Posted on 10/28/2002 3:18:07 PM PST by RAT Patrol
Today, The Eagle editorial board completes its recommendations for the Nov. 5 election, having announced its picks for the state Legislature on Friday and Saturday and for the Sedgwick County Commission and State Board of Education on Saturday.
These choices reflect the consensus opinions of the editorial board based on interviews and other research. We offer them as information to consider as you make up your own minds about the candidates -- which are the endorsements that count on Election Day.
Governor
Both of the leading gubernatorial candidates are good choices and could be capable governors. Yet both avoided specifics on how to deal with the biggest issue facing the state: a budget shortfall expected to top $500 million. That made this endorsement our most difficult to decide.
But voters must choose, and so did we: We recommend Republican Tim Shallenburger, who was the most forthright about his budget plans and who seems best able to work with the Legislature to make difficult budget cuts and avoid tax increases.
Currently state treasurer, Mr. Shallenburger has often been a thorn in the side of moderate Republicans, particularly during his early years in the Legislature. But when he became speaker of the House in 1994, Mr. Shallenburger quickly earned a reputation among lawmakers as a strong but fair leader -- which is why they elected him to two terms as House speaker, a political rarity these days.
Mr. Shallenburger was effective because he let lawmakers -- both Republicans and Democrats -- have their say and then helped them reach consensus. The state will need those managerial and leadership skills as it grapples with unprecedented budget problems.
Mr. Shallenburger also can be refreshingly candid and isn't caught up in the power and intrigue of politics. As he has said on the campaign trail, he'll be the same person -- a native of Baxter Springs who never planned a career in politics -- whether or not he wins this election.
Mr. Shallenburger also isn't as ideological as some assume. While he is conservative on social issues -- he's pro-life (though there likely isn't much the next governor can do about abortion) and supports concealed-carry gun legislation (which likely will become law if he is elected) --he is pragmatic and isn't anti-government. He also has a populist streak that appeals to many working-class Democrats.
Our main concern about Mr. Shallenburger is whether his pledge not to raise taxes could force him to make harmful cuts to education or needed social programs. He has vowed not to do this, and the Legislature would likely block any such move. We also are skeptical about whether he really can deliver on his tax pledge, given the magnitude of the budget shortfall.
But raising taxes is a bad move when Kansas businesses and farmers are struggling and so many Wichitans are out of work. And we believe that Mr. Shallenburger's strength of purpose and success as House speaker make him the best at avoiding -- or at least minimizing -- tax increases.
His leading opponent, Democrat Kathleen Sebelius of Topeka, is also a good manager and quality choice for governor. As insurance commissioner, she transformed a bureaucratic, industry-oriented agency into one focused on consumers. As a former lawmaker, she understands the legislative process.
Ms. Sebelius is smart and savvy (sometimes to the point of being too political). And her poise and polish would make her an excellent spokeswoman for our state.
Ms. Sebelius also was wise to choose former Cessna Aircraft Co. executive John Moore as her running mate. Mr. Moore is far more experienced and knowledgeable about state issues than Dave Lindstrom of Kansas City, Mr. Shallenburger's pick. And it would be nice to have another Wichitan in the No. 2 spot in Topeka, replacing outgoing Lt. Gov. Gary Sherrer.
Like Mr. Shallenburger, Ms. Sebelius says she doesn't want to raise taxes, though she hasn't pledged not to do so. But she has given zero specifics on how she would avoid a tax increase -- other than search for waste and inefficiency, which is good but won't cut it. And she has embraced a massive increase in education spending (which would be nice but is unaffordable without more tax revenue).
Also running for governor are Reform Party candidate Ted Pettibone of St. Marys, who favors a 10 percent across-the-board spending cut, and Libertarian Dennis Hawver of Ozawkie, who wants to cut taxes and many government services. Both lack political clout and legislative experience.
Our bottom-line issue this election is the state's dismal bottom line. And while Ms. Sebelius has tried to portray herself as a fiscal conservative who will cut spending and hold the line on taxes (presumably because she recognizes that is what voters want and the state needs), Mr. Shallenburger is the real deal.
A family emergency is keeping me busy this week but I didn't want anyone to miss this good news.
No kidding. He's the only one that could have done this. I would have bet money (and I'm not the betting type) that these papers would have endorsed K.S.
Now just pray it's enough to put him over the top!
GOOD For YOU! Todd is a good guy. I worked with him years ago at the old "Bomber" plant (Boeing). Have done some campaigning for him but not recently. The race seems to be closer this time. In my "Liberal" county (Cowley), they have a hard time giving him a break on anything.
We need him back in Washington! ! !
The world is tilting on its axis. :o) fsf
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