“We strongly endorse the election of these Kansas leaders from both political parties who understand that there is an undisputed link between quality higher education and the long-term economic well-being of our state,” said Bill Hall, Chairman of Citizens for Higher Education. “
KANSAS CITY STAR
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/07/14/3704538/the-stars-recommendations-support.html
District 8: Thomas C. ( Tim) Owens of Overland Park is a voice of reason in the Kansas Senate. That makes him a prime target of Brownback and his allies. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Owens has correctly and steadfastly thwarted the governor’s attempts to gain control of the selection process for state Court of Appeals judges. As a former Overland Park city councilman, he understands the needs of local communities and their citizens. We strongly recommend his re-election.
Owens’ opponent in the Republican primary is Jim Denning, who has served one term in the Kansas House and is vice president of Discover Vision Center. He supports Brownback’s goals of cutting the state’s income tax, even if services must be sacrificed.
From Steve Rose:
The future of the state Senate, and therefore the state, rests in the hands of registered Republicans throughout Kansas. (The voter registration deadline is Tuesday.)
This may be the most important vote you will ever cast.
The state Senate has been the bulwark against a tidal wave of radical right-wing legislation passed by the radical conservatives in the House of Representatives, with a governor willing to sign anything the House passes.
The three self-proclaimed vanguards of this effort are Americans for Prosperity, controlled by the right-wing Koch brothers in Wichita; the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, which is totally controlled by extremist conservatives; and Gov. Sam Brownback, who has publicly announced he will actively campaign for conservative state Senate candidates.
WE NEED LEADERS FROM JOHNSON COUNTY IN THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE
There are those who talk about being leaders and there are Leaders. To be selected to be the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules in his first full term in the House says volumes about Tim. It is very unusual to Chair a Committee in one's first term and it reflects the high confidence that the Speaker has in Tim's leadership and fairness. Whether as a City Councilman, Director of the Board of the National League of Cities or as a Colonel in the Army Reserve, Tim has a proven track record of Leadership. We need his Leadership back in Topeka representing Johnson County.
Bud Burke
President of the Kansas Senate, 1988 - 1996
TIM HAS PROVIDED OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP IN REPRESENTING THE 19TH DISTRICT AND BUILDING BRIDGES TO THE REST OF KANSAS
When I left the Kansas House after serving 19 years, my fellow colleagues wondered who we would send to replace me. I have spoken to my former colleagues since Tim filled that position and their consistent comment from across the state was "you sent us a good one". If Johnson County is to be successful in achieving its goals in the legislature, we need leadership that can connect with the rest of the state while still standing up for the needs of our constituents. Tim Owens has proven he can do that.
Phil Kline
Kansas State Representative, 19th District, 1982 - 2001
TIM HAS PASSION FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR EDUCATION
Tim has a long history of working for the benefit of children in his legal practice. That passion has extended to his efforts in Topeka on their behalf in finding a viable solution to the school finance crisis. He is good at thinking outside the box, but not letting others put him in a box. We need him back in the Kansas legislature to help solve Johnson County's economic challenges and our children's educational needs.
Sue Gamble
Kansas State Board of Education
TIM HAS INTELLECTUAL COURAGE AND HONESTY
During the 25 years I have known and worked with Tim, I've always admired his intellectual courage and honesty. Not content with the quick answer or too-simple solution, Tim asks the hard questions and arrives at conclusions that often confront the politically expedient point of view. Don't ask Tim Owens a question if all you want is a "don't worry, be happy" response.
Wayne Byrd
Civic Leader and Overland Park Councilman, 1977 - 1993
2008 Approval Rating:
100% - Overland Park Chamber of Commerce
