Saturday, June 22, 2013

Brownback running for re-election


By SCOTT ROTHSCHILD, The Lawrence Journal-World

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is running for re-election.

A message recently sent to supporters seeks to raise funds for the 2014 election.

"With your help, we're turning Kansas around," the message from Brownback says.

Brownback, a Republican elected in 2010, says he turned a projected budget deficit into a surplus, increased private sector jobs and cut taxes.

"It's been a lot of work, but it's been worth it. Now is the time to protect and build on our achievements," he said.

Democrats have argued that budget shortfall problems were fixed primarily through the passage of a sales tax increase before Brownback took office, and that Brownback's tax cuts benefit the wealthy and will hurt funding for education and social services.

But no Democrat has announced an intention to take on Brownback in the governor's race.

David Kensinger, who is president of Brownback's political action committee, today said, "The Governor is running for re-election and is actively raising funds and mobilizing grassroots supporters.There has not been a conventional announcement tour per se, but he is a candidate for re-election with an active committee."