Waiting for next lieutenant governor

parkinsonmark9Now that Gov. Mark Parkinson has helped put the 2009 legislative session out of its misery, he plans to name a new lieutenant governor soon. Names put forward by Topeka Capital-Journal columnist Ric Anderson are former Gov. John Carlin, Transportation Secretary Deb Miller, state Sens. Laura Kelly of Topeka and Chris Steineger of Kansas City, and Reps. Raj Goyle of Wichita and Josh Svaty of Ellsworth. Then again, as Anderson noted, “lieutenant governor isn’t much of a springboard to bigger and better political things” — except in the case of Parkinson. On the Capital-Journal’s Web site, one reader nominated George Tiller.

9 Comments

  1. JWink
    Posted May 13, 2009 at 7:59 am | Permalink

    Another suggestion would be State Representative Michael “Tom” Sawyer from Wichita. Lots of experience in our Kansas state government, well liked on both sides of aisle. He’s knowledgable in school and other important issues.

    And a baseball fan.

  2. DFB
    Posted May 13, 2009 at 9:03 am | Permalink

    With the budget crisis looming next year, and schools being 65% or so of the budget, would be smart to have someone with school background, whoever that may be, to focus on nothing but the education portion of the budget. What else does a Lt Gov have to do?

  3. preordained1
    Posted May 13, 2009 at 9:45 am | Permalink

    Sawyer would be a good pick, but he lacks the polish and glamour or Parkinson. I suggest Goyle. He is running for Congress and this would give him some exposure and get him out of the House.

    I thought it was telling that he had to expressly confirm that he would pick a Democrat. You would think that would be a given. But, considering who we are talking about nothing is a given.

  4. Daniel
    Posted May 13, 2009 at 1:33 pm | Permalink

    I nominate Herbert West III.

  5. HerbertWestIII
    Posted May 13, 2009 at 4:58 pm | Permalink

    Thanks Daniel. I did not fax my concerns or resignation to the Ethic’s Cimmission. I am still an Exploratory Campaign Candidate. Thanks again, Herbert West 3rd, {D}, Exploratory Campaign Candidate for a 2010 Bid for Kansas Governor. HerbertIII at http://www.twitter.com west.herb@yahoo.com

  6. HerbertWestIII
    Posted May 13, 2009 at 7:28 pm | Permalink

    Commission instead of cimmission. I am bad, I fixed my typo.

  7. Political_mama
    Posted May 13, 2009 at 7:57 pm | Permalink

    Herb, I think Daniel was joking.

  8. Daniel
    Posted May 13, 2009 at 8:13 pm | Permalink

    #
    Political_mama
    Posted May 13, 2009 at 7:57 pm | Permalink

    Herb, I think Daniel was joking.
    ===============================================

    No, it’s time for new blood at all levels of the political hierarchy.

    Herb seems to be sincere in his desire for public service which is better than most who seem to enter politics for personal gain.

    Why shouldn’t Herb be Lt. Governor?

  9. preordained1
    Posted May 14, 2009 at 2:38 pm | Permalink

    From the looks of Parkinson’s pick for Lt Gov Herb may have a chance at the nomination.