Monday, November 3, 2008

Send a positive statement

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Rock That Vote!

The Rock the Vote concert tonight was a huge success. All the candidates had only 2 minutes to speak, but made quite an impression - a positive impression - with a large crowd. Special thanks to Stephanie Kane at 96.5 The Buzz for organizing this event and inviting our candidates. Hopefully I'll have some video later this week.

During my speech I issued an invitation to my opponents (not in attendance) and all other legislative candidates to end the sales tax on food in Kansas. This is a regressive tax that is hurting poorer and middle class families during an extended recession. While Kansas does have a rebate program it is only for those who make $29,700 or less. This excludes many taxpayers who are struggling, but have to pay the 5.3% (one of the highest rates in the country) on their groceries. Of course many legislators will ask how the state will make up for the lost revenue. Here's a start - reduce/eliminate the $1.3 billion spent on "economic development" over the past 5 years. The Divisoion of Post-Audit cannot even tell us if this initiative has been effective.

Events for this week

Wed, 9/10 - Free State Libertarians meet the EMC building (12th and Oread) - 6pm.
Sat, 9/13 - Lawrence Farmers Market meet/greet (8th and New Hampshire) - 7am-11am.
Sat and Sun, 9/13 and 9/14 - Major canvassing - please contact me to help.

Monday, September 1, 2008

The week of Sep 2-7 - events

Happy Labor Day to everyone - here are this week's scheduled campaign events:

Fri, 9/5 - Old Settlers Days (downtown Olathe) 4-10pm - I'll be working the LPKS outreach booth with another State Senate candidate (Rob Hodgkinson in the 37th district). This is a huge event with lots of people, fun and food. Stop by and see us if you can.

Sat, 9/6 - Canvassing - please let me know if you can help. We have been working 4 separate precincts in the first couple weeks, and are getting a very good response from voters. This is a great way to help the campaign and get some exercise.

Sun, 9/7 - Rock the Vote concert (downtown KCMO) 3-10pm - 96.5 The Buzz will be sponsoring a free concert at KC Live (featured bands - Ludo, Carolina Liar, The Wombats). This event will also give area candidates a chance to meet voters. This should be a fun event, and another opportunity for us to show voters the only opportunity for REAL change is outside the 2 party system.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

72 Hours for Liberty

The campaign's 2nd money bomb will take place September 3-5. I will be joining fellow LPKS candidates in this effort. I have said again and again that it is not necessary for us to match our opponents dollar for dollar. However we do need enough cash to get the name out and let voters know we are running an active campaign. Please consider helping with this effort by donating during our 72 Hours for Liberty (of course if you wish to donate before 9/3 we will not turn it down :)). You can use the donation link on my website or (if you prefer) mail a check to 521 Durham Court, Lawrence KS 66049. Checks should be made out to Wilbur for State Senate.

Also - I will be adding detail regarding my views on issues important to 3rd district voters and Kansans in general. Over the next few weeks I'll be adding text to the "Issues" page and discussing in more detail on this blog. I encourage you to join the discussion with me and your fellow voters.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Establishing the ground game

We had a great day of canvassing today. Special thanks to Al and Ray, who assisted with distributing literature and goodwill. Also thanks to all who are helping with finding homes for my yard signs, spreading the word, and providing the much needed cash to keep the machine running. There will be many more canvass dates before 11/4 - I'll keep everyone updated.

A reminder - if you are a voter in the 3rd district and have questions about me, the issues, or the race in general please call or email.

In less interesting news Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his VP candidate today. This is the same Joe Biden that has spent 35 YEARS (!!!) in the Senate. If you can't make a dent in 35 years isn't it time to find a real job? Biden has been part of the problem for a very long time. Change you can believe in? Mmmmm - not so much.

Monday, August 18, 2008

LVCO fair and beyond

The Leavenworth County fair was great. Attendance was outstanding and we met a huge number of voters from the area. There is a major difference I have noticed when speaking with voters this year. In the past I heard a lot of "yeah I agree with you guys and all, but I don't want the Republicans/Democrats to win." Now it is "I am sick of the Republicans/Democrats" "We need another choice" and "I will definitely research your party and consider your candidates" and my favorite "You've got my vote." Change - REAL change - doesn't happen by accident. While our opponents have contributed to our success, the fact that we have been visible and active in Kansas is now paying off. A special thanks to Robert, Richard, and Al for working so hard on short notice.

CANVASS DATE THIS SATURDAY, 8/23

Time to hit the pavement. We will meet at my place at 11 a.m. and focus on Lawrence. In the coming weeks the campaign will be canvassing Eudora, Baldwin City, Tonganoxie, and other great sites in the 3rd district.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

You are not a demographic

It seems you can't watch or hear any media these days without someone talking about how important the black, hispanic, soccer mom , fill in the blank - vote is. A couple years ago it finally struck me just how patronizing and arrogant it is to marginalize people in this way. This implies that all people of a designated skin color or ethnicity share the same values and goals. Of course this is preposterous and anyone who has actually spoken with people and really listened understands this.

Perhaps the best thing about the libertarian philosophy is that it stresses the power of the individual. We all have a unique set of values, beliefs, passions, etc. If the media and our opponents want to take people for granted that's fine. We'll just keep approaching voters the same way we always have - like they are potential Libertarians.

Sorry - just needed to throw that out there. I'll lighten the mood a bit later this weekend with stories from the LVCO fair. The attendance has been fantastic and we are picking up votes left and right.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

The week of Aug 11-17 - events

This week our area candidates** will have a booth at the Leavenworth County Fair in Tonganoxie. The booth will be in operation from 11am-10pm Tues-Sat. If you can help out please let me know. I look forward to meeting lost of great folks (hopefully from the 3rd district :)) this week, and should have some great stories to post later this week.

Also our local LP group - the Free State Libertarians - will be meeting Wednesday at 6pm at the Ecumenical Christian Ministries building (12th and Oread) in Lawrence. Please join us if you can.

**there are several other LP candidates running in the 3rd district area.

Congress
2nd district - Robert Garrard
3rd district - Joe Bellis

US Senate - Randall Hodgkinson

Kansas House 10th district - William Stewart-Starks

Welcome to the Truth Station

This is the official blog of the Wilbur for State Senate campaign. If you are here you are probably aware I am running for State Senate in the 3rd district (basically all of Jefferson County, "rural" Leavenworth County, north Lawrence, Baldwin City, and Eudora - for a specific map of the district see the Kansas Legislature website). During the next three months I will be posting updates regarding campaign events, fundraising, and issues on this blog. A few things you should know about the 3rd district race:

1. My campaign has been in motion for several months already. The next 12 weeks is the homestretch for me and the core of vounteers who have supported this effort. I welcome any support you can offer and (trust me) I will put you to work immediately as there is much to do.
2. I am the only candidate in this race who is NOT an incumbent. Both of my opponents have served at least four years in the Kansas Legislature. If you are unhappy with the current representation in Topeka I am your candidate.
3. I am the ONLY candidate in this race to sign the Kansas Taxpayers Protection Pledge. This is a simple, common sense pledge to resist all attempts to raise taxes on Kansans. In my opinion the tax burden in Kansas is already too high. If you agree I am your candidate.
4. I am the ONLY candidate in this race that is receiving the vast majority of his financial support from individuals. If you want to know who is influencing policy in Topeka please review the campaign finance reports at the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission website.

Thanks for visiting the Truth Station. Now - let's make some history.