Friday, May 8th, 2009

By J.R. Claeys

Planning a tour of the state usually involves making the most of the miles being put on the campaign car. Choosing locations in sequence and making sure that events line up. For instance, the tour on I-70 started in Salina and ended in Goodland with several stops in between. But once-in-a-while, the stars align. This week I'm in Wichita, meeting with supporters and attending events like the Sedgwick County Young Republicans Legislative Reception. The week also happens to line up with the Wichita River Festival and the line of vendors who I'll be visiting for lunch on a daily basis. Just today we stopped in for burritos and gyros and my favorite, the roasted pecans.

I could go on about the food at the festival, but after a week in Wichita there is something I've learned that I want to share with you. The one thing that impresses me more than anything about the Sedgwick County Young Republicans. They show up. The first time I met the group wasn't anywhere near Sedgwick County. It was 160 miles away where they attended the state Young Republican's convention. Fully one-third of the room was SCYR's.

I know as Republicans we'll be the party in power soon enough. I have complete faith in that prediction because I've seen the commitment and the energy of the grassroots of our party firsthand. We will win because our ideas are right for America and our people are willing to take the Republican message of limited government, job growth, and free and fair elections to the front porch of every voter in the state.

When it comes time to fight for the future of our state, there is no doubt that these Republicans will show up.