In state races, Wichita often the bridesmaid, rarely the bride

As we considered how Wichita’s priorities are faring these days in Topeka for our editorial last Sunday, we noticed that the Wichita area has supplied the state with five lieutenant governors just since 1975, including the current Lt. Gov. John Moore. State Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, would be the sixth should GOP nominee Jim Barnett, an Emporia state senator, unseat Gov. Kathleen Sebelius next month. Sebelius has noted that her new running mate, Mark Parkinson, grew up in Wichita. Seeing so many Wichitans in that secondary role is great as far as it goes, but it’s hard to quantify the influence and effectiveness of Kansas’ lieutenant governors — which probably means they don’t have much of either.
And don’t forget: Wichita hasn’t seen one of its own elected Kansas governor since 1955, Kansas House speaker since 1950 or Senate president since — well — ever. If Wichita wants to see itself favored in Topeka, it could use higher-quality area candidates in all kinds of races — people who can grow into Statehouse stars.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

9 Comments

  1. J M Walker
    Posted October 15, 2006 at 12:46 am | Permalink

    And seeing Susan Wiggle in as Lt Gov. is going to help Wichita how?

  2. JWink
    Posted October 15, 2006 at 8:28 am | Permalink

    In the coming November general elections, I believe the best rule is: VOTE FOR NO INCUMBENTS!

    Lets get some new people in these political offices. I used to think all things equal it was better to retain experience. However, it now appears most elected officials are holding office for the pay.

    It is popular to say political office holders are employees of the voters, not vice versa. Even politicians like to say this. BUT DOES ANYONE BELIEVE THIS?

    The best way is — VOTE OUT THE OLD AND VOTE IN THE NEW. If politicians haven’t achieved their goals in their first term … they probably won’t.

    Case in point, the Kansas Attorney General’s race. I have met both candidates, incumbent, Phill Kline, and challenger, long time successful county prosecutor, Paul Morrison. Each are excellent candidates in their own way. Both can do a good job. So, in my opinion, its time to cut Mr. Kline loose and give Mr. Morrison a new challenge in Kansas.

    Don’t feel sorry for Kline … he can move on to preach in a large church, or to a federal appointment, or to actually practice law.

    In the case of the Kansas Governor’s race — same general scenerio. Sebelius has been here and done that. Jim Barnett offers virtually the same background as Sebelius … both present/former state legislators plus some on the job experience, she as insurance commissioner, he as a doctor. Frankly, the Kansas Governor’s job doesn’t amount too much, its hard to screw up and has some nice perks and snacks. Sebelius can probably get a job somewhere as an insurance sales person.

    In the case of the Sedgwick County Commissioners, three of the five commissioner positions are up for election in November. ITS TIME TO CAST OFF INCUMBENTS BEN SHORTINO, DAVID UNRUH AND LUCY BIRTNET.

    Then get some new blood in these county commissioner positions who will actually talk with the public rather than live like kings in the county courthouse with high salaries plus perks for essentially part-time jobs.

    SO LETS VOTE OUT INCUMBENTS AND SELECT SOME NEW ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES IN THE NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.

  3. CapnAmerica
    Posted October 15, 2006 at 10:28 am | Permalink

    If Wichita quit electing radical extremists to office, they would have more clout in Topeka.

    Elect leaders instead of ideologues.

    Long story short, problem solved.

  4. Tony
    Posted October 15, 2006 at 12:06 pm | Permalink

    Hell Capn,

    Ill agree with you on this one…

    Wackos like Troy WhatsHisFace (Operation Rescues leader) give Wichita politics a bad name. Unfortunately moderates such as myself and Ben get blasted about things like Abortion when it doesn’t even matter.

    If its one issue that I can point at as causing the polarity in politics we see today, it is the Abortion issue. Until people can separate the two (politics and abortion) this country is on a crash course with extremists conservatives.

  5. CapnAmerica
    Posted October 15, 2006 at 6:12 pm | Permalink

    Yup. Anti-abortionists claim to be all about “protecting the unborn.”

    As if no abortions happened before Roe v Wade . . .

  6. Ben Huie
    Posted October 16, 2006 at 8:05 am | Permalink

    Districting on Sedg County leads to far too many “safe” districts – i.e. one-party. This leads to a situation in which “true believers” get elected and entrenched in these districts. Umfortunately, these people are generally unable to rise above their parochialism and put together a state-wide base. Thus they do not move up to state-wide office.

  7. lucee
    Posted October 16, 2006 at 12:55 pm | Permalink

    Wichita is known to be the place for anti-abortion protests (not just in Kansas but around the country). The politicians from Wichita are known to be the Religious Right candidates so is it any wonder the Republican party uses their attack dog for the Lt Gov spot?

  8. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted October 17, 2006 at 8:27 pm | Permalink

    So… how is that second fiddle thing working out for susie q?

    Usually someone from Wichita is put on the ticket to help WIN.

    Not to drag it down to certain defeat. She is certainly doing her part on that task.

    Could it be the hypocrisy? The wingnuttia flavor of her positions?

    The thought that she is so two faced she owns bingo parlours yet refuses Wichitans the right to vote on casino?

    heheheheh. The negatives are adding up.

    NO WINGNUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  9. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted October 17, 2006 at 8:29 pm | Permalink

    Geez, there really is only one word to describe this woman.

    But in deference to RD, I wont use it.

    But CF, you KNOW WHAT I’M THINKING!

    And I rarely use that word.

    But somehow, in wiggle waggle’s case, is seems, well, appropriate if not descriptive.