Kansas GOP Caucus could have impact
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When it came time to pick the date for the 2008 Kansas GOP caucuses (after the Legislature canceled a multiparty primary to escape the $2 million cost) Kobach decided to gamble. Kobach is right in predicting that the Republican race won’t be settled on Super Tuesday. Kansas could have a real impact on a presidential race for the first time since, well, probably ever.

Government and Schools are largest employers
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Thirty years ago, four of the leading employers in Topeka were Santa Fe Railway, Southwestern Bell, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and the Menninger Clinic. Now, in 2008 according to a recent Capitol Journal story 4 of the 5 top “businesses” in Topeka are the state of Kansas, the US Government, USD 501 School District and Washburn University. Yes, Dorothy, American Socialism is alive and well in Kansas. Governments have replaced businesses.

Senate GOP leader proposes commission on government efficiency
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A Senate leader proposed Monday that the state set up a commission to root out government inefficiencies, and his idea quickly won the endorsement of a group dedicated to limiting budget growth. Majority Leader Derek Schmidt said his proposed Government Efficiency Commission is modeled after a federal commission that designates military bases to be closed. Under his plan, the Legislature would be required to take an up-or-down vote on its recommendations. Schmidt's proposal received praise from Americans for Prosperity, which supports laws and amendments to the Kansas Constitution to limit the annual growth in state spending.

Sebelius and Media spin Coal Plant decision
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Shouldn't Kansas newspapers mention the political leanings of the polling company? Cooper & Secrest is the liberal political consulting firm that recently polled that Kansans agreed with Governor Sebelius’ decision to deny the western Kansas coal plant. Can hundreds of thousands of dollars from Kansas Democrats over more than a decade affect Cooper & Secrest's fairness when it comes to polling?

Kansas no longer pro-business
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A state government agency's denial of a permit that would have allowed expansion of a coal-fired generating plant sent a negative signal to investors in the business world, the leader of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce said Monday. "There is a lack of confidence in the current regulatory environment," said Amy Blankenbiller, president and chief executive officer of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. She also said chamber's annual survey of chief executive officers shows their top concern in Kansas is taxes. After six years of Governor Sebelius’ socialism of state government, businesses are beginning to take notice.

Another Push for statewide smoking ban
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The senators announced their plans Wednesday. They are Jim Barnett, of Emporia; Pete Brungardt, of Salina; Roger Reitz, of Manhattan; Vicki Schmidt, of Topeka; and David Wysong, of Mission Hills, all Republicans.

Stilwell area residents file for incorporation
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“We want to control our own destiny and keep our tax money working here,” incorporation organizer David Webb said. “We want to make our own decisions.” “It is not the destiny of Stilwell to have every intersection look like 119th Street and Metcalf Avenue,” organizers wrote on their Web site at www.stilwellkansasusa.com.

In the name of Global Warming – Let’s Spend Money
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Wichita is thinking green. But, depending on which city leader you talk to, that could mean reducing carbon emissions or wasting cash on environmental idealism. For $45,000, the city would get an estimate of the impact the city's residents and businesses have on the environment, communitywide surveys and some recommendations. It would cost another $10,000 a year to update information and track progress.

Vick to serve time at Leavenworth
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Michael Vick left Virginia today and was transferred to a Kansas prison to serve the rest of his 23-month sentence on a federal dogfighting charge. The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback is at the federal prison camp in Leavenworth, said Traci Billingsley, a spokeswoman for the Federal Bureau of Prisons.