Throughout this campaign I have continuously stated why I believe we have the best candidates on the ballot this year. I have been specific in my advocacy and have not resorted to personal and/or irrelevant attacks (do you hear me Bluestem and KDP?). If you agree and believe that Republican and Democratic policies have been a failure (and I really hope anyone who's paying attention would) then you must vote for candidates who will bring true change to the legislature and congress. There is no such thing as a "lesser evil" vote. They are all counted the same and are seen as an endorsement/mandate for the failed policies we have seen over and over again.
Just a reminder what I stand for:
1. Less government in your personal and economic life. There is absolutely no rational reason to increase the size of the bureaucracy in Kansas. I believe we can reduce this bureaucracy and have pledged to never raise your taxes.
2. An end to the state sales tax on groceries. This is a regressive tax that hurts the poor and middle class the most. Kansas has one of the highest rates in the nation. Many states have eliminated this tax entirely - why can't our legislators manage their budget without breaking the backs of Kansas consumers?
3. An end to eminent domain abuse through an amendment to the Kansas Constitution. The overwhelming majority of Kansans would vote to end eminent domain for private gain is they had the chance. Why hasn't this happened? The simple fact is many legislators are tied to private developers and local municipalities. I will be an advocate for YOUR liberty - not the special interests who want to steamroll that liberty.
4. An end to taxpayer-funded lobbying. Do you agree with everything your city or county lobbies for in Topeka? Of course not and you shouldn't be forced to fund these activities. The House failed to pass a measure last session which would have simply required full disclosure of the activities. Common sense has taken a holiday in Topeka.
If you think these ideas make sense and are more tangible than the "broad-based energy plan" and "increased health care coverage" vagueness you have been hearing all fall I ask for your vote. If we don't bring TRUE change to the legislature then we'll just get more of the same - and I'm guessing that isn't working too well for you.
Thanks
Patrick
Monday, November 3, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Direct Mail (or "they think you're an idiot")
My household has been deluged under a torrent of direct mail during the past week. Virtually all of this mail has been targeted attacks sponsored by either a state party or political action committee (PAC). Obviously this type of money would not be spent if the mail was not effective. I would maintain that this is really not the point. If you cannot make your case without resorting to distortions, personal attacks, etc. - then you have nothing substantive to bring to the table.
I am not naive and understand that politics is a contact sport, but perhaps it's time to change the game and appeal to reason. Of course this is crazy talk to such entities such as the Kansas Democratic Party (STOP sending me your crap) and the Bluestem PAC (STOP sending me your crap). During the campaign I have offered three specific initiatives (end the state sales tax on groceries, a vote on a constitutional amendment to end eminent domain abuse, end taxpayer-funded lobbying) that I will support in the Senate. These are initiatives that should have been implemented years ago. If I could afford some big, shiny direct mail piece this is what I would talk about. The sad fact is the big guys think you're stupid and appeal to your sense of fear. The LP treats you like an adult.
If you have not voted I would appreciate your vote on November 4. Thanks for listening.
I am not naive and understand that politics is a contact sport, but perhaps it's time to change the game and appeal to reason. Of course this is crazy talk to such entities such as the Kansas Democratic Party (STOP sending me your crap) and the Bluestem PAC (STOP sending me your crap). During the campaign I have offered three specific initiatives (end the state sales tax on groceries, a vote on a constitutional amendment to end eminent domain abuse, end taxpayer-funded lobbying) that I will support in the Senate. These are initiatives that should have been implemented years ago. If I could afford some big, shiny direct mail piece this is what I would talk about. The sad fact is the big guys think you're stupid and appeal to your sense of fear. The LP treats you like an adult.
If you have not voted I would appreciate your vote on November 4. Thanks for listening.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
I endorse....me
Most of you who follow politics are well aware that endorsements are often touted by candidates as a sign of credibility. There's a couple things to keep in mind when considering these endorsements:
1. There's often a price - before you think an endorsement is a civic-minded action by a selfless group serving their members check the campaign finance reports. You will be shocked (roll eyes) to find there are often sizable donations that come along with the endorsement. You will be even more shocked when you compare this to the voting records and lobbyist access to the candidate. Not telling you anything you don't know - just sayin' it's somethin' to keep in mind.
2. The not so careful evaluation process - many of these groups claim to have contacted/interviewed all candidates. Uhh - not so much. Many of the big spenders bypassed our candidates this year. Perhaps the most ridiculous sellout was by the NRA, which did not consider our Kansas candidates and inexplicably endorsed John McCain. This despite the fact Bob Barr had a spotless NRA gradecard while in Congress and McCain - well let's just say McCain did not.
My point here is that even if you belong to a union, professional group, etc. you are not a lemming. Your leadership likely has an agenda of their own and that could very well be contrary to your beliefs and values.
By the way - I am endorsing Patrick Wilbur for State Senate. I've invested enough in him to expect preferred access in Topeka.
Latest campaign news:
Appearance on KLWN-AM (1320) - 7:20am Friday
Online chat with the Lawrence Journal-World (ljworld.com) - 1:00 Friday
Canvassing on Sunday - call me (785-727-0506) if you can help
1. There's often a price - before you think an endorsement is a civic-minded action by a selfless group serving their members check the campaign finance reports. You will be shocked (roll eyes) to find there are often sizable donations that come along with the endorsement. You will be even more shocked when you compare this to the voting records and lobbyist access to the candidate. Not telling you anything you don't know - just sayin' it's somethin' to keep in mind.
2. The not so careful evaluation process - many of these groups claim to have contacted/interviewed all candidates. Uhh - not so much. Many of the big spenders bypassed our candidates this year. Perhaps the most ridiculous sellout was by the NRA, which did not consider our Kansas candidates and inexplicably endorsed John McCain. This despite the fact Bob Barr had a spotless NRA gradecard while in Congress and McCain - well let's just say McCain did not.
My point here is that even if you belong to a union, professional group, etc. you are not a lemming. Your leadership likely has an agenda of their own and that could very well be contrary to your beliefs and values.
By the way - I am endorsing Patrick Wilbur for State Senate. I've invested enough in him to expect preferred access in Topeka.
Latest campaign news:
Appearance on KLWN-AM (1320) - 7:20am Friday
Online chat with the Lawrence Journal-World (ljworld.com) - 1:00 Friday
Canvassing on Sunday - call me (785-727-0506) if you can help
Saturday, October 11, 2008
This week's calendar and a request
First of all - a belated thanks to the people of Perry and McLouth for their hospitality last weekend while I was canvassing.
Also - a big thanks to Bill Gollier and his Comparative Politics/World History classes at Bishop Seabury Academy in Lawrence for inviting me to speak on Friday. I enjoyed this a great deal and hope the Seabury students found it enlightening and productive.
Sunday we will be in Eudora (thanks to Al and Sally for their help). If you can help please contact me.
Tues, 10/14 - Candidate forum in Baldiwn City sponsored by Baker Univ students. The forum will start at 7pm and be held in Mabee Hall, Room 100 on Baker's campus.
Wed, 10/15 - ADVANCE VOTING STARTS**
Sat, 10/18 - Maple Leaf festival in Baldwin City all day. Our candidates will also be participating in a Rock the Vote event at the Lawrence Public Library. We are scheduled to speak around 3:25 pm.
Sun, 10/19 - Maple Leaf all day.
Wed, 10/22 - Please make plans to attend the Voter Participation forum at the Kansas Union (Alderson Auditorium). It will take place from 8:30-10pm.
** Please vote early if you are able. By most estimates the turnout will be phenomenal this year. Waiting until 11/4 could mean long lines and an unnecessary hassle.
Also - a big thanks to Bill Gollier and his Comparative Politics/World History classes at Bishop Seabury Academy in Lawrence for inviting me to speak on Friday. I enjoyed this a great deal and hope the Seabury students found it enlightening and productive.
Sunday we will be in Eudora (thanks to Al and Sally for their help). If you can help please contact me.
Tues, 10/14 - Candidate forum in Baldiwn City sponsored by Baker Univ students. The forum will start at 7pm and be held in Mabee Hall, Room 100 on Baker's campus.
Wed, 10/15 - ADVANCE VOTING STARTS**
Sat, 10/18 - Maple Leaf festival in Baldwin City all day. Our candidates will also be participating in a Rock the Vote event at the Lawrence Public Library. We are scheduled to speak around 3:25 pm.
Sun, 10/19 - Maple Leaf all day.
Wed, 10/22 - Please make plans to attend the Voter Participation forum at the Kansas Union (Alderson Auditorium). It will take place from 8:30-10pm.
** Please vote early if you are able. By most estimates the turnout will be phenomenal this year. Waiting until 11/4 could mean long lines and an unnecessary hassle.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Updates
I received a reply from the Voter Education Coalition regarding the participation standards. Basically a "15%" standard was used to determine participants. This will be explained during the State Senate forum Tuesday night as part of the program. I disagree with the methodology (and principle) for a myriad of reasons, but kudos to the VEC for explaining the process.
I have received the endorsement of the Boston Tea Party. Thanks to Jim Davidson and his organization for their confidence and support. The Boston Tea Party is a national political party that favors reducing the size and scope of government. Needless to say they had an easy choice in my race :)
A big thanks to the people of Valley Falls and Oskaloosa for being so friendly while I was canvassing this weekend.
I have received the endorsement of the Boston Tea Party. Thanks to Jim Davidson and his organization for their confidence and support. The Boston Tea Party is a national political party that favors reducing the size and scope of government. Needless to say they had an easy choice in my race :)
A big thanks to the people of Valley Falls and Oskaloosa for being so friendly while I was canvassing this weekend.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Fast and Furious
Sorry for the delay - busy time right now. Only 6 weeks until Election Day and 3 weeks until advance voting starts. As some of you know our candidates are being excluded from the series of forums sponsored by the Voter Education Coalition (I didn't make that name up). I have asked for the data and standards this was based on and - shockingly - have not received a reply to date. We have chosen to make lemonade and our holding our own forum on Wed, October 22 at Alderson Auditorium in the Kansas Union. ALL candidates have been invited and VOTERS will control the questioning. I know these sound like radical and dangerous ideas, but we like to live on the edge. I'll post more details about the forum as they become available. Here are the upcoming events:
Sat, 9/27 and Sun, 9/28 - Canvassing and lots of it. Please contact me if you are available.
Tues, 9/30 - we will be handing out lit and flyers promoting our forum at the Voter Education State Senate forum. This one is being held at Lawrence High School. I'll post the final plan later this week.
Thur, 10/2 - NARFE candidate forum - Leavenworth
Sat, 10/4 and Sun, 10/5 - more canvassing
The yard signs have arrived. Please contact me immediately if you can provide a home for one - or more.
Sat, 9/27 and Sun, 9/28 - Canvassing and lots of it. Please contact me if you are available.
Tues, 9/30 - we will be handing out lit and flyers promoting our forum at the Voter Education State Senate forum. This one is being held at Lawrence High School. I'll post the final plan later this week.
Thur, 10/2 - NARFE candidate forum - Leavenworth
Sat, 10/4 and Sun, 10/5 - more canvassing
The yard signs have arrived. Please contact me immediately if you can provide a home for one - or more.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Press Release
Below is the text of a Wilbur for State Senate press release forwarded to 3rd district media outlets earlier today.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2008
WILBUR CALLS FOR AN END TO SALES TAX ON GROCERIES
Lawrence – Patrick Wilbur has invited his opponents and all legislative candidates to support a repeal of the Kansas sales tax on grocery items. Wilbur, candidate for State Senate (3rd district), announced this initiative during his appearance at a Rock the Vote concert in Kansas City, Missouri. He believes it is time for the state to step up and help Kansans during this prolonged downturn in the economy. “If the legislature really cares about middle class Kansans it is time to show a tangible effort,” says Wilbur. “Repealing this regressive and unavoidable tax is a good way to start.”
Figures provided by both the Kansas Legislative Research Department and the Kansas Department of Revenue estimate the revenue generated by this tax at $252 million (fy2009), and under the current rebate program $40 million is returned to low income families. Wilbur believes that the state can easily find a way to offset this loss in revenue. “The state spent $1.3 billion in a 5-year period to promote economic development and Division of Post-Audit cannot tell us if this was a quality investment,” says Wilbur. “Perhaps we should try and promote economic development the old-fashioned way – with a low tax burden.”
CONTACTS:
Patrick Wilbur
(785) 727-0506
wilbur45@sunflower.com
The Libertarian Party of Kansas
Individual Liberty, Personal Responsibility
P.O. Box 2456
Wichita, KS 67201
1-800-335-1776www.lpks.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2008
WILBUR CALLS FOR AN END TO SALES TAX ON GROCERIES
Lawrence – Patrick Wilbur has invited his opponents and all legislative candidates to support a repeal of the Kansas sales tax on grocery items. Wilbur, candidate for State Senate (3rd district), announced this initiative during his appearance at a Rock the Vote concert in Kansas City, Missouri. He believes it is time for the state to step up and help Kansans during this prolonged downturn in the economy. “If the legislature really cares about middle class Kansans it is time to show a tangible effort,” says Wilbur. “Repealing this regressive and unavoidable tax is a good way to start.”
Figures provided by both the Kansas Legislative Research Department and the Kansas Department of Revenue estimate the revenue generated by this tax at $252 million (fy2009), and under the current rebate program $40 million is returned to low income families. Wilbur believes that the state can easily find a way to offset this loss in revenue. “The state spent $1.3 billion in a 5-year period to promote economic development and Division of Post-Audit cannot tell us if this was a quality investment,” says Wilbur. “Perhaps we should try and promote economic development the old-fashioned way – with a low tax burden.”
CONTACTS:
Patrick Wilbur
(785) 727-0506
wilbur45@sunflower.com
The Libertarian Party of Kansas
Individual Liberty, Personal Responsibility
P.O. Box 2456
Wichita, KS 67201
1-800-335-1776www.lpks.org
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