KS-Gov: Okay, Who Can We Get Who Might Beat Brownback?

With the withdrawal of barely-candidate pharmabiz guy, Kansas Democrats are in need of a gubernatorial candidate.

At this point, Some Dude would be a step up. But I think Kansas Democrats can do better.

We can get someone credible. Yes we can.

Gov. Mark Parkinson– Why won’t he run and save us from Brownback? He is the A List. He just issued this statement, which is actually his softest yet on the re-election question, which he’d heretofore always strenuously denied:

Asked whether he would reconsider running for the office, Parkinson said in a statement: “The 2010 elections are still very far away. In the meantime, I am focused on responsibly balancing the budget and getting Kansans back to work.”

So who knows?

State Sen. Anthony Hensley– Competent state senator, senate minority leader, definitely has solid enough experience and likely the best of the rest on paper, at least. He already acts as a strong opposition leader, putting out a statement against Brownback’s preemptive attacks on Wiggans, so he won’t roll over. Could raise decent money. From Topeka, which is among the swingiest and better-populated places in Kansas.

Con: Might be better in the State Senate? Or prefer it? Has lots of votes Brownback can attack.

Joshua Svaty – State Agriculture Secretary – Pro:experienced former State Representative from red Ellsworth recently appointed to his current position. Young, attractive fifth-generation farmer with solid NRA ratings. And his Dad got his seat when he left it and now his Dad is all into it! How cute is that! NRA-approved, rural-friendly moderate male will also have big potential crossover appeal.

Con: Just got appointed, might be prohibited from campaigning in office. Might be better to let him gain experience and not encourage him to sacrifice his career on in a race where he’d be the David to Goliath.

Good bio: http://www.kansasfreepress.com…

Alan Jilka – former Salina Mayor– Pro: Former Salina Mayor, was going to be the “sacrificial lamb candidate/maybe they’ll nominate an actual Nazi and I can win candidate” for the open seat in KS-01. He could switch over without any great loss.

Con: No one knows who he is, if he can run the state, or if he can raise money to match Brownback’s millions. Salina only has 42,000-ish people.

Dan Hesse – CEO of Sprint – Pro: Wealthy businessman, but not a total a-hole by most accounts. According to a survey by Glassdoor, he’s by far the most popular telecom CEO according to his employees, which helps since there are literally thousands in this district. l don’t know if he’s even a Democrat…but if he’s unaffiliated, and switched to the Democrats to run for Governor, I totally think he could win a primary. KS Dems are a pretty pragmatic bunch.

Con: I don’t know if he lives in KS, but Sprint’s headquartered there. Don’t know if he’s a Democrat or would even consider running.

Official Sprint bio: http://www2.sprint.com/mr/ex_d…

Rolf Potts – Travel Writer – I told ya, crazy. Pro: From Salina, lots of family there, maintains family farm there. Founded Vagablogging and is a successful small businessman. Kinda almost famous.

Con: Probably would rather be a travel writer and too footloose and worldly. Never held office.

Bio: http://www.rolfpotts.com/bio

Burdett Loomis – Univ. of KS Professor of Political Science – Pro: Would be seen as knowledgeable about politics while also being very non-partisan. Has some experience as “Director of Administrative Communications, Governor Kathleen Sebelius, 2005.” The KU connection would drive up his vote share in Douglas & Johnson Counties.

Con: An academic, no business experience, no elected experience. Kansas State connection would drive down his numbers in Manhattan.

KU Bio: http://www2.ku.edu/~kups/peopl…

Chris Steineger – State Senator – Okay, yes, he’s an elected official and not supposed to go in this section. But what’s his deal? He seemed to look at a run then decide against it. Nice website but hasn’t been updated recently.

Pro: Experienced elected official and would not have to give up his seat to run. Wonky. Seems fairly competent.

Con: Would be seen a liberal. And urban. All that and his reduce-the-state-to-13-counties plan would be stir up rural fear. Also majorly on the outs with the state party and recently told KC Star: “The party insiders just can’t get their stuff together,” Steineger said. “I lay it on them. They’re dysfunctional. I think it’s directly their fault that we’re in this situation.” Not helpful.

Interesting profile: http://cjonline.com/opinion/20…

I’m sure we can throw out some more names, no? There’s 50-ish Democrats who are State Reps, what about any of them?  

What about Jill Docking? Rematches are always fun, right? I probably forgot someone obvious, too so help me out….  

And now it’s time to throw out some unexpected names. Kansas SSPers, please brainstorm with me. Let’s get crazy.

 Loading ...