Some of the GOP legislators who were outmaneuvered on the gambling bill have their former leaders to blame. Tim Shallenburger, Robin Jennison and Doug Mays (in photo) all opposed a gambling expansion during their terms as speaker of the Kansas House but worked for the bill in recent days — Mays and Jennison as registered lobbyists for gambling interests and Shallenburger on behalf of southeast Kansas’ bid to get a casino. Jennison told Harris News Service that the proliferation of border casinos "changed my mind, Tim’s mind and Doug’s mind." Shallenburger pointed to the limits in the bill: "I think those who fear Kansas has taken a giant step toward evil are totally off-base."
But gambling opponent Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, said: "There’s a lot of legislators that will not be giving lobbyist Doug Mays the time of day."
Posted by Rhonda Holman
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23 Comments
Let’s all sing the Lobbyist song now, “Money, money, money…”
Rep. Landwehr is the most dangerous kind of politician imaginable because she’s convinced she has never ever been, nor can possibly be wrong. Brenda is strong of will if a bit weak in intelllect. She jumps to conclusions and steadfastly sinks her jaws into whatever concept her gut latches onto.
If there ever was a lesson to be learned about the founding of this nation, the writing of the Constitution, and the survival of representative democracy, it’s that ours is a system of compromise. No one has a corner on “the Truth.”
Don’t get me wrong. I’m pretty sure Doug Mays followed the money on the casino issue. But the reality of Oklahoma casinos presents a slam-dunk case that Kansans are spending money for entertainment where it’s offered and even if gambling isn’t the most honorable of enterprises, there’s a pie out there and a share somebody else is getting unless one grasps reality.
Landwehr rose to prominance in Republican circles as a process of Catholic redemption for what she considered were past sins. Her success in politics has convinced her that she’s somehow a vessel of God’s will. If you’re convinced you speak for God, you’re not likely to meet any opposing opinion half-way.
I know Brenda. I like Brenda. She’s fun to talk to and debate with and explore issues and beliefs. But she’s incapable of admitting she could possibly be mistaken.
The way wingnut Republicans operate these days, Brenda is likely to run for Governor someday. But her pride will precede her fall.
Rep. Landwehr is the most dangerous kind of politician imaginable because she’s convinced she has never ever been, nor can possibly be wrong. Brenda is strong of will if a bit weak in intelllect. She jumps to conclusions and steadfastly sinks her jaws into whatever concept her gut latches onto.
If there ever was a lesson to be learned about the founding of this nation, the writing of the Constitution, and the survival of representative democracy, it’s that ours is a system of compromise. No one has a corner on “the Truth.”
Don’t get me wrong. I’m pretty sure Doug Mays followed the money on the casino issue. But the reality of Oklahoma casinos presents a slam-dunk case that Kansans are spending money for entertainment where it’s offered and even if gambling isn’t the most honorable of enterprises, there’s a pie out there and a share somebody else is getting unless one grasps reality.
Landwehr rose to prominance in Republican circles as a process of Catholic redemption for what she considered were past sins. Her success in politics has convinced her that she’s somehow a vessel of God’s will. If you’re convinced you speak for God, you’re not likely to meet any opposing opinion half-way.
I know Brenda. I like Brenda. She’s fun to talk to and debate with and explore issues and beliefs. But she’s incapable of admitting she could possibly be mistaken.
The way wingnut Republicans operate these days, Brenda is likely to run for Governor someday. But her pride will precede her fall.
The best part of the casino debate is the number of legislators who take casino lobbyist money to vote no on casinos. Potawatamie Nation, the owners of a Topeka casino, spread lots of campaign cash in their brazen purchase of legislators, all to keep competing casinos from being built.
Oh so ethical. Oh so moral. Of course, it’s the far-right, “we know what’s best for you” Republicans who take that money. It cost a couple of them their seats last year.
It’s just like former Wichita mayor Bob Knight: against casino gambling while Wichita’s mayor; casino pimp now.
..and does anyone else see the irony of brenda owning bingo halls and then voting AGAINST gambling?
Only in Kansas. Now THAT kind of hypocrisy is indeed a wonder.
Tom, and if there is a goddess, it will cost them a few more seats in 08. Yes indeedy. The thousand year reich is nothing more than a fond memory for some cons.
And while brenda may be interesting, so is a car wreck at the races. Did I mention she seems a little thin skinned and brittle for a big girl.
NO CRYING IN POLITICS!!!!
Farmgrrl,
It’s Wagle that owns the bingo parlor, not Landwehr. Wagle votes against every casino bill that comes through the Senate. I bet she takes Potawatamie money, too. I think I’ll pull a couple finance reports. Be back in a bit…
Wagle’s last two reports each have donations from Harrah’s.
Landwehr regularly takes money from Harrah’s and Potawatomi.
Susan and Brenda, repeat after me: “I’m a self-righteous troll whose vote is for sale”
heheheh Sorry Tom. I shoulda known that but all those kansas koulter girls just start to sound the same after a while.
They are missing one voice in the choir though this legislative session.
hehehehe. ’cause bonbon is GONE GONE!
NEXT!
Oh, and Tom, did I mention it is good to see you posting here?
For those of you who dont know, Tom is a celebrated and much respected Kansas political figure.
I’m very proud to call him friend.
Just like I am proud to call Clark my friend. But they are NOT the same person.
(Pssst! I think the wingnuts got a little paranoid while the boycott was on.)
Willa is gone, too, and pretty much over the same issue.
I’m crying a big ‘ole tear. Someone get me a tissue.
Brenda is next. We just to find a credible candidate to run against her. I’m thinking a rock or a piece of lint is credible enough.
Farmgrrl, thanks for the compliments, but don’t get carried away :)
Gay Mafia, I’m sure there is someone to run against the Giant Amazon Freak. I have a friend or two that live in the 91st; I wonder if they can be persuaded to run?
… or a yellow dog :)
“I’m thinking a rock or a piece of lint is credible enough.”
If I knew Walt Chappell, I’d be offended at that!
:-X
Oh and Tom, will you please tell Farm that I am a real person…the same person I’ve been saying I am all along?
P-mom and I have met in person. I vouch for the reality of her existential being.
lol
Thanks.
Bribing or lobbying? The only difference is who is handing out and taking the cash.
Money Talks!
Doug Mays and Tim Shallenberger could have worked for any number of firms looking for experienced lobbyists. It’s not as though they were suddenly out of work and desperate for cash, and the gambling interests were the only ones who would have them.
No, these are choices that they went out and made on their own – for whatever reasons they made those decisions.
Those weren’t the choices they had to make. They could have chosen to work for firms where they could have represented what they truly believed in. They could have been working to advance causes they are passionate about.
Not all lobbyists are scum sucking, hypocritical cynics just looking for a fast buck. The organization I’m involved in hired a former Republican legislator who believes in our cause so strongly that he’s willing to work as our lobbyist for far less money than he could have made working for, say, a casino company.
Sometimes you work for what you believe in. Sometimes you just go for the fast buck, principles be damned.
Or maybe these celebrated right wingers weren’t all that right-wing all along, and were just pandering. Given the heinously bad public policy issues they worked to enact, that would be the saddest scenario of all.