Daily Archives: April 5, 2009

No surprise about more casino proposals

April 5, 20096:04 a.m.

gambling3Gambling opponents may have cheered last year when Harrah’s Entertainment dropped its plan build a casino at the Mulvane exit of the Kansas Turnpike. But even with the poor economy, it seemed inevitable that a casino would be built in Sumner County, because the Wichita area offers a large market for expanded gambling. So it wasn’t surprising that three groups submitted casino proposals to the state last week. Nor was it surprising that the Mulvane location, and not Wellington, received the most focus, given its proximity to Wichita.

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Kansas government, gambling | Comments (16)

Open thread 4/5

April 5, 20096:03 a.m.

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By The Editors | Filed under Open thread | Comments (277)

Sebelius served by good timing

April 5, 20096:02 a.m.

sebeliusdole1Kathleen Sebelius has never lost an election, and the governor’s comparatively easy treatment during her Senate hearings last week — no questions about tax errors or abortion! — suggested she also may survive the confirmation vote to become President Obama’s secretary of Health and Human Services. Her bid was served by good timing, with much of the media focused on Obama’s European debut as president and many senators preoccupied with pre-spring-break floor votes. As Politico put it Friday: “Here’s one way to breeze through a confirmation hearing: Get it scheduled for the same day that the Senate votes in a marathon session on the budget resolution.” The GOP-triggered delay of a confirmation vote until after Easter still could spell trouble, of course. “There are some on our side who have concerns over the tax issues and the very strong pro-choice record,” Sebelius supporter Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., told the Hill newspaper.

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under President Obama | Comments (8)

So they said

April 5, 20096:01 a.m.

layton4“I think when we get Michelle’s Boathouse. . . . That was a joke.” — Wichita City Manager Robert Layton (in photo), when asked by The Eagle editorial board about WaterWalk’s pace

“If their attitude is all or nothing, they may end up with nothing.” — Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, on the state senators negotiating with the House toward a statewide smoking ban (which she opposes)

“It’s kind of embarrassing.” — State Treasurer Dennis McKinney, acknowledging that the state of Kansas is listed in his office as having more than $200 million in unclaimed property

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (3)

Why doesn’t Wichita try ‘candi-dating’?

April 5, 20096:00 a.m.

It’s hard to remember a spring campaign season in Wichita more sleepy than the one that ends Tuesday. The comparatively few candidate forums and yard signs don’t bode well for turnout. Maybe next time Wichita should jump on a new trend in campaigning: events inspired by “speed dating,” during which voters can spend a few minutes talking to a candidate before moving to the next one’s table. A duck call ended each 10-minute session at a recent Topeka municipal campaign “speed chat.” Lawrence held one a few weeks ago in which the question sessions lasted for five minutes. The system has its problems, though. “If this is like speed dating, I’ve seen some people who have hung around for a second date,” observed former Topeka Mayor Duane Pomeroy.

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Wichita elections | Comments (5)