Sunday, June 1st, 2008

By J.R. Claeys

In March of this year I decided to campaign for the Republican nomination for Kansas Secretary of State. The Secretary of State has two primary responsibilities: to cut red tape for small business and run free and fair elections for our state. The position requires a diverse set of skills that include overseeing voter registration and fair elections as well as the registration of businesses and the fostering of a positive economic environment in our state. These are two things I've spent my career doing and with your help I'll continue to focus my energies on these goals.

As a CEO of a major national trade association, I spent years perfecting voter outreach and registration drives that included educating potential voters of their civic responsibilities to participate. I also dedicated my efforts on Capitol Hill toward fewer cumbersome regulations and less paperwork for small businesses.

As a lifelong Kansan I know that there is a lot of work to be done to keep our economy moving in the right direction. We need a Secretary of State who will be an advocate for growing our economy through small business growth and a relentless pursuit of jobs for our state. I am also dedicated to bringing a sense of civic responsibility to our classrooms. Attending Kansas schools, I have seen the benefits of teaching civic pride. By bringing this idea of responsibility to our classrooms we give students a purpose that will increase participation in elections and in civic groups that make our communities the envy of the world.

I'm running to be Kansas Secretary of State because I will be the best advocate for our state and for our communities. I look forward to introducing myself to you over the next several months and I am eager to earn your support.