Wasinger MIA at main conservative event

Apparently conservatives aren't as divided as everyone thought.

An email to hhkansas@gmail.com today said that Jerry Moran, Todd Tiahrt, Sam Brownback, and Tim Huelskamp were all in attendance at the KRA Banquet Friday night. Wasinger was no where to be found.

Well, here's the whole email:

Just thought you'd like to know Wasinger was no where to be found at the KRA Banquet last night. Moran, Tiahrt, Brownback and Huelskamp were there and spoke. Nearly everyone had a Huelskamp sticker on. It won't be official for a while, but nobody I saw had a Wasinger sticker and no one I talked to really even knew who he was. Also, when they called Moran to speak, he was out of the building. Whoops!

Also of note, it looks like the Wasinger campaign has found a blogger of their own. You can visit it at kansas01.blogspot.com if you haven't already found it from several anonymous comments left here promoting the site.

The latest story is that Wasinger got a lot of checks from Kansans at Kansas Days. Unfortunately, his campaign finance report tells a very different story.

Wasinger raises 3.4% from Kansas, nothing from 1st district - Huelskamp 95.6% from Kansas, 62% from 1st district

In what can only be described as expected, Rob Wasinger raised just under 3.4% of total itemized contributions from within Kansas.

What is somewhat unexpected is his inability to itemize a single contributor from within the district he hopes to represent.

As the charts above demonstrate, Huelskamp is the clear winner in raising funds where it matters.

A state to state analysis shows Virginia to be the #1 battleground for fund raising with the Wasinger campaign. Just over 25% of total itemized contributions come from Wasinger's current home state. Second is New York at 18.5% and "home" to our new Secretary of State and, I might add, one of the best carpetbaggers around. Third is Wasinger's old stomping ground and home to the first gay marriages performed in the US, Massachusetts. Just over 14% raised there.

Kansas came in #7 with a mere 3.4% of total itemized contributions. Three contributors accounted for the Kansas slice, two from the second congressional district and the third from Wichita.

It's rather inexplicable how a candidate for Congress is unable to find a single large donor from within his "home territory" while the frontrunner is able to gain over 60% of his itemized contributions from within his home district, and over 95% from within Kansas.

Huelskamp reported more un-itemized contributions than Wasinger. I can only speculate that the vast majority of those came from hard working Kansans who gave what they could while itemized reports would seem to indicate Wasinger's came from out-of-state.

Barker raised just over $26,000 and only has $2,200 on hand, which combined with his business in bankruptcy and poor personal voting record, effectively eliminates him from the race.

It's also interesting to note that with all the star power Wasinger supposedly has that he was only able to raise $26,000 more than Huelskamp by going nearly exclusively to old friends in Virginia, New York and Massachusetts. Meanwhile Huelskamp stayed competitive with over 95% of contributions from Kansas.

It seems voters in the first district are voting with their wallets so far. It will be interesting to see if Washington insider cash will influence decision makers here in Kansas in the coming months. With the connections Wasinger has, it's certainly surprising he wasn't able to raise twice as much.

On the other hand, the numbers highlight the most difficult problem for the Wasinger campaign... they just don't know anybody in the first district.

It's official, Washington insiders think Kansans should vote for Wasinger

Can somebody send Wassy a memo...if you want to win an election in Kansas, it really helps if you know people, well, who are in Kansas.

Of course, I'm referring to the Fred Thompson endorsement Wasinger has posted on his website. It's supposed to be a big deal I guess (heck, I like Fred as much as the next guy, even though he has about as much liveliness as my 90 year old grandmother on a Monday night). But, I'm still waiting for somebody who's at least been to Kansas to come out and say they support Wasinger.

Is it too much to ask that the guy get local support? Is it that hard for you Rob?

Look, we all know you've been in Washington for years. We're aware you know the good ol' boy network. We know you're in good with people that have never been to Kansas and have no plans to ever come here. But at some point man, you're gonna have to come to Kansas and meet the people who actually live in the district you want to represent.

I understand this can be hard. After all, it was just back in March that you were on the steering committee for 'Mr. Moderate' John McCain's campaign to win the catholic vote.

Oh, and what local did Wassy list as his home? Was it Hays? Not! Virginia, of course!!!

But really, I'm just enthralled at you're ability to get people who endorsed Sam Brownback for President to endorse you for Congress (except Fred because, well, Rob had already run the Brownback ship ashore before Fred finally called it quits.)

Oh wait, what's that? People who endorsed Brownback are now endorsing the guy who ran his campaign? Gee, isn't that neat? Should we all be impressed you know how to use a Rolodex and welsh off your old boss?

Or rather, maybe the question should be why haven't other Brownback supporters made similar endorsements? Like Michael W. Smith, Tom Managhan and Stephen Baldwin? Or should we ask why King removed her support? Or why none of these "endorsements" can be found on your website?

Here, I'll help you out with a new campaign slogan:

Wassinger
The DC insider that Washington elites think Kansans should vote for.

FEC reports are due tomorrow. Can't wait to see how much of that $100,000 plus Wasinger claims to have raised came from within Kansas.

I can't take it anymore...Why Barker will never win a primary

I simply can't take it anymore. Even though the batty Barker people have decided to stop their illogical posting about how wonderful he is, I've pretty much decided that the real reason he doesn't have a chance needs to come out.

Simply put... Republican primary voters won't vote for a guy who's never gone to the trouble of voting in a primary election himself.

That's right my friend, Mr. Tim "Think I'll run for Congress today" Barker has never voted in a primary election, Democrat, Republican or otherwise.

Of course, it would have been very difficult for him to vote in a Republican primary election since he just changed his registration from Democrat to Republican on August 15, a couple weeks after our most recent primary.

Still, there were competitive races among Democrats, like Jones and professional lobbyist Jim Slattery for who would get beat down by Pat Roberts. I guess Tim just didn't care...

Is it too much to ask that the guy who wants to represent Kansans in Congress bother to vote himself? He's 30 years old, it's not like he hasn't had the opportunity to get it done. According to the Secretary of State's website, he's even figured the last two times (of four???) that he can vote absentee. Why couldn't you get it done this August Tim?

Primary voters are the most reliable kind of voter. They believe it's a responsibility to vote, not just a right. They tend to come from the ends of the political spectrum versus the "middle."

Further, only Republicans can vote in the primary for Republican candidates so things didn't look too good for Barker to begin with. Tell them the guy they may be casting their vote for has never bothered to vote in a primary election himself... well... I don't think they'll look kindly on the situation.

So whine on batty Barker people. Say what you want, but when it comes down to it, Republican primary voters simply won't vote for a guy who doesn't care enough to vote in a primary himself!

Concerned Women of America PAC goes with Huelskamp

When it comes to tangible pro-life endorsements that translate into votes rather than anonymous blog comments, Tim Huelskamp seems to be way ahead (although he gets a lot of anonymous comments too.)

Concerned Women of America PAC today endorsed Tim Huelskamp for Congress over Rob Wasinger of Virginia/Washington/Boston..........and Hays (kind of sort of not really), and no name "Think I'll run for Congress today" Tim Barker.

Now, for Wasinger supporter(s) [in parenthesis because I'm not quite sure there's more than one yet], this is what a real endorsement looks like:

"Tim was already well known to Concerned Women PAC long before he decided to run for Congress. Not only has Senator Huelskamp been a solid vote on pro-life and pro-family issues, he has been a leader," said Beverly LaHaye, Founder and Chairman of Concerned Women PAC.

Unlike with individuals, there's more that figures into an endorsement than just knowing a guy when organizations are concerned.

They look at, oh, I don't know, a voting record, which no other candidate has in this race. They look at leadership...not the "behind the scenes have nothing to loose" kind of leadership, but the up front, in the public eye, actually accomplished something kind of leadership that, again, no other candidate has in this race besides frontrunner Tim Huelskamp.

LaHaye continued:

"This is exactly the type of candidate we look for; Tim's a proven legislator who led the effort to pass a marriage amendment in his state, and has shown time and time again that he will do whatever it takes to protect the unborn. What touched my heart the most about Tim however was his personal story. He has lived in the first district all his life, as a farmer, a legislator and a good husband to his wife Angela and four adopted children. I couldn't be more pleased to endorse Tim Huelskamp for Congress."

So while it's interesting to read individual testimonials posted here anonymously from people who have never been to Kansas, not gonna come to Kansas and probably wouldn't even like to look at photographs of Kansas, it's really more pertinent and refreshing to hear that the organizations and people who will actually influence voters in the first district have already decided who has the record and leadership capabilities to get their support.

You can read the full press release below.

Washington, D.C. - Concerned Women Political Action Committee (CWPAC) announced its endorsement of Kansas State Senator Tim Huelskamp in his campaign for Congress in Kansas First District.

Concerned Women PAC is affiliated with Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, the nation's largest public policy women's organization with more than 500,000 grassroots members nationwide.

The First Congressional district became an open seat when current Congressman Jerry Moran announced he would be running for the U.S. Senate in 2010 for the open seat created by pro-life Senator Sam Brownback, who is running for Governor.

"Tim was already well known to Concerned Women PAC long before he decided to run for Congress. Not only has Senator Huelskamp been a solid vote on pro-life and pro-family issues, he has been a leader," said Beverly LaHaye, Founder and Chairman of Concerned Women PAC. "This is exactly the type of candidate we look for; Tim's a proven legislator who led the effort to pass a marriage amendment in his state, and has shown time and time again that he will do whatever it takes to protect the unborn. What touched my heart the most about Tim however was his personal story. He has lived in the first district all his life, as a farmer, a legislator and a good husband to his wife Angela and four adopted children. I couldn't be more pleased to endorse Tim Huelskamp for Congress."

Concerned Women Political Action Committee was started in 2002 to help elect solid pro-family, pro-life conservatives to Congress. Concerned Women PAC sends out a monthly letter to members encouraging them to financially support candidates like Kansas State Senator Tim Huelskamp. For more information on this race, please contact Mike Mears at 202-408-4941.

Got proof?

Did a quick check of the Wasinger website just now. I'm still not seeing all those pro-life endorsements. What's up Rob? Why hide? I'm sure Kansans are just waiting for people who have never been to Kansas to tell them how to vote.

Got proof? Email hhkansas@gmail.com

Been there, done that

I was checking out Rob's website this evening to see if he had been able to produce anymore photo's of himself (none so far), when instead I was greeted with this headline: "Rob first to sign Taxpayer Protection Pledge"

Now, I'm not the hottest french fry in the happy meal, but this struck me as rather odd considering Sen. Huelskamp has been in office since January of 1997 and has voted on countless budgets, tax increases and cuts.

How disingenuous, no, I'm sorry, how deceitful of Mr. Wasinger to say that he is the first to sign the taxpayer pledge knowing that not only did Sen. Huelskamp sign a taxpayer pledge when taking office, but being fully aware of all he has done for the hardworking taxpayers of Kansas. And how did Rob vote? Oh, that's right, he has no record!

So not only was Sen. Huelskamp the absolute first to sign a pledge to protect the Kansas taxpayer (unlike the lie Mr. Wasinger is peddling on his website), he's met and exceeded the expectations of voters.

Sen. Huelskamp scored a 100% during the 2008 legislative session with the Kansas Taxpayers Network and has a lifetime rating of 98.1%, the highest of any state Senator! And Mr. Wasinger's rating? Oh, that's right, he has no record!

So while Rob may think voters will find it impressive he can sign his name on a piece of paper, I have complete faith knowing that Republican voters know the difference between wannabe's and the real deal.

PS - In fairness to those rabid Barker people who seem to think a former Democrat is the same thing as a lifelong conservative Republican like Pat Roberts, he also has no record, other than being a Democrat for years.

PSS - Many thanks to Dirt Diver Kansas for the photo. I'm just a little upset I didn't think of it first.

Kansas Jackass: The besty of the lefty, straight from my parents basement

Well, I've been graced with criticism from a Democrat. I'm shocked. (Cue the sarcasm.)

Of course, those in the know are aware that Kansas Jackass is a hold over from Boyda Bloc. The author is rather liberal in their views. I know, it's shocking they're (oh, wait, WERE) a Boyda supporter because she was...you know...so moderate.

In any case, I admit I enjoy reading our liberal 'friends' blog, which is updated several times throughout the day. Hey! Don't judge me, even conservatives have a sense of humor. And what better to laugh at than a liberal who's hero just lost re-election?

But unfortunately, I simply can't compete.

My liberal friend is able to update their blog several times a day. And I don't blame them. If I had the benefit of some hijacked WiFi, an unemployment check and my parents basement, I'd write something here 3 million times a day too.

But alas, I work for a living. And I go to school. So, I simply won't be able to compete.

In any case, please keep on truckin' KJ. Even though I may fail, I'll still do my best to give you ample material. (Lynn Jenkins, Lynn Jenkins, Lynn Jenkins, Lynn Jenkins, Lynn Jenkins...now go KJ, go and write like the wind!!!)

Hutch News nails Wasinger, Barker

I couldn't help but laugh out loud as I scanned the headline.

"Pair vying for Moran seat must boost ties" the headline proclaimed.

Uhhh, yea think McFly?

Well, apparently one out of the "pair" doesn't.

Wasinger pointed out that Kansas has a history of sending people to Congress who have gained experience on Capitol Hill and then have run for office. He cited the example of U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan, who was an aide before representing the 1st Congressional District.

Okay, wait, just hold up a second. So, Rob, you're telling me that Pat Roberts played musical chairs with his voter registration right up to the time he filed to run for office? And that voters were okay with that?

How about we try putting some truth on, hmmmm? I know that'd be a change for you. Roberts has always been a life long Kansan and traveled back whenever possible.

Now, let's take a look at you. You've traveled back long enough to register to vote in Hays, at your aunt's house, who, by the way, just happens to be a Democrat. But you didn't bother to bring along your wife and nine kids?

I've always been told home is where the heart is. Is your heart in Washington Rob or in Kansas? Or is it in Kansas just long enough to get a meal ticket back to Washington where it'll reside permanently?

As much as I enjoyed that, I think my favorite part was this:

Barker, 30, of Pratt, was a registered Democrat before switching parties on Aug. 15, four months before his campaign filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission.

Oh come on. Is this guy serious? Sometimes I look at politicians and wonder if they just woke up one day and said, "You know, I think I'll run for office!" But I actually think that's what this guy did!

Okay, okay, to be fair, the guy saw the light and became a Republican. I've got to give him credit for that. But to then turn around and decide to run for Congress in the big first district? Oh come on! And as much as it blew me away that a reporter actually did Research (with a capital R), the guy got off easy. (More on that later.)

Let's face it, in a general election, being a Republican isn't going to win you the election. But in a primary? Well, it does help a little.

And before Wasinger and Barker start whining, let's point out that Huelskamp got mentioned once, at the very end, with nothing about his ties to Kansas (which when compared to Wasinger and Barker would be like comparing the "M" volume of the encyclopedia to a Dr. Seuss book.)

562 days til primary election day. I can't wait!

Wasinger takes a bow?

Dirt Diver, a relatively new Kansas blog, has a short rumor posted that Rob Wasinger is considering greener pastures already after not getting much traction against frontrunner Tim Huelskamp.

Apparently Wasinger doesn't agree. He most vividly signed his name to a comment where he called the author an "idiot" then followed up by suggesting he was working for Huelskamp.

You mean like how the now defunct Kansas Republican blog hounded Huelskamp for nothing time after time? Because you weren't behind that, were you Wasinger?

I have to question any candidate for Congress who would use such language, even in the online realm against an anonymous person. Not to mention it's probably true.

Wasinger has not gotten any traction and won't as the election nears because everyone is asking themselves, "Why vote for an unknown with no voting record when I can vote for the real deal with 12 years of history standing for conservative values?"

That's why Wasinger is in trouble.

To add a little fuel to the fire, it seems Wasinger has played 'musical campaign' before. A 2001 IRS 8871 form shows a 527 political organization formed with the name "Wasinger for Treasurer." I guess Rob wanted the Treasurer's spot just a few years ago.

Too bad for Rob that it never went anywhere. The 527 formed but no donations were ever reported. Now, it could be he took the money and ran, but after his faltering in the KS-01 race, it seems more likely nobody wanted to fork over any cash.

What is more concerning is that a Marilyn Wasinger is listed as Secretary and gives a Hays address for contact information. But voter registration records show the Marilyn Wasinger at that Hays address is a registered Democrat and most recently voted in the August 2008 primary.

It's one thing to be a Democrat, but when you vote in the primary...man...you are a DE-MO-CRAT!

I'm sure that Rob and Marilyn are related, which explains why Rob has a Democrat taking care of his money (or lack thereof.)

But if you want to run on a conservative platform in the big First District, wouldn't it seem appropriate to have, say, I don't know, a REPUBLICAN be your 527 treasurer rather than, you know, a DEMOCRAT?

It's clear what has happened here. Back in '01, Rob thought there would be an open Treasurer's spot and got all hyped up and formed a 527. But back then, it wasn't so hip to be conservative. So, having a Democrat as treasurer wasn't something to question.

But now it's 2009 and conservatives are getting ready to clean up. And if Rob wants to have a job after Brownback wins the governor's race, he's got to move quite a bit to the right.

Again, this is why Huelskamp will get the nod. Why waste time with a guy who just talks when I can vote for a guy that's walked the walk for 12 years?