Daily Archives: April 26, 2009

Would Secretary Sebelius have a conflict of interest?

April 26, 20096:05 a.m.

sebeliusqa2A Washington Times editorial took a different tack in opposing Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ nomination to be secretary of Health and Human Services, painting her as a friend of an industry (abortion) who therefore is unfit to run the department that oversees that industry. “If she were the cat’s-paw of any other industry, Mrs. Sebelius would be in trouble. Yet she appears to be sailing toward a sure confirmation, thanks in part to the support of Republican Sen. Sam Brownback, a fellow Kansan and one-time pro-life leader. The industry is good to its friends, the way Standard Oil and Big Sugar once were. And it intimidates those it doesn’t buy.”

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Abortion, Kansas delegation, Kansas government | Comments (166)

Open thread 4/26

April 26, 20096:04 a.m.

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By The Editors | Filed under Open thread | Comments (106)

GOP has no worries about Kansas Senate seat

April 26, 20096:03 a.m.

elephant4As part of a grim assessment of the GOP’s prospects in the 36 Senate races in 2010, CQ Politics described the spot being vacated by Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., as “the only open-seat race in which the Republicans have a clear early advantage.” That’s because two GOP powerhouses, Reps. Todd Tiahrt of Goddard and Jerry Moran of Hays, are competing for it, and no Democrat has expressed interest. CQ Politics went on: “Kansas maintains its traditional status as a Republican stronghold where McCain easily outran Obama and where no Democrat has won a U.S. Senate race since 1932.”

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Kansas delegation | Comments (15)

States’ budget woes like a bad horror movie

April 26, 20096:02 a.m.

scaredKansas budget problems don’t look quite as scary when compared with those of many other states. Cumulatively, states are having to resolve a multiyear budget gap exceeding $281 billion, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures’ new report on state budgets. “The fiscal situation facing states is like a bad horror movie,” said Corina Eckl, director of NCSL’s fiscal program and author of the report. “The details get more gruesome, and the story never seems to end.”

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Economy, Kansas government | Comments (19)

So they said

April 26, 20096:01 a.m.

jenkinslynn7“Boeing got its start in a barn; Chrysler in a garage. If we create opportunities, the economy will grow. If we built (the economy) from the top down, we would be dealing in rubles.” — Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard, talking at Kansas City Kansas Community College

“If Nancy Pelosi had her way, she’d confiscate your guns.” — Rep. Lynn Jenkins (in photo), R-Topeka, speaking in Iola

“We are continuing to pour money into a leaky ship, and it’s still listing,” — Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., on the bank bailouts

“Inside work, no heavy lifting.” — Then-Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., on why he agreed to run for vice president in 1976 (as recalled in a recent New York Times piece on Washington wit)

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Kansas delegation | Comments Off

Late-night laughs

April 26, 20096:00 a.m.

“President Obama’s been reaching out to Iran, reaching out to Cuba, reaching out to Latin America. The only place he can’t seem to be able to reach out to? Texas.” — Jay Leno

“Barack Obama will appear shirtless in a magazine this month. I think many Americans will identify with him — most have lost their shirts.” — Craig Ferguson

“Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will appear together on stage in Toronto for a two-hour friendly debate. Each side gets to pick a topic, so the first hour will be centered on the international banking crisis. The second hour will be dedicated to NASCAR trivia.” — Jimmy Fallon

“The Justice Department says they want to make an example of this Somali pirate guy. And I thought, really? In terms of making an example, I don’t think you can do much better than shooting the other three guys in the head.” — David Letterman

“Even Dick Cheney was into Earth Day. Did you see what he said today? He called for the use of only recycled water when waterboarding prisoners.” — Leno

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (7)