Leadership needed
Many political and advocacy groups are spending these months between the election and the start of the Kansas legislative session (January 14, 2019!) working on their plans for next year, and 2020 after. We are doing our own work, and have attended meetings, spoken with like organizations, and begun to work with partners on plans. One certainty keeps coming up, time after time. All Kansans will have a champion in Laura Kelly as Governor, but there is a distinct need for leadership in the Legislature to understand that they, too, represent all Kansans.
Read moreGoverning is what is next
Throughout the election just past, while we worked to engage voters in all levels of the ballot, we maintained that the single most important election on it was for Governor of Kansas. Not just because the election of Kris Kobach would mean a return to the policies of Sam Brownback, and worse. But because the position of Governor has the power to promote and stall legislation. Depending on the results the Kansas legislative races, that person would either have to act as a firewall against further extremist policies, or be able to support legislative measures we have been backing for years. As it turns out, Governor-Elect Laura Kelly will get to be a little of both, perhaps a more difficult job, but one she is well suited for.
Read moreWhat’s the moderate with Kansas?
At the MainStream Coalition, we often talk about being moderate when it comes to politics, about getting the moderate vote out, or about moderating extremism. Understandably, a lot of people think "moderate" is a political position. But it's not. Rather, it's an approach to politics. It's the counter to extremism, but doesn't mean one thing or another about your political views. There can be conservative moderates, and progressive moderates, and centrist moderates. And we need more, of all of them, speaking out.
Read moreThanks
With the Thanksgiving holiday this week, we are reminded to thank all of you, who took a stand and did more than just vote this election. Without your work, the results of this election might have been much different. Thank you.
Read moreBlue wave laps at KS shores
The election is over. First off, thank you for voting. Turnout was incredible, and your hard work was part of that. Second, we've avoided the specter of a Kris Kobach-led Kansas, and the margin was not even close. Governor-Elect Laura Kelly won handily, cementing Kansas' place as a rational, bipartisan state capable of seeing beyond party when necessary. And yes, Kansas was responsible for part of the wave that turned the U.S. House of Representatives away from President Trump's agenda. All of this is amazing, awesome, and worth all the laughing and crying and shouting we did on Tuesday night. The values we share, the priorities we work towards, will be easier to reach because of this election.
Read moreWho, What, Where, Why, and When to Vote
Tomorrow is Election Day. These are midterms, but reports nationwide, and in Kansas, indicate there is a decidedly un-midterm-like voter turnout underway. Early voting is overwhelming previous turnout records, and nobody knows what to expect tomorrow, on Election Day. We have long believed, at MainStream, that when more people vote, more representative government is elected, and that can only be good. Again, in 2014, half the electorate in Kansas did not vote, and we endured four more years of Governor Sam Brownback by the slimmest of margins. So this turnout is great!
Read moreOne Week Left
There's just one week left to vote. Everyone calls these the mid-term elections, because there isn't a Presidential election on the ballot (although we might all wish there was!). But that also makes them seem less important. Let's not mince words: this is a critical election.
Read moreYou Should Vote Today
Last night we held our annual Stand Up, Speak Out dinner, and nearly 900 people attended the event. We had dozens of elected officials and candidates, and are grateful to everyone who attended, and donated, to support the work we do here. Thank you.
While we are taking this morning a little easy, we do want to remind you that there are 15 days left until the election, and you have a few important tasks.
Read moreThe Lowest Hanging Votes
During an election season, you will hear two calls to action. Register to vote! Get out and vote! Both are often directed at those populations that don't vote much, especially youth (we're talking about people aged 18 to 24, in this case). But a look at the data suggests that one of these is misdirected. Registering to vote is crucial, yes, but our efforts, even with youth, will find the most return in getting registered voters to actually vote.
Read moreA Dark View of Kansas' Political Future
This is a column written by Davis Merritt, a Wichita-based journalist and author, and is used with permission. Mr. Merritt is not affiliated with the MainStream Coalition.
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