MD PoliBlog

Stephene Moore is (almost) IN for Congress

Stephene Moore is (almost) IN for Congress: "

OK, were backing off about 5 percent from our earlier post today that Democrat Stephene Moore, wife of the congressman, is definitely 'in' to run to succeed her husband this year.

Although key Democrats said Thursday she had committed to the race, Moore released this statement tonight:

‘Many reports speculated today that I will be running for Congress in Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District. It is true that I have been asked by many hard working Kansans to go to Congress to build consensus and find solutions to the challenges facing our country.  As a nurse, I never think about if the patient is a Democrat or Republican, the goal is to find a cure – we need more people who share this value in Congress. My dedication to public service is as strong now as ever, and it is my plan to continue speaking with my family and friends over the coming days about this possibility.  I will make a formal announcement when I reach my decision.’

 So there you go.

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(Via KansasCity.com Prime Buzz - Today's political intelligence and insight.)

JoCo’s ‘Buses on the Shoulders’ Advances

JoCo’s ‘Buses on the Shoulders’ Advances: "

A measure that would permit Johnson County transit buses to travel on the shoulders if I-35   is advancing.

The measure was passed easily by the House Transportation Committee in Topeka Monday.

the bill would permit Johnson County transit buses to travel on the shoulders of I-35 during the heaviest rush hour traffic. The bill  would permit that when  rush traffic speeds drop  to 35 mph or lower. Buses could use the shoulder and travel  up to 15 mph faster  than the  slow rush hour traffic. They would have to yield for exit and entrance ramps, disabled vehicles and emergency vehicles.

Johnson County lawmaker Ron Worley says he hopes the bill will get a  hearing on the floor of the House by the end of the week.

That’s known as ‘Turn-Around Day’ in the legislature. That’s the day that bills have to get out of its chamber of origination in order to have a real chance for passage.

‘Turn-Around Day’, according to Worely, could come Friday or Saturday, depending on how the house decides to work its calendar. There will be pressure to push as many bills as possible  through the House and over to the State Senate by the end of the week.

(Via 20 Pounds Of Headlines.)

Charlotte O'Hara in Kansas 3rd District GOP race

Charlotte OHara says she is running for the Republican nomination for the 3rd district House seat Rep. Dennis Moore is leaving.

‘President Obama has clearly shown us what happens to our economy when Washington is run by people with no real world experience creating jobs and growing our economy,' she said in her statement announcing the campaign. 'I have hands-on experience creating jobs and opportunities for the people of our district, and that skill set is desperately needed in Washington, D.C.’

OHara is considered a conservative candidate although she did cross swords with Phill Kline when he sought the nod as the Joco D.A.

(Via KansasCity.com Prime Buzz - Today's political intelligence and insight.)

Could lawsuit jeopardize stimulus money for Gardner rail hub?

The lawsuit probably couldn’t have come at a worse time for BNSF Railway.

The federal government is getting close to announcing whether BNSF will get $50 million in federal stimulus money to start building a massive rail hub in Johnson County.

The project has to be ‘shovel ready’ to get the money, but its environmental permit is the target of a lawsuit, which could delay one of the area’s biggest development projects.

The state and BNSF believe the rail hub is ready to go since there’s been no court ruling affecting the project. Critics, meanwhile, question whether the project could be ready since its environmental permit is being challenged.

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(Via KansasCity.com Prime Buzz - Today's political intelligence and insight.)

National Journal Assement of Ks3

The National Journal has a list out of the 25 Congressional seats mostly likely to flip in 2010.  Dennis Moore’s Ks3 seat makes the number 5 slot.

‘5. Kansas-03 Open Seat (D) (-)

Rep. Dennis Moore (D) announced his retirement in late November, and months later, we’re still waiting for a Democratic candidate to emerge. Several strong Republicans, including ‘08 nominee Nick Jordan and state Rep. Kevin Yoder, jumped at the chance to run in the open seat. This is not unfriendly territory for Dems: President Obama took advantage of black turnout in Kansas City, as well as support in KU-dominated Douglas Co., to win 51 percent here in ‘08. Kansas City, Kan. Mayor Joe Reardon (D) is considering a bid, but is he the best candidate? The key to Moore’s longevity was that he could be competitive in the suburbs (his home base), while racking up large margins in the city. A suburban candidate would be ideal, but Dems can’t afford to be picky at this point.’

(Via 20 Pounds Of Headlines.)

Region $10.8 billion short of meeting transportation needs

Region $10.8 billion short of meeting transportation needs:

 The Kansas City area has $21.5 billion in transportaton needs during the next 30 years and is about $10 billion short of picking up the tab.

The numbers were assembled by regional planners at the Mid-America Regional Council, which is putting together new 30-year transportation plan through 2040.

 The plan is more than just an academic exercise. Its part of a federal planning requirement that lays the groundwork for what might eventually get funded as federal dollars come into the region.

Planners estimated that the regions top transportation priority -- maintenance and upkeep of what we have -- will cost $12.6 billion  over the next 30 years.

In terms of projects -- your I-70s, your K-10s,   your bus rapid transit lines and your bike trails -- the regions needs total $19.2 billion, including 170 projects in Kansas and 226 in Missouri.

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(Via KansasCity.com Prime Buzz - Today's political intelligence and insight.)

Kan. House vacancy filled

Kan. House vacancy filled:

Two Kansas House seats from the state's northeast corner are changing hands.

The Kansas City Star reported on a blog Wednesday that Republicans in Johnson County have chosen retired Mission Hills doctor Barbara Bollier to fill a seat there.

Bollier replaces Republican Terrie Huntington of Fairway, who has been appointed to fill a vacancy in the state Senate.

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(Via Topeka Capital-Journal - Legislature.)

Kansas: "We're going to have to do the tough thing and cut schools."

"We're going to have to do the tough thing and cut schools.": "

OVERLAND PARK | Johnson County Republicans gathered today to get a peak at the coming legislative session and the budget crisis that awaits. 

While most of the news regarding the state’s budget crisis is grim, lawmakers told party members that the budget problems pose a chance to make government run more effectively and to investigate new tax proposals like a fair tax or flat tax.

‘This session is a golden opportunity,’ said Rep.  Kevin Yoder, an Overland Park Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee. ‘…We have a golden opportunity this session to make government run better on less money.’

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(Via KansasCity.com Prime Buzz - Today's political intelligence and insight.)

Yoder Is In!

State Representative Kevin Yoder is jumping into the GOP primary in the Kansas 3rd District.

Democratic Congressman Dennis Moore is retiring in 2010.

Yoder describes himself as a moderate Republican.

Also in the race is former state representative Patricia Lightner and former Ks State Senator Nick Jordan. He ran against Moore in 2008.

Several others are still considering their options. No Democrats have stepped forward, yet.

Yoder is the chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. He made it clear he would stress that in the race.

‘Having led the fight in Topeka to reign in government spending, we are now prepared to take this battle to Washington,’ Yoder said. Yoder is his 4th term in the state legislature.

He represents portions of Overland Park and Leawood (Ks 20th). He is an Olathe attorney.

(Via 20 Pounds Of Headlines.)

South Johnson County Road Binge Would Overwhelm Blue River Watershed ...

South Johnson County Road Binge Would Overwhelm Blue River Watershed ...: "

KCTribune.com

A five-county study of the Kansas City metro area in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Transportation projects a need for some sort of east-west connector.
See all stories on this topic "

(Via user/05052837158869224534/state/com.google/alerts/9940136252291779396.)