Dr. Lisa Johnston, 2010 Democratic Nominee for United States Senate in Kansas, officially launched SapphireWire.com

SapphireWire.com will be a resource for citizens to get facts and perspectives that pull back the curtain on political talking points. “I want to debunk the myths and half-truths that we hear repeated on a daily basis. Citizens need to know if our elected leaders are making factual statements or distorted statements intended to produce emotional reactions. I am also hopeful that citizens of all political stripes will visit the site and get involved in the discourse. If we are going to move our country forward, we must get beyond crippling partisan battles and find effective solutions.”

The first article and accompanying video can be viewed at: www.SapphireWire.com

Early in the article Lisa notes, “One talking point that arose repeatedly was the need to avoid raising taxes on the wealthy to protect the “job creators”. It is a powerful talking point. However, when you look beyond the surface it is easy to see that this premise is complete propaganda. Those using it want working and middle class Americans to be scared. The unspoken, underlying message is that we better keep our mouths shut about raising taxes on the wealthy or we might be out of a job.”

 Yesterday at rallies across the country, working men and women stood to honor the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination.

These events were a show of unity between civil rights advocates and supporters of the labor movement. Thousands showed up to recognize that a workers right to organize is a civil right, that the two movements are intimately entwined.

As Democrats we stand and fight for working-class Americans who seek nothing more than to make a brighter future for their families. We will always stand with organized labor and civil rights groups who know the truth in Dr. King’s words: “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it always bends towards justice.”

As organized labor endures attacks across the country from Wisconsin to Kansas, we must all remain resolute in our support for their never ending task of building a more just future for working families.

Our coalition for justice involves civil rights, public education, equality, environmentalism, labor rights and support for small business. All members of our coalition share the belief that a just society is one which provides opportunity, compassion and a voice to all.  An attack on one member of this coalition is an attack on all.

I hope you will join me in fighting back against recent attacks on organized labor. Remind those who would seek to diminish or undermine the voice of working families that their struggle is our struggle. That providing a voice to the voiceless, strength to the weak and power to the powerless is what Democrats do.

Sincerely,

Joan Wagnon
Chair, Kansas Democratic Party

 Steve Anderson has gone missing. What’s the big deal? Steve Anderson is just one cog in Governor Brownback’s shiny new wheel. Steve Anderson is missing and I don’t know that it would be that important. When do we need a Budget Director for the Governor’s office, anyway? Is something coming up? 

Oh, we’re trying to pass a budget in the House and Senate. Interesting. I did not know that. 
 
Anderson’s model budget will be debated in the committees of the State House and State Senate in the following weeks. Steve Anderson has proposed cuts to the arts, public sector work, and education. Kenny Johnston remarked in a Kansas Democratic Party press release, “Steve Anderson won’t feel the pain of cutting our kids’ public education by 7%; his kids are going to school in Oklahoma.” Steve Anderson needs to answer for himself.

The following is a letter from KDP Chairman Larry Gates, Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley and House Democratic Leader Paul Davis to all Kansas Democrats:

 As we begin 2011, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything you contributed to the Kansas Democratic Party in 2010. Whether you volunteered your time, your money, or your vote in the last election, we deeply appreciate you.

The Republican Wave hit us hard in 2010, but if the resolve of minority parties can be proved anywhere, it is in Kansas. Despite a 5:3 registration disadvantage, Democrats have been the driving force behind public policy in the Sunflower State for the last decade. Our mission is focused on building a better state, not on political power. That is something to be proud of, even after a tough election.

Recent polls indicate that the public has very little confidence in the Republican plan for the future, and for good reason. Republicans spent the last two years defining themselves based on a determination to repeal and obstruct. It was a convenient political strategy but hardly makes for good governing. Democrats have always – and will always - define themselves based on a desire to accomplish and protect, and we have the record to back it up.

There is a tremendous opportunity to bring the pendulum back to the center in 2012, but we must begin our work NOW. Even more than a political party, Kansas Democrats are a family. Families overcome hard times by joining together. For us, this begins at Washington Days 2011. If we are going to move forward, we must all take part in the rebuilding process.

 Washington Days 2011 will be held February 25-26 in Topeka. You can buy your tickets online at here. More details regarding the event will be released soon. Until then, be sure to mark your calendars and buy your tickets early. With your help, we will emerge in 2012 both stronger and better than before.

Thank you again for all your work in 2010. Onward to a bright and successful new year!

Sincerely,

Larry Gates     Rep. Paul Davis       Sen. Anthony Hensley