Update: Attorney General will issue opinion on open meetings law, according to Flint Hills Center

By Benjamin Hodge | 09/04/09

  According to Flint Hills Center for Public Policy President Dave Trabert, Kansas Attorney General Steve Six has agreed to issue an opinion with regard to the questions asked of Six by a bi-partisan coalition of four legislators, who issued a letter to the Attorney General about the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  See the previous Red County post for more information.  Their letter was given to AG Six two weeks ago.   Six is... read more »

Bi-partisan legislative coalition representing five counties goes to Kansas Attorney General Steve Six

By Benjamin Hodge | 09/04/09

WIBW (CBS) in Topeka covers the story:  "Rep. Anthony Brown, R-Eudora, says he's concerned elected officials are saying they're meeting behind closed doors on personnel issues, when they're really hashing out budget decisions." Rep. Brown sent out the following press release: For Immediate Release September 2, 2009 For Information Contact Representative Anthony Brown 785/542-2293 Representative Brown Asks AG for Open Meeting... read more »

Some thoughts on the health care debate

By Benjamin Hodge | 09/01/09

  Some examples and thoughts about the health care debate that I hope you find helpful: One: This afternoon, former US House Speaker Dennis Hastert addressed an audience in Overland Park, KS, on behalf of Congressman Todd Tiahrt.  Hastert mentioned that he had once asked Congressman John Shadegg to draft legislation that would lead to Americans being able to purchase health insurance across states. If a person from Kansas could have... read more »

Overland Park, Olathe Chambers of Commerce are OK with federal take-over of medical care

By Benjamin Hodge | 08/28/09

In what will likely come as a surprise to many small business owners in Johnson County, the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and the Olathe Chamber of Commerce refuse to take a position on ObamaCare.  The almost-entirely Democratic legislation, in its current form, will functionally result in the federal take-over of health care, which represents one-sixth of the national economy. The two local chambers of commerce frequently take... read more »

Kansas Third District: Patricia Lightner's new campaign video

By Benjamin Hodge | 08/20/09

Former Kansas State Rep. Patricia Lightner is a Republican challenger to Dennis Moore in 2010.  Her Web site is PatriciaLightner.com.   You can join her Facebook page here. Here's an introductory video.       Hodge is a delegate to the Kansas GOP, a former state representative, and a former board member at Johnson County Community College.  You can join Hodge’s efforts on... read more »

224 days later, we've paid for the cost of government

By Benjamin Hodge | 08/19/09

      I would like to share with you the following information from Americans for Tax Reform.  Click here to read a Washington Examiner Op-Ed by ATR's President Grover Norquist.     Thank you for your time, as always.     Sincerely,     Benjamin Hodge  Cost of Government Day: August 12, 2009     Every year, the Americans for... read more »

Compliments to Commissioner David Lindstrom

By Benjamin Hodge | 08/08/09

While the following may seem like a small deal to some readers, I still find it significant.  It is very difficult to find city, county, and school officials in Johnson County who are willing to question the dangerous group-think that exists within most local government bodies. Thursday, Commissioner David Lindstrom was willing to not only speak against the "conventional wisdom," but also make his objection known with his... read more »

Kris Kobach tonight on Colbert Report, tomorrow morning on Fox and Friends

By Benjamin Hodge | 08/05/09

Tonight, at 10:30 p.m. Central on Comedy Central,Kobach is a guest on The Colbert Report.  Tomorrow, at 7:15 a.m. Central, Kobach will be a gueston The Fox News Channel’s Fox and Friends.   Hodge is a delegate to the Kansas GOP, a former state representative, and a former board member at Johnson County Community College.  You can join Hodge’s efforts on Facebook, through his... read more »

Democrat Dennis Moore likely to get top-tier Republican challenger in Kansas Third Congressional District

By Benjamin Hodge | 08/04/09

There are at least four names out there, in terms of Republican challengers who might run a decent campaign against incumbent Democratic Congressman Dennis Moore. With no disrespect meant to the entire possible field of candidates, two of the names are particularly encouraging, in terms of a known ability to fundraise, gather a volunteer base, and run a good campaign. The Third Congressional District is typically a Republican-voting district.... read more »

#6 Reason: Why US Health Care is Better Than You've Heard

By Benjamin Hodge | 08/03/09

#6. Americans spend less time waiting for care than patients in Canada and the United Kingdom The following is from an essay on the health care debate by Dr. Scott Atlas, chief of neuroradiology at Stanford University Medical School and senior fellow at the Hoover Institute. Dr. Atlas lists 10 reasons why the US medical system is better than you've heard from pop culture: #6. Americans spend less time waiting for care than patients in... read more »