Politicker.com -- Kansas News

[Prime Buzz] Crossing over

Dave Helling — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:36:00 -0400

Sen. Kit Bond's decision to cross party lines and support a Democrat's Supreme Court nomination is unusual but not unprecedented.

In 2005, 22 Democrats crossed party lines and voted for GOP Chief Justice nominee John Roberts, who won confirmation 78-22.

A year later, only four Democrats supported Samuel Alito for a seat on the bench. (Then-Sen. Barack Obama, by the way, was a no vote.)

The difference?

Roberts replaced William Rehnquist, generally considered a strong conservative, like Roberts. Replacing a conservative with a conservative would not fundamentally change the court's ideological makeup.

Alito, though, replaced Sandra O'Connor, who was considered much more moderate than Alito. The confirmation vote was closer because Alito was more likely to alter the court's balance of power.

[Voice for Liberty in Wichita] Tea party event planned in Wichita

Bob Weeks — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:23:00 -0400

Kansans for Liberty presents

An American Tea Party

September 11, 2009, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Sedgwick County Park, Wichita, Kansas

[Prime Buzz] Moore joins Kansas Republicans in pitch for Obama visit to Leavenworth

Dave Helling — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:35:00 -0400

Rep. Dennis Moore has joined in a letter to the White House asking for a presidential visit to Leavenworth.

The letter -- co-authored by the state's two senators and three other congresspersons, all Republicans -- suggests a presidential visit will change Obama's mind about potentially moving Guantanmo detainees to the area.

"As elected representatives, it is our duty to convey the concern, anger and dismay of Leavenworth’s citizens," the six write. "They worry deeply that while the Military Police at Fort Leavenworth can without a doubt secure a facility from the inside out, they cannot ensure safety from the outside in. Simply put, they worry their schools, hospitals and shopping centers will become symbolic, easy targets for terrorists and terrorist sympathizers."

[Prime Buzz] Big GOP names turning out for Tiahrt, Schweich

Steve Kraske — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:16:00 -0400

In Kansas Congressman Todd Tiahrt's corner, Bill Bennett and Dennis Hastert.

In Missouri, standing with state auditor contender Tom Schweich is John Bolton.

As the 2010 campaigns begin to rumble and roll, candidates are bringing in recognizable party stars to attract attention -- and dollars.

Bolton, the former U.N. ambassador, will be speaking at a pair of events in Springfield on Sept. 8.

Bennett, who served as President Reagan's Secretary of Education and in President George H. W. Bush's administration as "Drug Czar," will be joined by his wife Elayne for multiple events on Aug. 27.

[Prime Buzz] Leadership Change at Power & Light District

Lynn Horsley — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:06:00 -0400

Word comes to Prime Buzz that Jon Stephens is stepping down as president of the downtown Power & Light District.

Stephens is forming his own company, Rockhill Strategic LLC, and will still provide consulting services to the Cordish Company.

Stephens navigated many challenges to get the new downtown entertainment district up and running, and dealt with public and council concerns, especially over alleged discrimination in the enforcement of the district's dress code.

He will be replaced by Executive Director Nick Benjamin, who served as the district's leasing director, and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Battle, who was promoted from general manager.

[Prime Buzz] Moore, Skelton on GOP target list

Dave Helling — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:45:00 -0400

The National Republican Congressional Committee -- NRCC -- has put Reps. Dennis Moore and Ike Skelton on a "target list" of 70 House members they're trying to beat in 2010.

Moore from Kansas and Skelton from Missouri are the only locals on the list.

Moore's name is expected. Skelton's is a bit more unusual.

Not only has he served in Congress for more than 30 years, he hasn't drawn a serious challenge in some time.

His largely rural district, though, voted overwhelmingly for John McCain and George Bush, so the GOP may think it has a chance against the head of the Armed Services committee.

[Prime Buzz] BREAKING: Bond will vote for Sotomayor

David Goldstein — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:40:00 -0400

Sen. Kit Bond joined a small list of Republicans who intend to vote to confirm Sonia Sotomayor as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Elections do have consequences," he said.

The four-term lawmaker is usually a predictable conservative vote on most issues. But he is retiring next year and used his speech to deliver a lecture on statemanship to both sides of aisle.

Bond said he was "tired of partisanship infecting every debate."

"I've supported justices with whom I disagree," Bond said, adding that hoped "partisanship" would not affect the selection of justices.

[Voice for Liberty in Wichita] Wichita budget hearing reveals fundamental problem with government

Bob Weeks — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:30:00 -0400

At yesterday's public hearing regarding the City of Wichita budget, the attitude of Wichita's public employee union became clear: more tax revenue is needed.

[Prime Buzz] Wednesday: Around the political blogosphere

Jonathan Bender — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:53:00 -0400

Money slow in coming for Tour of Missouri

Time to shed light on anonymity in blogging

Blunt off base on Obama's birth certificate

A look at both sides of the debate over the "Cash for Clunkers" program, the federal health care bill would raise Medicaid eligibility rates in Missouri, and a ballot initiative to challenge the Missouri Court Plan is refiled.

Federal government taking small, but right steps towards cutting costs

[Voice for Liberty in Wichita] Kansas open records examined

Bob Weeks — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 06:06:00 -0400

Government transparency in Kansas is determined largely by open records and open meetings laws which state lofty goals but offer many loopholes and exemptions and few penalties for violations of the laws.

The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) starts off well. "It is declared to be the public policy of the state that public records shall be open for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by this act, and this act shall be liberally construed and applied to promote such policy."