The following campaign announcement remarks were prepared for delivery by Johnson County District Attorney Paul Morrison on October 25, 2005 Thank you for coming out today. My name is Paul Morrison. And, for fifteen years, Iâ??ve been proud to serve as Johnson County District Attorney. Now, you should know: I havenâ??t always been in Kansas City. But I have always been a Kansan: Born in Dodge City. Raised in Hays. In Plainsville. In Bonner Springs. And as a lifelong Kansan, Iâ??m well aware of our stateâ??s exceptional heritage. A heritage grounded in our deep respect for law and order. In our unflinching ability as Kansans to tell right from wrong. You see it time and time again, throughout our history--the instinct to protect and serve anyone fortunate enough to call Kansas home. To keep folks safe from harm. That instinct was in Colonel Henry Leavenworth â?? who, in May of 1827, established Fort Leavenworth on the banks of Salt Creek. An army post built to protect the western frontier, and safeguard those who traveled the Santa Fe Trail. That instinct was in Captain Charles Lovell of the 6th US Infantry â?? who, in 1853, established Fort Riley in the Kansas Territory. A proud military installation we depend on to this day. That instinct to protect and serve was in the legendary frontiersmen and lawmen who built this state. Men like Buffalo Bill Cody â?? founder of Rome, Kansas. And Wyatt Earp â?? Deputy Marshal of Wichita and Dodge City. Or the men and marshals of Coffeyville, Kansas â?? who, on October 5th of 1892, bravely put an end to the infamous Dalton Gang. Itâ??s a heritage we see reflected today in the basic decency and goodness of everyday Kansans, in every corner of this state. Now, I donâ??t even begin to compare myself to storied Kansans like Leavenworth or Earp. Not in the least. But, as someone whoâ??s spent nearly his entire adult life in law enforcement â?? I do admire their instinct to protect and serve the people of Kansas. Itâ??s an instinct that was in me twenty-five years ago, when I first became a prosecutor. An instinct thatâ??s stayed in me ever since. And itâ??s why I asked you here today. To tell you that â?? in the name of protecting and serving the people of Kansas â?? I am running to be our stateâ??s next Attorney General. The reasons Iâ??m running are simple enoughâ?¦ Because Kansas deserves to have a stronger, more experienced lawman â?? with a no-nonsense attitude â?? as our Attorney General. Because the people of Kansas are ready to return prosecutorial know-how, genuine law enforcement experience, and a law-and-order focus to their Attorney Generalâ??s office. As Attorney General, Iâ??ll insist on getting back to the basics of the office: Safety. Security. And the kind of independent approach Kansans ought to expect from the stateâ??s chief law enforcement official. That means a renewed commitment to the fundamentals: Prosecuting criminals. Protecting victims of crime. Safeguarding consumers. And representing the state with integrity and impartiality as its top lawyer. I didnâ??t pursue a career in the law to become a politician. I didnâ??t do it to make money, or make myself famous. No. For twenty-five years, Iâ??ve been a prosecutor â?? trying more than a-hundred-and-twenty jury cases, including dozens of murder trials. Some have been the most difficult and complex cases in the history of our state. Itâ??s a record Iâ??m proud to place before the people of Kansas â?? and ask if a stronger, more effective Attorney General can better serve them than the one we have today. As Iâ??ve done during four terms as Johnson County District Attorney, I will professionalize the Office of Attorney General â?? bringing on the best and the brightest to protect and serve the people of Kansas. Because I believe weâ??re all in this together. I will devote my energies to the things an Attorney General ought to do â?? which includes trying some cases myself, just like I have as District Attorney. Because I believe in leading by example. I will serve the best interests of each and every Kansan â?? regardless of political party or persuasion. Because I believe in leading with independence. I will uphold and strengthen the laws of the state â?? rather than pursuing any narrow agenda that only serves the interests of a few. Because I believe thatâ??s the solemn obligation of anyone called to enforce the law. For two decades, Iâ??ve worked with the state legislature to strengthen the laws that keep Kansans safe. Helping author our stateâ??s death penalty statute. Helping write the laws that punish sexual predators. Helping make Kansas a safer place to live. For all of my adult life, it has been a privilege to be a public servant and serve as a professional prosecutor. And thatâ??s how I have always seen myself. Why I have remained steadfastly non-partisan in my work. Because there is no Republican or Democratic way to prosecute a case. That should be true whether you are District Attorney or Attorney General. However, I am deeply concerned about direction the Attorney Generalâ??s office is headed: Too often deviating from its core mission. Too often dividing the people of Kansas. And so, I have chosen to change my voter registration â?? and run as a Democrat for Attorney General. I do so because I am most comfortable running as a Democrat. Because I sense their strong commitment to safety, security, and the rule of law. But whether you are a Democrat, a Republican, or a proud Independent, you have my assurances: Youâ??re a Kansan in my eyes. You have my assurances: I will be your Attorney General. Because keeping Kansas safe isnâ??t a partisan interest. Keeping Kansas safe is every Kansanâ??s interest. It is our heritage as a state. And it will be our future as a peopleâ?¦ I should my fellow Kansans allow me the honor and opportunity to serve as their next Attorney General. Thank you. ---------------- To learn more about Paul Morrison please visit www.MorrisonforAG.com