Nine former Republicans join slate of Democratic candidates working to bring Kansas together

TOPEKA - As the Kansas Republican Party continues to divide the state with the same old partisan bickering, Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Kansas Democrats are bringing Kansans together to move our state forward.

As of the filing deadline today, nine former Republicans have joined the Democratic Party and committed themselves to putting progress ahead of partisanship. These former Republicans join a large field of Democrats running this year, including a full slate of candidates for statewide office, State Board of Education and Congress.

In 2004, Kansas Democrats contested 39 Republican-held legislative seats. This year, the Kansas Democratic Party has candidates running in 100 seats, including 58 seats currently held by Republicans

"Our party is growing through the leadership of Governor Sebelius and other Democrats who are changing the direction of our state," KDP Chairman Larry Gates said. "We welcome these new leaders, as well as all Kansans who are committed to putting the best interests of our state first."

CLICK HERE for a list of DEMOCRATS RUNNING FOR OFFICE IN 2006

Former Republicans who have recently joined the Democratic Party and are seeking office:

1) Mark Parkinson, former Kansas Republican Party Chairman and Republican legislator, who is running for Lt. Governor

2) Paul Morrison, current Johnson County District Attorney, running for Attorney General

3) Steve Lukert, seeking re-election in the 62nd House District

4) Cindy Neighbor, former Republican legislator running to again represent the 18th House District

5) Duane Mathes, current Edwards County Commissioner, running in the 117th House District

6) Judy Leyerzapf, current Abilene City Commissioner, running in the 68th House District

7) Kent Goyen, running in the 114th House District

8) Walt Chappell, running in the 91st House District

9) Brenton Weeks, running in the 29th House District