The following article is a report from the Democratic Governors Association, chaired by Governor Kathleen Sebelius. This article was written as a response to the President,s budget proposal.

Senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts joined Senate Republicans in blocking an up-or-down vote on a resolution condemning the President,s escalation of the war in Iraq. By blocking debate, Senate Republicans are running from the most important policy discussion facing America. By excluding debate, it is just another rubber stamp from the Republican Party for the Presidents failing policies. Representatives in Washington have a responsibility to uphold an open, fair and democratic process - not hide behind failed policies and closed debate.

In a major victory for Congresswoman Nancy Boyda, the House has unanimously passed the Pension Forfeiture Act with a vote of 431-0.

"I am grateful that Republicans and Democrats came together to pass the Pension Forfeiture Act, and I especially appreciate the support of my fellow representatives from Kansas, Congressmen Dennis Moore, Jerry Moran, and Todd Tiahrt," said Boyda.

Through the support of Democrats across the state, the Kansas Democratic Party is stronger then ever. The election of Nancy Boyda to the second district and the overwhelming victory of Governor Kathleen Sebelius are only two of the many successes to come out of the midterm elections. After taking down the yard signs and victory banners, there is still work to be done to ensure Democratic success in the upcoming legislative session. There are many things individuals can do to support the continued success of the Kansas Democrats.

What is a Republican incumbent to do when they sense trouble? As Nancy Boyda gains ground in the second district, Jim Ryun turned to Washington for assistance with a fundraiser attended by none other then the Vice President Dick Cheney.

In a bout of desperation yesterday, Phill Kline held a press conference to personally attack Democratic Candidate Paul Morrison and his family. The press conference was held ahead of the release of a new poll showing wide gains for the Democratic challenger.

The recent news about Representative Mark Foley has caused people around the country to ask whether or not this inappropriate and dangerous behavior could have been avoided. As the emails and instant message conversations with a young congressional page come to light, it is frightening to see how easily the Republican Party could have stopped the harassment of the young boy.

The current Republican Insurance Commissioner is seeking a second term. For those who are not familiar with the job, it is an office that heads the Kansas Insurance Department, and helps file complaints against insurance agencies and assist Kansans with their claims and insurance buying.

Last Friday Republican Congressman from Ohio, Bob Ney, agreed to plead guilty to two criminal charges tied to the congressional corruption scandal involving lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The national attention on the ongoing corruption investigations has not forgotten about Kansas.

Here in Kansas, Democrats have begun a to hold our own Abramoff-linked Congressman Jim Ryun accountable: www.ksdp.org/runawayryun.

With an election come certain expectations. Promises will be made, flyers will be handed out, and get out the vote drives will swing into gear. In the interest to bring in youth voters, the Republicans have shown that there can be a darker side to voter outreach and campaigning.