Jim Barnett, Senator for the 17th District in Kansas announced today that he will step aside from his Kansas Senate Seat.
This will be effective on Oct. 1.
"Sen. Barnett has served in the Kansas Senate for the past 10 years," a press release stated. "Prior to that elected office, he served on the Emporia Board of Education for eight years."
The press release also stated that within 21 days, the Republican Central Committee for the 17th District will hold a convention to select the new 17th District Senator.
"Barnett will announce his future plans within the coming week," the press release stated.
bobhornet (anonymous) says...
This is good news for the citizens of the 17th District who need and deserve active leadership and a voice for their concerns.
September 8, 2010 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
castaway (anonymous) says...
Why is he stepping down. It doesn't say. Was this expected? Is there something we don't know about going on?
September 8, 2010 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
snow (anonymous) says...
Thank you, Dr. Barnett, for your dedicated service. It would have been a lot easier to stay home and play golf or something else, and most of us know the good job you have done for the area.
September 8, 2010 at 3:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
ohhh , who will we get to replace Jim, My bet is Don Hill.
September 8, 2010 at 4:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Not my choice.
September 8, 2010 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
This is my wild guess--He is going to go to work for Kathleen Sebelius.
September 8, 2010 at 5:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hometownkid (anonymous) says...
Party time !!! This might be the best news I have heard all year...well outside of him losing....no this is better !! I am so suprised he is going to start working in topeka. He used to talk so much trash on the people he is going to work for. Just like the jim I know. Two faced !! Oh, red dog it's cotton O'neil I believe
September 8, 2010 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Cant say I care one way or the other. Never been that impressed with the Dr.
September 8, 2010 at 6:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I think more might become apparent when we learn who replaces him.
September 8, 2010 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blulitespecial (anonymous) says...
reddog-That's a quite a "guess"! It wouldn't surprise me at all.
September 8, 2010 at 6:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Quack (anonymous) says...
Guessing, work for medical group like Stormont-Vail in Topeka. Teresa Walters will be appointed to replace him so she has the seat at the next election.
September 8, 2010 at 7:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
busybody (anonymous) says...
He should be ashamed of himself. After all of his big talk about choosing to be a politician and wanting to improve the state of Kansas and he doesn't even respect the citizens of his district enough to finish his term. I cannot believe he has lowered himself to this kind of behavior.
September 8, 2010 at 9:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
Maybe it's the new "Palin Strategy".... have a book written and go on speaking tour.
September 8, 2010 at 9:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Quack--That was my point too, Although I didn't have Theresa Walters in mind. I see this early retirement as an attempt to pave the way for his successor
September 9, 2010 at 4:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
As the good doctor had quit his practice in Emporia to run in the last election, he wasn't successful. Hence the need to go back to work, the State senate job doesn't pay that much.
The 17th districts largest town is Emporia so it seems looking at Topeka, (or Kansas City) were his only options. My bet is Topeka.
But if he takes a job there you would all be screaming that he isn't representing you while living out of our district.
So his resignation makes sense.
If the 17th fistrict republican central committee picks Theresa Walters for his replacement ,(as Quack said), they are in for a sh-t storm of angry voters.
JMO
September 9, 2010 at 6:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Ain't that the truth!
September 9, 2010 at 7:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
driveonby (anonymous) says...
Walters? WALTERS? The biggest pharma grant sponge in Emporia. The pseudo "scientist" roaming the bars with the tube hanging from her purse? Oh NO, Say it isn't SO? We do NOT need another bought off with nicotine replacement money person in the Kansas government. We are over the limit now!
September 9, 2010 at 7:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
I agree , no to Hill OR Walters.Put Lowther or Stone in for the term,then let the voters decide.
September 9, 2010 at 8:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
driveonby (anonymous) says...
STEVE CORBIN FOR SENATE!!!!! And Barnett has owned a home in Kansas City for some time. Does he have one in Topeka too?
September 9, 2010 at 8:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I would be happy with Mr. Lowther or Stone.
Don Hill just got re-elected as our representative, let's leave him there for his full term.
September 9, 2010 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rhinodawg1969 (anonymous) says...
Thresa Walters house is up for sale. Is she moving to Topeka also???
September 9, 2010 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
probably just downsizing. Couldn't afford the taxes?
September 9, 2010 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
September 9, 2010 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TexasGirl (anonymous) says...
Good one, Steve!
September 9, 2010 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
driveonby (anonymous) says...
She delivered small businesses to her grant masters at nicotine replacement so watch for her next move. I am purely guessing that she will get a cushy job with either the Cancer Society or Tobacco Free Kansas, both grant funded by nicotine replacement.
Did you REALLY think she gave a rat's patoot about your health or the County tax payers?? PSHAW! Grant said to beg, borrow, or steal to get the ban, and she delivered on all counts.
September 9, 2010 at 12:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hometownkid (anonymous) says...
yes barnett owns a house in kansas city that is where is wife lives and works. I wonder why he said he stood for family values but him and his wife live in seprate towns??? HHMMM I hope the people of emporia realize him for what he is.
September 9, 2010 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
hey, kuhn, you reading this stuff about your boy??
September 9, 2010 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
The man is leaving public service.
We need to cut him some slack.
September 9, 2010 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
I can't remember the last time I had to "step down" from a seat. Is the seat really tall or is Barnett just really short?
'enry
September 9, 2010 at 4:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
food4thought (anonymous) says...
The big news is he is going to work for Cotton O'Neil in Topeka. He signed a no compete clause with IMA that he would not practice medicine within 50 miles of Emporia. So, he is going to work for the group that he disliked for so many years. He was always a better doctor than he ever was a politician. Good luck Dr Barnett and good luck IMA because this is going to hurt!!!
September 10, 2010 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gooseylucy (anonymous) says...
food4, What makes you think Dr Barnett was a better doctor than a politician? I don't think IMA is going to need good luck. I hear Dr Barnett's re-placment is doing a great job! Dr. Ponciano is a real breath of fresh air!!
September 10, 2010 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )