unwavering belief in its citizens and with an unbridled hope for what’s to come. 
  "Of course, the opportunities of our future come with challenges.  Our future prosperity, the livelihoods of our citizens, and even the very existence of our communities will be determined by our ability to meet these challenges. 
   "Yet our opportunities will be limited only if we fail to come together around a shared vision for our state.  Only a failure to act as “One Kansas” can compromise our future and dash our hopes.
  "We all recognize, in our hearts, that we are only as strong as the most vulnerable among us.  It’s not enough to allow a few to reach the stars while others live a life of limited horizons.  The promise of our state is best realized when all our citizens are able to achieve their highest potential.
   "Therefore, we must embrace a new politics of true empowerment, understanding that diversity of thought, of belief, of opinion creates a vibrant, prosperous state.  We must recognize that our differences make us stronger, yet those differences are never greater than our similarities.
  "We can form a more perfect union, we can achieve greatness, and we can honor our birthright as a state only if we join hands and meet the future as one.
   "Kansans are compassionate enough to meet any need, and generous enough to make any stranger a friend.
   "Together, we’re persistent enough to weather any storm, and adventurous enough to explore any frontier.
   "Together, we’re humble enough to reach for God’s hand and hopeful enough to greet every day with confidence in our ability to change the world.
   "Together, we are a mighty chorus, nearly 3 million strong – the descendants of a chain of citizens whose character has always reflected integrity, ingenuity and resiliency.
  "That character has also always reflected unity, community and a concern for our neighbors.  These values, present since the founding of our state, guide us and point the way forward.
  "For 146 years, each generation of Kansans has shaped the legacy of the state I am so proud to serve.
  "As a people we have many origins but we share one home. 
  "We have many perspectives but we share one dream. 
  "We have many vocations but we share one ambition. 
  "We have many families but we share one kinship.
  "And we have many paths but we all share one journey.
  "The stewardship of this special place is currently the task of our generation.  We will be judged by whether we each use our gifts to serve the greater good, whether we commit ourselves to make a difference in the lives of those around us and in the lives of those Kansans yet to be born.
  "The blessings of  Kansas must be secured by each generation. We can never afford to take them for granted. 
  "As your governor, I pledge to work every day to move Kansas forward, to create a place of immense opportunity where every child is empowered to dream big dreams, and to build a place that Kimberlin and Samuel, whose first day is today, and all of us will be proud to call home.
   "Let that be the Kansas we create and let us march toward that future joined by a shared purpose and united by a shared vision.
  "God bless you all and may God continue to richly bless the Great State of Kansas."

Posted by David Klepper

'We're going to get rid of Mr. McKinney'

   Paul Morrison got the biggest cheers of anyone at today's inauguration in Topeka. The former JoCo DA turned AG talked with reporters following the ceremony and said he hasn't made a decision about when he'll fire Special Prosecutor Donald McKinney, hired by former AG Phill Kline to take over the investigation of abortion doctor George Tiller.

   McKinney's dismissal could come today, Morrison said, or maybe not.

   "There's no doubt, we're going to get rid of Mr. McKinney," he said.

    The first step: sorting through the paperwork left by Kline to see if McKinney even has a contract.

Posted by David Klepper

Sebelius proposes help for rural economy

    Gov. Kathleen Sebelius gave a quick glimpse of some of her ideas for the upcoming legislative session today. Details will have to wait for her budget proposal next week. But the ideas show the outline of an economic development strategy aimed at training the workforce and helping out the state's always struggling rural economy:

• A program to help match businesses with skilled employees. One idea is to get public universities to share their alumni lists with industries. Another is to set aside state money to match employee signing bonuses. The program will focus on a few specially targeted industries like aviation, advanced manufacturing, health care, energy, bioscience and math, science and special ed teachers in rural areas.
• Encourage companies to offer child care help, and dedicate more funds to offset the cost of child care for low-income workers.
• Create a new office within the state Dept. of Commerce to help rural communities grow their economy. One part of this would include tax incentives for new business investment in communities that apply for Rural Opportunity Zone status.

   Sebelius also announced a program, funded by a grant, to enhance worker training programs for inmates re-entering society. 

   The governor was mum on what else is in her State of the State and inaugural addresses, set for next week. She did say that education and health care are two priorities in the coming session.

Posted by David Klepper

Houses of fortune

   This should ease any pain felt by five-term Kansas Rep. Jim Ryun, who lost his re-election bid and is leaving Washington. The PoliticalMoneyLine notes that his Capitol Hill home is assessed at $920,870, up 125 percent from when he bought it in 2000. The PoliticalMoneyLine has a photo of the Ryun abode and similar stats for other soon-to-be former members of Congress (second item from top).

Posted by Keith Chrostowski

Government work

  AP's John Hanna reports that government remains the biggest job-producing part of the Kansas economy over the past year, a trend still generating worries despite Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' optimism about the future. A report from the state Department of Labor showed that government agencies, including local ones, had 6,000 more employees in November than they did in November 2005. That meant government payrolls grew by 2.3 percent, to more than 266,000. Absent that growth, the state would have seen total non-farm employment slip last month, compared with November 2005. That has led business and anti-tax groups and some legislators, particularly conservative Republicans, to suggest the economy is softer than it's portrayed.

Posted by Keith Chrostowski

Can it get any weirder?

    Phill Kline. Nola Foulston. George Tiller. Paul Morrison. All invited to the same hearing tomorrow. Wonder what polite chit-chat is like between those folks?

   Attorney General (for two more weeks) Kline will get a chance to argue why charges filed against Tiller, a Wichita abortion provider, should be reinstated. A judge threw out the charges last week - the same day they were announced - after Sedgwick County DA Foulston protested, questioning Kline's jurisdiction in her home turf.

   The judge that dismissed charges will hear arguments at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Wichita. Kline, Foulston and Tiller's attorneys are invited to participate.

   And oh yeah... so isMorrison (Johnson County DA who beat Kline last month to take his job, which in turn led to Kline being appointed to Morrison's old post).

   Kline filed 30 misdemeanor charges against Tiller alleging that he has performed illegal late-term abortions and then failed to report them to the state. The judge threw out the charges after Foulston argued that Kline lacked the authority to file the charges without her consent.

   Kline, who says he met with Foulston before filing the charges, quickly filed a motion to the judge asking for reconsideration.

Posted by David Klepper

Kansas House committee chairs named

   The list is out: Kansas House Speaker-to-be Melvin Neufeld released today his picks to lead House committees.

   There were some big changes, some not so big and some committees remain unchanged. Johnson County picked up one chairmanship: Arlen Siegreid of Olathe will lead the Federal and State Affairs Comittee. Overall, however, the metro area didn't fare that well (only one other committee, Tax, is headed by a local, in this case Kenny Wilk of Lansing.)

   But we well when it comes to vice chairs: seven for Johnson County.

  Here's the list, with the chair first and then the vice chair.

  Agriculture and National Resources: John Faber (Brewster), Forrest Knox (Fredonia)

   Appropriations: Sharon Schwartz (Washington), Lee Tafanelli (Ozawkie)

  Commerce and Labor: Steve Brunk (Bel Aire), Mike Kiegerl (Olathe)

  Economic Development and Tourism: Lana Gordon (Topeka), Terrie Huntington (Mission Hills).

  Education: Clay Aurand (Courtland), Deena Horst (Salina)

  Energy and Utilities: Carl Holmes (Liberal), Rob Olson (Olathe)

  Elections and Governmental Organization: Mike Burgess (Topeka), Ted Powers (Mulvane)

  Federal and State Affairs: Arlen Siegfreid (Olathe), Steve Huebert (Valley Center)

  Government Efficiency and Technology: Jim Morrison (Colby), Stephanie Sharp (Lenexa)

  Health and Human Services: Brenda Landwehr (Wichita), Peggy Mast (Emporia)

  Insurance and Financial Institutions: Clark Schultz (Lindsborg), Anthony Brown (Eudora)

  Judiciary: Mike O'Neal (Hutchinson), Lance Kinzer (Olathe)

  Rules and Journal: Clark Schultz, Lance Kinzer

  Taxation: Kenny Wilk (Lansing), Richard Carlson (St. Marys)

  Transportation: Gary Hayzlett (Lakin), Virgil Peck (Tyro)

  Veterans, Military and Homeland Security: Don Myers (Derby), Mario Goico (Wichita)

Posted by David Klepper

If it quacks like a lame duck it must be ... a dead horse

   Today was the last meeting of the Kansas Board of Education before moderates take over in January. The sitting board went out in typical fashion.

   The board argued about whether the board should change its travel reimbursement policies to prohibit lame duck board members from billing the state for out-of-state trips. Remember, outgoing board member Connie Morris raised eyebrows when she asked to bill the state for two trips. One of them, a trip to D.C. to visit with officials and policy groups later this month, will come just weeks before Morris officially leaves the board.

   The board couldn't agree on the change, however. Some conservatives questioned the purpose and some moderates saying they wanted to debate the new policy once the new moderate majority takes over.

  Morris made the motion to accept the change, but said she would go by the old policy when it came to her upcoming D.C. trip.

   Board member Janet Waugh said she didn't "want to beat a dead horse" but did anyway, criticizing Morris for supporting a policy change she had no plan to follow herself.

   Morris, who was given a plaque for her service, wouldn't say what her plans are now, but she doesn't plan to leave public service.

   "I'm young and there are lots of doors opening," she said.

Posted by David Klepper

Neufeld chosen speaker of Kansas House; Johnson Countian becomes majority leader

   Kansas Rep. Melvin Neufeld, a rural Republican lawmaker and farmer from Ingalls, was elected speaker of the Kansas House today by a vote of his party’s caucus.
   The GOP lawmakers cast 47 votes for Neufeld, who has been chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, and 31 votes for Rep. Kenny Wilk, a Lansing Republican and chairman of the House Taxation Committee.
    Neufeld, a conservative, has served 20 years in the House and was elected on the second ballot. He needed 40 votes to win out of the 78 Republican lawmakers who attended the caucus. Neufeld will serve as speaker for the next two years.
    UPDATE:  In the race for House majority leader, the caucus rejected the lawmaker who currently holds that job -- Rep. Clay Aurand of Courtland, and elected a Johnson County House member, Rep. Ray Merrick of Stilwell, who currently served as speaker pro-tem. The majority leader is the second most powerful position in the House. Merrick was elected by a 50-27 vote.

Posted by Jim Sullinger

Rally to try to snuff out coal plant in Kansas

  The opposition to the largest coal-burning power plant west of the Mississippi is moving from a 5 (fresh winds) to a 6 (strong winds) on the Beaufort Wind Scale. 

    A rally will be held Saturday on the steps of the Kansas state capitol to ask Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to place a moratorium on new coal-burning power plants in the state. Instead several grass roots organizations want the state to increase the use of wind energy and other renewables.

    The rally is being organized by True Blue Women of Johnson County, who have joined with groups such as the University of Kansas Environs, Concerned Citizens of Platte County, the Sierra Club of Kansas, and Sustainable Sanctuary Coalition of Greater Kansas City.

    Sunflower Electric Power Corp.has plans to build three 700-megawatt power generators in western Kansas.

    But only a very small amount of the electricity will be used in Kansas. The rest will be sent out-of-state, leaving Kansans to deal with the greenhouse gases and mercury, all damaging to the environment.

    Sunflower says, however, that they will use “the cleanest coal on earth.”

    Will the governor issue a moratorium on this political hot potato?

    Nicole Corcoran, spokeswoman for Gov. Sebelius, told The Star that the governor is eying the storm.  “Sebelius is considering all options to balance energy development and conservation in our state. At this point, we’re still gathering information but I can tell you Goveror Sebelius is looking at all possibilities closely.”   

    State regulators, who must permit the plant, got an inkling of the opposition on Nov. 16 when they held a public hearing and more than 300 people turned out.

    Saturday’s rally is at 11 a.m. on the south steps of the Kansas state capitol in Topeka.

Posted by Karen Dillon

Proposed Kansas sex offender law gets bad review

   Proposals for keeping sex offenders from living close to schools or day care centers may appear attractive politically, but they won't protect children, Kansas state Sen. John Vratil of Leawood said Thursday.

   The assessment from Vratil, the Judiciary Committee Chairman, came a day after Iowa officials warned Kansas legislators against passing such restrictions, saying they actually put communities at greater risk.

   Vratil, a Republican, and other members of a committee studying judiciary issues this summer and fall had a hearing Wednesday on whether the state should prevent sex offenders from living within a certain distance - such as 1,000 feet or 1,500 feet - of schools and day care centers. The study committee took no action.

Posted by Keith Chrostowski

Blue 2

   Jim Ryun's stunning stumble in Kansas' 2nd District raises the question: When state districts were remapped in 2002, did GOPs do themselves any favors by carving up Lawrence -- taking away potential supporters from Democratic Rep. Dennis Moore in the 3rd?

   By diluting the Dems of KU-ville into Ryun's giant slice of Kansas, we've now got two blue districts where we once had just one (i.e., Moore's). Check out the chat a few weeks back in the Daily Kos blog.

Posted by Rick Montgomery

Boyda up

   With 36 percent of the Kansas 2nd District precincts in, AP reports Dem Nancy Boyda leading GOP U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun 54 percent to 44 percent.

Posted by Rick Montgomery

In Kansas, it's Kathleen

   AP projects Gov. Kathleen Sebelius re-elected to a second term in Kansas.

   With 5 percent of the state's precincts reporting, Democrat Sebelius had 64 percent of the vote compared with 35 percent for GOP challenger Jim Barnett.

    The easy projected win allows Sebelius to do something her father, former Ohio Gov. John J. Gilligan, couldn't do: two terms.

Posted by Rick Montgomery

New poll: Sebelius, Morrison out front in Kansas

   A new poll by SurveyUSA for KCTV in Kansas City shows Democrats Kathleen Sebelius and Paul Morrison cruising in Kansas.

   Sebelius, seeking a second term as governor, is up by 13 over Republican Jim Barnett.

   Morrison leads incumbent Republican Attorney General Phill Kline 56-43 percent.

   Go here to see the poll.

Posted by Steve Kraske 

Ad buzz: Jim Barnett

     Jim Barnett is airing his first ad in the Kansas governor's race.

     Click here for an Ad Buzz analyzing the claims.  You can see the ad there, too.

     We're looking at it because it's the first negative ad in the race.  Sebelius spots will follow in the coming days.

     Comments?  Post 'em here.

Posted by Dave Helling

AFP: Kansas ranks 50th in private sector job growth

   The pro-small-government Americans for Prosperity released stats this week that show Kansas ranks dead last in private sector job growth.

   AFP said Kansas lost 3,800 jobs from January to August and is one of only three states to experience an actual loss of jobs.

   But, the group said, Kansas ranked first in government job growth, gaining nearly 16,000 jobs during the same period.

   "Hopefully this data makes it crystal clear that our economy is struggling," said the AFP's Alan Cobb.

Posted by Steve Kraske

McInerney says nope to prosecutor gig and other Torch tidbits

   Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Pat McInerney was the early front-runner to be the next Jackson County prosecutor to replace Mike Sanders, who is expected beat in November less-financed foes. McInerney had the backing of important folks on the courthouse's second floor and even had the endorsement of at least one district court judge. He had the necessary telegenic presence, the experience and the Democratic connections. The Buzz was that Chief Deputy Jim Kanatzar would get the consolation gig of county counselor, where he could ably continue keeping Sanders out of hot water. Now, Kanatzar is the No. 1 possibility with a bullet.

   Torch Dinner hostest-with-the-mostest Beth Gottstein saw fit to place KC Buzz Blog next to McInerney. And the obvious question had to be asked. And the Blackwell Sanders partner forthrightly admitted without any Hillary Clinton puss-footing around that he was content at his current gig (read: ka-ching!) and has no interesting in moving his shingle to the courthouse again. So McInerney is out as a prosecutor candidate, but like most everyone else he wonders who will wind up on the blue-ribbon selection committee.

  Buzz Blog even moseyed over to the Sanders table to try and get a scoop from Women's Caucus VP Georgia Sanders while her hubby was off kibitzing with KC Councilman Terry Riley and others. She swore no decision on the prosector has been made (Mike would die if he knew what she did confide!).

  But other decisions were made last night before, after and during the Westin gathering. Expect to see Congressman Emanuel Cleaver politicking on behalf of Missouri House candidate Chris Moreno in his race against Republican incumbent Will Kraus.

   Cleaver got stuck in DC but sent his ever gracious and lovely wife Dianne to speak in person on his behalf. (He also sent taped comments that talked about the influence in his life of strong women and a precocious granddaughter as well as funny comments about how mean his three sisters were to him as a child.)

   Missouri Auditor Claire McCaskill got the first standing ovation last night. A late-arriving from Wichita Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius also was well received, particularly when she offered up as an unexpected auction item dinner for six with her and the First Dude at the Governor's Mansion. Speaking of auction items, this is what happens when former Jackson County employee/former KC school board member Sandy Mayer allows hubby Bob to go to the Torch Dinner by himself. He successfully bid $1,000 for lunch with Her Honor, Mayor Kay Barnes.

   Barnes was wearing a lovely cream and apricot jacket (sans flower! and she wasn't one of the many people wearing stickers promoting the stem-cell initiative). The outgoing mayor (in perhaps her swan song?) spoke about past leaders, future leaders and being assured that the future is in good hands. Which all in all could have been the theme of a night where progressives partied like it was 1999 and certainly hope it will be again come the morning of Nov. 8.

Posted by DeAnn Smith   

Progressives belly up to Bar Natasha

   The cool after-party for the coolest Torch kids was at trendy downtown establishment Bar Natasha. Some progressives partied until after 1 a.m. today (yawn!).

   After working their skinny tushes off, 15th annual Torch Dinner of the Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus organizers Beth Gottstein, Tamara Morris and Jennifer Danemore had earned a relaxing drinkie (or two or....oh heck who was counting?!). Belting out songs and serving up drinks was Bar Natasha co-owner Missy Koonce (sporting her usual fabulous 'do thanks to Amber at the nearby IMIJ Salon).

    And this was a two-stater group. Among those gabbing were staffers for Congressman Emanuel Cleaver and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas state Rep. Paul Davis, Missouri state rep-elect Mike Talboy, Jackson County Legislator-elect Theresa Garza and newly named Jackson County Drug Court Administrator Lisa Honn. Vying for the power couple at the soiree was Missouri state Rep. Beth Low and fiance, Brett Shirk, executive director of the area ACLU. Low was sporting an exquisite sapphire engagement ring and said the wedding date is set for October 2007 in Jeff City.

   But Gottstein, who manages to pull together the strangest of Democratic bedfellows, outdid herself when she got Missouri state Sen. Victor Callahan to head over afterward for a Diet Coke. And never short of a quip, Callahan regaled the group with his viewing this week of the second-floor mural at the Jackson County Courthouse. He had everyone in stitches while describing the pictures of Presiding Judge J.D. Williamson and, of course, his BFF county official, Executive Katheryn Shields. (There was muttering from others about the hiring of a NEW YORK CITY artist instead of a local one.)

   But Callahan saved the punch line for last. A common joke at the courthouse of late has been whether likely successor Mike Sanders seek donations to paint over Shields' picture come Jan. 2, and who will contribute.

  Callahan says wonder no more. He'll contribute all the money needed to buy the gallons of white paint to do the deed so that Sanders doesn't have to walk underneath Shields every day he shows up for work. He says he doesn't want the second floor scarred for perpetuity once Shields leaves. And, on a more serious note, he says the modern-looking mural doesn't fit in with the decor of the 1930s Art Deco building.

Posted by DeAnn Smith

Judge disciplined in "Nuss Fuss" case

   Lawton R. Nuss, a judge on the Kansas Supreme Court, was admonished today for discussing a school-finance bill with two state senators over lunch.

   The Commission on Judicial Qualifications did the admonishing. No further punishment was recommended.

   More in tomorrow's Star.

Posted by Steve Kraske

Haley wins close race for secretary of state

    With all the votes tallied this afternoon, Sen. David Haley of Kansas City, Kan., has won a nail-biter.

   With more than 70,000 votes cast, including provisional ballots, Haley won the Democratic nomination for secretary of state by 226 votes over Wichita's Robert Beattie.

    As a percentage, Haley's margin of victory measures .003 percent. Beattie said he has not decided whether to ask for a recount. He doesn't have much time to consider it, however.

   State law requires any request for a recount to be made no later than 5 p.m. today.

   If the results are not overturned by a possible recount, Haley will face Republican incumbent Ron Thornburgh in the fall election.

Posted by Jim Sullinger