Businessman who served in the Legislature and as Republican state chairman joins Democratic Party

Citing his business experience and his willingness to work with Kansans of all political backgrounds, Governor Kathleen Sebelius today announced Mark Parkinson, Olathe, as her running mate. At events throughout the state, Sebelius introduced Parkinson to the people of Kansas.

Parkinson, who was born and raised in Wichita before representing Johnson County in the Legislature, is a husband and father, successful businessman and previously served as chairman of the Kansas Republican Party.

"I was looking for a Kansan who shares my independent approach to leading this state; someone willing to set partisanship aside for the sake of achieving real progress," Sebelius said. "And I was looking for a Kansan who brings a businessperson's perspective and critical eye to the operations of state government."

"I've found an extraordinary Kansan to serve as Lt. Governor, a leader named Mark Parkinson," she continued.

Parkinson then spoke, accepting Sebelius' invitation to join the ticket and praising her efforts to bring a new kind of leadership to Kansas.

"Four years ago the Governor said she would show us a new way. Governor Sebelius said she would change the way we do things and bring independent leadership to the state of Kansas," Parkinson said.

Parkinson said many doubted Sebelius then, himself included. But he said Sebelius' performance during the past several years had proven him wrong.

"In an age where leaders duck responsibility and dodge their mistakes let me be the first to say: I was wrong," Parkinson said. "I was wrong because the Governor did something remarkable in public service. She did exactly what she told the voters she would do. She reached out. She included people all across the state. She ignored party labels," he said. "And the results have been remarkable."

Parkinson touted Sebelius' progress in cutting waste from government, strengthening our schools and creating a positive business climate that is creating jobs, and said he looked forward to working with the Governor to continue that progress.

Sebelius and Parkinson planned to visit Overland Park, Pittsburg, Wichita, Topeka, Dodge City, Hays and Salina during a tour of the state, before officially filing to run for Governor and Lt. Governor at the Secretary of State's office in Topeka on Thursday.

Click here to read Governor Sebelius' prepared remarks for her annoucement May 31 - June 1 Click here to read Mark Parkinson's prepared remarks for the May 31 - June 1 announcement tour

------------

Mark Parkinson's Biography

A successful businessman and former Republican legislator, Mark Parkinson is a native Kansan who grew up in Wichita and now resides in Olathe. Born in Wichita, Parkinson attended Heights High School, before going on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Wichita State University in 1980. He graduated first in his class from the University of Kansas Law School in 1984. Mark then entered private practice, going on to form his own law firm Parkinson, Foth & Orrick in 1986, and serving as president of the Johnson County Bar Foundation.

In 1996, Mark left his law practice to focus on a new passion: helping enhance older Kansans' quality of life through first-class assisted living facilities. His company's assisted living facilities have received national awards for design, and the business has been named as an outstanding business in Northeast Johnson County.

Parkinson was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives as a Republican in 1990. Two years later he was elected to the Kansas Senate. While in the Legislature, Parkinson was known as someone who could bridge party lines. He worked to strengthen Kansas schools and enhance local control, as well as to enhance protections for victims of domestic violence.

Parkinson was elected chairman of the Kansas Republican Party in 1999 and re-elected with a unanimous vote in 2001, serving until 2003. Mark and Stacy, his wife of more than 20 years, are active in community and charitable organizations, and it was this involvement which led them to be named 2006 Co-Citizens of the Year by United Community Services of Johnson County.

He and his wife served as chairs of a campaign to raise $4.2 million for Sunflower House, a local child abuse prevention agency. They're also the co-chairs of a capital campaign for SAFEHOME, a domestic violence shelter. Mark served as chairman of the Shawnee Area Chamber of Commerce board in 2004, and in 2005 was the "Chair of the Chairs" of the six Chambers of Commerce in Johnson County. He's currently the chair of the REACH Foundation and is chair of the Kansas State Treasurers Advisory Committee, which oversees the college savings plans managed by that office.

Mark and Stacy are lifetime members of the Wichita State University Alumni Association. They have three children: Alex, 17, Sam, 14 and Kit, 11, and belong to the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.

For more information on the Sebelius-Parkinson campaign for Kansas, visit www.ksgovernor.com