Emporia businessman Steve Corbin is hosting the Democratic candidate for governor at Bruffs tonight from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Tom Holland is in a David-and-Golliath battle against U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback for the governor’s office. If you are not familiar with Holland here is your chance to meet him.
Holland is from Baldwin City, where he has run a small business for 16 years. He has also served in the Kansas Legislature since 2003. Despite being an unkown, he has picked up an endorsement from the KNEA.
Holland stopped into the paper recently to meet with The Gazette’s editorial board.
He predicted that, although being an unknown, it will be a close race by election time. Holland did not share much depth about his vision for the state nor could we find much in-depth information on his website.
But he did seem knowledgeable about what he didn’t like about his opponent. It’s easy to point faults at a candidate that has served the state for as many years as Brownback has.
As the campaign continues, we look forward to hearing Holland speak less about Brownback and more about his own plans for Kansas.
Tonight is your chance to meet Holland and form your own impression.
Chris Walker
Editor & Publisher
jamesbordonaro (James Bordonaro) says...
While Mr. Holland may have be tight lipped about his platform in his interview with the Gazette, I disagree that his website is similary silent on his plans for Kansas' future. As soon as I read this story I went to Google and found his website- tomhollandforkansas.com- and looked under the issues tab. There, he discusses his belief that oil and gas are the "bedrock" of Kansas energy employment but also acknowledges that Kansas will benefit from continued investment in "green jobs" (such as have been created recently in Hutchinson and Newton) by addressing the potential for wind energy. I expect a bit more fairness and balance from the Gazette.
September 20, 2010 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
http://www.kencannon.net/
http://kansasproud.com/
The Democrats and the Republicans are both Goliaths and have both been "giant" problems for us for years. If you want to learn about a couple of "Davids" check out the links above.
September 20, 2010 at 1:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
We had tea for tea-partiers.
We had coffee for the coffee partiers.
Some good cookies for everyone.
Jeff O'dell was there from KVOE.
Didn't notice anyone from the Gazette there, but then they are all new reporters and I don't know them by sight.
A fair mix of republicans and democrats got a chance to meet Tom Holland.
All in all , I think it was a good get together.
September 20, 2010 at 9:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
busybody (anonymous) says...
Thanks for putting that outing together, Steve. It was a good meet and greet. I would have liked more specifics about Tom's plans for Kansas but believe his heart is in the right place. And best of all - he is better than Brownback - that man is too scary ! ! !
September 20, 2010 at 10:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Let's not forget that going from bad to worse is change. Wake up my fellows veterans!!! At the next election let's vote out every incumbent Republican and Democrat. They have morgaged our future for their Wall Street friends. It's time to run them out of office. YES WE CAN!!! I'm with you Steve and I don't mean Sauder.
September 21, 2010 at 1:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I agree.....It was a nice gathering and he seems very down to earth in his thoughts and actions. It was nice to hear a politician talk to you not just moralize.
He seemed....dare I say it......like the kinda guy you would like to have a beer with.
He kept old biscuit up about three hours past his bedtime......and that is doing something.
September 21, 2010 at 3:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Senator Holland said something last night which you don't hear too often today.
He gave praise to a fellow moderate, (but opposite party) in the legislature, DON HILL.
He didn't tow the party line, rather he made the case for moderation in politics, something which is sorely missing in my opinion.
There was a fair amount of Brownback bashing, and I asked him about it later, (mentioning Mr. Walkers piece in last nights paper).
i can't quote him verbatim, but if you don't agree with your opponents positions and past actions, and you point them out, is it really bashing?
Or are you just pointing out the general differences in attitude between you and your opponent?
September 21, 2010 at 6:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Though Holland, like most politicians, was a little short on details, I was impressed with the emphasis he placed on education.
His emphasis was aimed at finding ways to keep developing quality education rather than just looking for ways to cut cost by dumping the burden back on local taxpayers. I am also impressed with his recognition that even at its best....oil is a resource in decline....making the development of alternate fuels a necessity for moving into the future.
September 21, 2010 at 7:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
To those who may be scratching their heads.....the point about energy was not discussed at last night's meeting. It is however a theme in his campaign literature.
September 21, 2010 at 7:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Steve,nice get together. Im sure if he has access to money he will go hard against Brownback.I agree Hill has a long way to go be a conserv republican. In fact, The dems really dont need to run anyone against Hill.
September 21, 2010 at 12:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )