Monday, March 9th, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Scott Paradise
(913) 485-9266
Hi-Res Photo: Color | B&W
Topeka, Kans. -- J.R. Claeys defeated his Republican primary challenger for Kansas Secretary of State in the first Republican Straw Poll of the 2010 election. Claeys earned 61.7% of the vote compared to just 38.3% for Kris Kobach.

"I appreciate all the Kansas GOP activists who participated in the poll," said Claeys. "We'll continue doing what we've been doing. Traveling the state, taking our message to the voters."

Stay Red Kansas conducted the poll of Republican activists over a three day period online. The official straw poll results were posted today on the Stay Red Kansas Blog.

"To those who voted for me, I will work hard to make you proud of your choice," said Claeys. "And to those who didn't, I will spend the next 18 months earning your trust."

Claeys is a Salina native and former president of a national business association. Kobach is a professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Claeys arrives in El Salvador tomorrow to serve as an international elections observer for the presidential elections there on Sunday. Claeys is a certified international elections observer, running for the office that oversees Kansas elections.

Complete Straw Poll Results:

Secretary of State
- J.R. Claeys - 1360 - 61.7%
- Kris Kobach - 844 - 38.3%

U.S. Senate
- Congressman Jerry Moran - 1838 - 64.3%
- Congressman Todd Tiahrt - 1017 - 35.7%

Kansas Governor
- Senator Sam Brownback - 1439 - 62.3%
- S.O.S. Ron Thornburgh - 871 - 37.7%


PHOTO: Official Campaign Photo (Hi-Res)

ABOUT J.R. CLAEYS
J.R. Claeys is a fifth-generation Kansan born and raised in Salina, Kans. He is seeking the Republican nomination for Kansas Secretary of State in the primary election on August 3, 2010. Claeys graduated from Kansas State University, worked as a fundraiser for the Repubican National Committee and served as CEO of a major national business organization. He is a longtime volunteer and serves as a certified international elections observer. Claeys currently lives in Salina and owns a small business that helps nonprofit organizations with their fundraising efforts. Continuing his commitment to Republican causes, Claeys serves on the executive board of the Kansas Young Republicans. For more information, visit www.JRClaeys.com.