Talking Out of Both Sides of Their Mouths

This morning an editorial ran in the Wichita Eagle that talked about how the Kansas Republican Party was moving away from the radical right wing fringe and back into the mainstream- that they were going to start talking about the issues that really mean something to the average Kansan.

If that were true, I’d offer congratulations to Chairman Kris Kobach and his executive minion Christian Morgan for finally realizing their brand of politics just wasn’t what the people of Kansas want (which, really, should have been obvious to them already, seeing as Mr. Kobach got smashed when he ran against for Congress Dennis Moore and Mr. Morgan ran Jim Barnett’s gubernatorial campaign straight into the ground, but, whatever).

However, it’s apparent the fluff piece they got in the Eagle wasn’t actually indicative of a new direction coming from the party, because just hours after it ran the KS GOP sent out an e-mail filled with more of the same right-wing radical spin we have all come to expect from the offices of Kobach and Morgan- this time extolling all the reasons we should all be “scared” of the leadership we’ve seen from Congresswoman Nancy Boyda.

Because, heck, real earmark reform and a minimum wage increase and ethics reform and cheaper prescription drugs and more money for veterans health care and implementing the 9-11 Commission recommendations and money for projects at Ft. Riley and Leavenworth and all sorts of other things all over eastern Kansas are all the kinds of things we should be horrified about. I know I am.

There isn’t anything to be scared of in Kansas outside of the though of sending either of the Republican candidates running in the 2nd Congressional District to Congress instead of Nancy Boyda- we can’t afford to let them turn back the clock on all the progress we’ve made.

Poll results clear: Ryun more pathetic than Jenkins

Thank you to everyone who has participated in both of the polls we've conducted here at BoydaBloc- we've been generally pleased with the number of folks taking time to click.

This week, you told us- resoundingly, that you found Jim Ryun's FEC report that showed he spend nearly every single dime of the $250K he raised this quarter significantly more depressing than the fact Lynn Jenkins raised nearly all of her money in Kansas- just not from people she'll ever represent in Congress (well, that's everyone she raised money from, because she isn't going to ever be in Congress, but we were talking specifically to the people who live outside the boundaries of the district).

Our sample size wasn't large and it certainly wasn't scientific, but the results of the poll are pretty clear nonetheless: a person who purports to be a fiscal conservative running for Congress burning through 87% of the money he raised should be the punchline of a bad joke- unfortunately for Jim Ryun- and fortunately for Nancy Boyda- that's exactly what it is.

(Also, earlier today we had our 1,000th page view- thanks so much for making us a success!)

Why is Congress's Approval Rating So Low? Answer: Republicans!

In an excellent blog post at Everyday Citizen, featured writer Brad Andrews says exactly what needs said about the current low approval ratings for Congress: it isn't that people disapprove of what the Democratic Leadership is trying to do (pass the minimum wage, reauthorize SCHIP, fight for life-saving cures and cheap live-saving medications, etc.), people disapprove of Republican obstructionism.

Why isn't Congress passing the quality, responsible legislation the American public demands? Because the Republicans in Congress have decided they don't care what the American people want- they are only interested in propping up a President's failed administration and failed domestic and foreign agenda. They're interested in playing politics instead of looking past partisanship toward commonsense solutions. They've forgotten the American people spoke with a clear voice in 2006: they want a new direction, the Republicans won't let that direction take hold.

Also, a quote from Mr. Andrews about his member of Congress, who happens to be Nancy Boyda:

"I'm proud my member of Congress is no longer Jim Ryun. I'm proud the voters of the 2nd Congressional District decided enough was enough and made sure we wouldn't have just another radical, out-of-touch enabler representing us. And I'm proud I'm represented now by Congresswoman Nancy Boyda, who, during her 11 months in office, has done more for me and my friends and family nationwide than Jim Ryun did in 10 years. I don't agree with her on everything she does (I'm sure there will be posts about that, just you wait), but she is 100 fold better than what we had. She most certainly isn't what I disapprove of in Congress."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

If You Can't Spin It, Just Lie

At the end of the day, blogging isn't an art, and most of the folk out there aren't in it to win any awards for investigative journalism, so why should we be surprised the folks at Stay Red Kansas today apparently said, "Oh, the heck with it, we'll throw out a full blown lie and pretend it's the truth!"

Seeing that the right-wing spin regarding Nancy Boyda's Kansas fundraiser featuring Speaker Nancy Pelosi isn't getting anyway (Kansans are smarter than the anti-Boyda blogs think), SRK decided to make it known that, actually, it ISN'T a Kansas fundraiser at all- that, actually, it's in Missouri and hosted by a liberal special interest group!

I'm sure Lyn Shaw and Dennis Langley (former Chairman of the Kansas Democratic Party) will be surprised to find their home had been moved across the state line and into Kansas City, Missouri- and, also, that they've turned there home into the headquarters of the Missouri ERA PAC.

We expect wacko posts from SRK- but this goes one step farther than their usual lunacy and into the realm of blatant lies. I'm sure they're hoping no one will call them on it- oops, we just did.

Boyda: Independent and They Know It

Just like my friends over at Blue Tide Rising predicted, though coming from one level higher than they guessed, the National Republican Congressional Committee has started frothing at the mouth over Speaker Nancy Pelosi's swing into Kansas to help Congresswoman Nancy Boyda raise money to beat back lying Republican spin.

The NRCC says this, clearly, means Nancy Boyda is no longer an "independent" voice for Kansas, and that's she's gone back on her word to the people of the state. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

First off, as to the fundraiser, like this blog has pointed out previously, it isn't going to be in Washington, DC or in New York City or San Francisco. No, it's going to be in Kansas, and it will be raising money from people right here- locally. Boyda's bringing in a big name to make people excited about coming, simple as that. Not one DIME of "Washington insider cash" will be raised in Kansas.

The only people who think Speaker Pelsoi flying in for a hour affects Congresswoman Boyda's independence are people who were pretty sure she wasn't already to being with.

We, however, know different. According to the Washington Post, Boyda does regularly vote against her leadership. On the other side of the coin, she votes with her leadership exactly as often as Rep. Todd Tiahrt does- something we should all expect because, in the end, we are all Democrats or Republicans for a reason.

The things the Democrats have done that Nancy has opposed are significant, however:

• Congresswoman Boyda voted against the Amnesty bill the Democrats tried to shove through the House- one of only Democrats to buck leadership and do so.

• Boyda voted against giving the District of Columbia a full seat in the House of Representatives (an almost certain additional Democratic vote) because she didn't feel the bill was Constitutional- again, one of the only Democrats to vote with the Republicans.

• Finally, Congresswoman Boyda voted to expand off-shore oil exploration, something opposed vehemently by the Democratic Party and most liberal special interest groups.

Three big examples of the undeniably clear independent streak in Congresswoman Nancy Boyda. The NRCC can say whatever they want, but people in Kansas are tired of this kind of politics and, in the end, it won't matter- Kansas knows the truth about Nancy.

Boyda helps recognize single dad for foster work

A heart warming story appeared in The Clay Center Dispatch on Oct. 25 about Stuart Griffiths, a foster parent who received the 2007 Angel in Adoption Award presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute for his work helping children in need.

Griffiths, who has fostered 32 children since he was in college, traveled to Washington, DC on Oct. 3 to accept the award, accompanied by Congresswoman Nancy Boyda.

She said the following in a press release, as printed by The Clay Center Dispatch:

"For over a decade now, Stuart has opened his home and his heart to children in need. His efforts and moving and truly inspiring and I'm pleased to have the chance to honor his caring work. Of course, no award can repay the efforts of caring men and women like Stuart, but I hope the recognition helps to express our nation's gratitude for their efforts."

This blog would like to echo the Congresswoman's statement, and congratulate Mr. Griffiths on his award!

Boyda brings in the big dogs

Seeing Congresswoman Nancy Boyda's seat as one of the most important to protect in the upcoming election, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will be the guest of honor at a fundraiser for her on November 9.

Events like these in Kansas, headlined by such famous faces, allow Nancy to continue to raise her money exactly the way she said she would: from Kansas donors.

(Also, please note, in the comments on the above blog post, none other then Christian Morgan, E.D. of the KS GOP took time out of his busy day to promise a "comment" from the party. Gee, Christian, perhaps if you spent less time posting on blogs you're party wouldn't be in such dire straits).

Bounce Boyda- spinning like a dervish

They say you shouldn't ever refer directly to you opponents, and that it's best to not draw attention to the other side in politics, but, hell, those rules are silly.

So, anyway, our friends on the right, Bounce Boyda (link on the left hand side of the page), posted a piece today called "Do Nothing Democrats" ripping the Democratic Party leadership for holding 1,000 roll call votes (a record) and only having 96 bills signed into law. They mention the Republicans had 482 bills signed into law in the 109th Congress.

Fair point. But, of course, we have a sly misdirect in talking about bills passed- 482 for an entire term of Congress, while the Democrats have only been in power for 11 months. And, significantly more apparently, the Republicans managed to make more laws because they controlled the House, Senate and Presidency- of course they'd see more legislative success.

(Isn't it interesting the party of small government is celebrating the fact they made more laws than the "big government" party has?)

It's sad the Dems haven't managed to get more things made law- but it certainly isn't because of lack of trying. Bounce Boyda is right- the American people want results, not excuses- when will the President listen to them?

To conclude- a list of promises made and delivered on by the Democratic Party- include items vetoed by the President and blocked by Senate Republicans. This Congress has done more for the American people in 11 months than the previous Congress did- or, perhaps, they have tired too, only to see their efforts hindered by a President who won't admit he's wrong.

I've got new shoes on...

The business of Congress is serious- and, certainly, the talk of tariffs and taxes are of the utmost importance, but I have to admit the e-mail alert I got today announcing Congresswoman Nancy Boyda's support of Affordable Footwear Act of 2007 (H.R. 3934) made me chuckle.

The release, from the American Apparel & Footwear Association, thanks Congresswoman Boyda and two of her colleagues, Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and Kevin Brady (R-TX), for introducing legislation to "eliminates the import tariffs, collectively known as the shoe tax, on all lower- to moderately-priced footwear as well as all children’s shoes, or about 60 percent of all shoes sold in the United States."

The "shoe tax" was originally applied to protect domestic shoemakers, but, according to the AAFA, now 99% of all footwear sold in the United States is imported.

"The regressive shoe tax on footwear imports is highest – as much as 67 percent – on the least expensive shoes. The cost is necessarily passed on to consumers at the cash register as a hidden, regressive shoe tax that can be nearly 40 percent of the price of a pair of shoes. That extra 40 percent can add up quickly for a family."

Commonsense tax relief for low income Americans tied with the elimination of a useless tax- good job, Nancy!

Social Security backlog problem? Solution: close the offices!

In another one of those federal, "wha....?" moments, the Social Security Administration has come up with, in their eyes, a possible solution to the current backlog in processing Social Secuirty disability claims: close the offices one day a week!

Particularly hard hit by this cockamamie scheme would be the state of Kansas, which has, according to a LJWorld.com story that appeared today, the very highest percent in the nation of filed claims that have yet to be processed- 15,000 people just waiting for some kind of decision.

Congresswoman Nancy Boyda hit it on the nose when she said:

“We are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to backlogs, and now you are going to tell the good people of Kansas that you are going to close offices one day a week,” Boyda said. “Our extremely strong recommendation is that they try this someplace else.”

To be fair, the idea might not fail, and the pilot program might work, but why in the world would you pick the office in the very worst shape to use as your test bed?

CHOMPing at their own

As reported by The Politico about a month ago, and by some of our fellows out in the blogosphere, the House GOPers have relaunched CHOMP. First, a funny:

"The group was forced to make one slight change this year; they had to rename it Challengers Helping Obtain the Majority Program since Challengers Helping Our Majority Party is no longer applicable."

CHOMP, a fundraising program that encourages GOP members of the House to give money ($2,000 from their campaigns and $5,000 from their leadership PACs) to certain Republican challengers. With the almost certain drubbing the Republicans are going to get in 2008, CHOMP might help make some otherwise underfunded and pitiful candidates a little less laughable.

Unfortunately, the House leaders have decided funneling money into ridiculously longshot campaigns and/or folks that got their hats handed to them last time is the best way to regain their majority. The Kansas recipients on the list are excellent illustrations, with Nick Jordan playing the role as ridiculous longshot, and Jim Ryun playing the part of hopeless re-run.

Jordan, certainly, will need all the help he can get- so more power to them. Ryun's inclusion smack of the desperation apparent in the national GOP's attitude- "What, you lost last time against a woman you beat 2 years before? Must have just been a fluke!" With a swing like that (winning by 15, then losing by 3) in a district like this one Ryun's loss to Nancy Boyda wasn't a fluke, it was an indictment of the job he was doing in Congress.

Oh, also, Ryun's inclusion in CHOMP is just a little more evidence of how not seriously the Republican Party is taking Lynn Jenkins' run for Congress- they'd rather have a loser than someone without an opinion on illegal immigration, SCHIP, the war... any of the major issues of the day.

Boyda victory in '08 likely

LJWorld.com has a story today relating some excellent new for Kansans in the 2nd and 3rd Congressional Districts: Charlie Cook, one of the nation's best political oddsmakers believes both Kansas Democrats, Nancy Boyda and Dennis Moore, will be re-elected in 2008.

It isn't surprising to have Congressman Moore so listed- particularly since, once again, he will be facing a Republican challenger who is far too conservative for the district.

To have Congresswoman Boyda listed as "leans Democratic" is wonderful news- everyone knows the race will be competitive, but with the fantastic service she has provided her constituents, with her growing list of legislative accomplishments, with national political winds blowing in her direction, and with the advantage every incumbent has inherently, Cook sees Nancy Boyda being sent back to Washington in 2008.

In a district like the KS-02 that would worry Jim Ryun and Lynn Jenkins significantly.

GOP SCHIP spin continues

Earlier today, our counterpart in the Kansas political blogosphere to the right (the far right), Stay Red Kansas, posted an entry bemoaning the debate surrounding SCHIP:

“Despite what Boyda would have you believe, there aren't millions of kids left struggling for healthcare on the streeets [sic]. If children are sick and need to visit a doctor, guess what: they can.”

I certainly hope you let the millions of children nationwide without health insurance know that it’s just that easy. I’m sure they and their parents will be relieved.

“In effect, Nancy's … statements - you know, the ones critical of a Republican 'radical minority' who care only about scoring cheap political points - are doing just that: trying to score cheap political points. The debate about SCHIP has become so exaggerated that Housemembers like Nancy Boyda have completely forgotten what the debate's even about.”

The above statements say a lot about the mentality of the folks on the other side- they’re trying desperately to make this political when it just isn’t. The problem for them is, of course, Congresswoman Boyda’s statements (and vote) didn’t reflect a minority view, a liberal view, or a political view- they did, however, reflect the opinion of the vast majority of the American people and the people who live in the 2nd Congressional district in Kansas. There isn’t anything cheap or political about it.

It isn’t Nancy Boyda who has forgotten what this debate is about- it’s the radical minority who voted to sustain the veto and who want desperately to make SCHIP something other than what it is: a bill to make sure children have health insurance.

They concluded their nonsensical rant with the following statement:

"You don't pull out the pity card in an attempt to gain favor with your District."

No, you don’t have to, because you voted to protect children, and you voted the way that’s correct for the district and the country.

What you don’t do is play partisan games with the health of children. But that’s a lesson the radical Republican minority in the House and President George W. Bush just hasn’t learned yet.

100 strong on Facebook!

Wow! In less than 4 days our blog went from being welcomed to the world of Facebook to having more than 100 friends! People from all over the 2nd Congressional District, Kansas, the country- even the world- have come together to celebrate Congresswoman Nancy Boyda and to respond to the lies coming from her opponents.

The response so far has been unbelievable- expect our online presence to continue to grow in the next few weeks- and thanks so much to everyone who has made our first week such an amazing success!

Boyda expertly delivers for Kansas communities

According to a blog post on the Wichita Eagle's Web page, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda has managed to secure $26 million in new federal investments into the state of Kansas.

Boyda ranks behind Republican Kansas Senators Sam Brownback ($48 million) and Pat Roberts ($27 million) in money directed to the state. But the entire delegation was far behind Republican Representative Todd Tihart (KS-3), who managed to earmark some $56 million in projects.

Lots of really silly debate has occurred regarding earmarks, and I think one item needs to be drilled home: none of the money requested by Congresswoman Boyda increases the size of the federal budget. The earmarks simply direct how already budgeted monies will be spent. So, the actions of the delegation mean already budgeted money will be spent in Kansas instead of, say, New Jersey or California. I, for one, think that is exactly what our representatives in Congress should be doing.

Note: Congresswoman Boyda took the unusual step of releasing all of her earmark requests in June- one of the only members to do so. I'd like to pull out the following quote:

"Since January, I have been meeting with constituents to talk about the programs in their communities they feel need federal funds. [...]

There are many pressures on the federal budget, and with the passage of the new “pay as you go” rules instituted by the Democrats in Congress, it will be harder and harder to pay for new programs without finding the corresponding savings from other programs. Therefore, it is likely that only a few of these projects will ultimately receive earmarked funding. Still, I consider each one important to people in the Second District of Kansas, and I am proud to support these programs in Congress."

To people outside of the district, and outside the state, some of Nancy Boyda's requests don't matter at all, but, I could guarantee, they matter to the people asked her to request them.

Ryun lies- again

I know I run the risk of becoming boring with repetitive posts like this one, but for some reason I think it's important to point out when people seeking the public trust out-and-out lie- over and over again.

So, here it is, this time reported in the Washington, DC political piece The Hill, Jim Ryun saying he would have sustained the president's veto of SCHIP because it would have covered illegals. (Also, a funny quote from State Sen. Nick Jordan, who is running in a quixotic quest to unseat Congressman Dennis Moore...he just doesn't know what to think).

Get a clue, Jim, Senator Pat Roberts, the senior Republican elected official in the state of Kansas, already made it pretty clear that particular talking point is a bunch of blather.

Lying to the voters isn't any way to regain their trust.

Ryun congratulates self on winning rigged poll

Jim Ryun sent a message out on his mailing list today, heralding his victory over Lynn Jenkins in a straw poll conducted by fellow Kansas political blogger Stay Red Kansas- 63% to 37%!

A victory for certain, but a hollow one, because the poll was patently un-democratic. According to SRK, they actually limited the number of daily participants in the poll- because, in their words, “We wanted to see which campaign would organize their net-roots around obstacles (like waking up at 3 AM to vote in this thing). We want to see who "wanted it" more.”

They posted that after dozens of posters complained about not being able to vote, which lead to a mini blog revolt, something Ryun even mentioned in his e-mail to supporters. Smells awfully fishy to this blogger- seems more likely that it was an accident that they then tried to cover up with some ridiculously implausible spin.

So, good for you, Jim Ryun, you won an election that was about as unfair as it could have been. I’m sure you should be proud.

New "Congress in Your Inbox"

For those of you who don't know, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda's congressional office releases a relatively regular e-mail update called "Congress in Your Inbox."

If you haven't already signed up for the update, you should.

A time to be thankful

On days like today, when we need our representatives stand up for regular Americans against President George W. Bush and his lapdogs in the Congress, we should all be proud we have Nancy Boyda as our representative instead of either Jim Ryun or Lynn Jenkins.

Rather than doing what's right and insure millions of uninsured children, Ryun said if he had been in Congress today, he would have voted to sustain the president's heartless veto. Ryun campaign manager Kyle Robertson told the Lawrence Journal-World on Oct. 8 Ryun would have supported the president because “We need to find a responsible way to fund the program without raising taxes or making it easier for illegal immigrants to receive taxpayer-funded health care." However the bill expressly forbids the program to be used to insure illegal aliens. Don't believe me? Republican Senator Pat Roberts has been saying so for weeks. So, either Ryun & Robertson are clueless or they are willfully lying to win votes. Shameful, and unfortunate, regardless.

As for Lynn Jenkins, she can't be bothered to have an opinion, other than to say “I haven’t looked closely at the specific proposals, and unfortunately with everything as partisan as it is in Congress these days, folks can’t work out a compromise.” Well, gee, Lynn, maybe if you had had time to look at the proposals you realize that since this bill received the support of 229 Democrats and 44 Republicans and a vote to override a Republican President's veto- this was the bipartisan compromise bill, and it was killed, not by a simple unwillingness to compromise, but by a radical minority of Republican representatives that simply won't do the right thing for America's children.

So, yes, today is the kind of day that makes us proud Nancy Boyda is our representatives and not either one of these Republican partisans.

Boyda: Children's Health Vote "Morally Bankrupt"

In a statement posted to her congressional Web site, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda today called the failure to override President Bush's veto of SCHIP "morally bankrupt" and lamented the fact yet another good bill was defeated by partisan politics.

"To my mind, every vote in Congress makes a moral statement, and today’s vote was morally bankrupt. It told working families that a radical minority would rather score political points than take care of children’s health.

"As disappointing as today’s vote was, this story is not over. Children’s health care remains an incredibly important priority, both in Kansas and in D.C. Over 60% of the House, 70% of the Senate, and 80% of the American people have spoken out in favor of SCHIP, and I for one will keep fighting to help working families afford health care for their kids.

"As Congress moves forward, I hope we can get past the partisan shouting match that doomed today’s vote. Nobody in Kansas really cares whether Republicans or Democrats score more political points. They just care whether their kids can see a doctor."

-- Congresswoman Nancy Boyda

Boyda joined Kansas Congressmen Dennis Moore (D) and Jerry Moran (R) in voting to override the president's veto. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R) vote to sustain the veto.

Boyda doubles opponents in local fundraising

A deeper look in the 3Q FEC reports from Congresswoman Nancy Boyda, Lynn Jenkins and Jim Ryun shows some embarrassing little problems for the two Republicans in the race.

First, Jim Ryun posted 368 itemized (over $250) contributions- a huge number. Unfortunately for the former congressman, very few of those donors were from the state of Kansas, and a tiny percent were from the district he hopes to represent again. Of the 368 donors, only 109, or 29.6%, were from Kansas and only 40, or 10.9% were from the Second Congressional District- a truly stunning figure from someone who says the people of the district want him back in office.

Next, Lynn Jenkins certainly did a better job keeping her fundraising in state- 92% of the itemized contributions she reported where from right here in Kansas. Again, unfortunately, only 25.7% of those donations came from her home district, with the vast majority coming out of the Kansas City Metro area and Wichita. For those of you who like the numbers, Jenkins reported 159 itemized contributions, 147 were from Kansas, while 41 come out of the KS-2.

Finally, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda reported slightly fewer overall itemized contributions than Jenkins did- 155, with 122 (79%) of them being Kansas donors. Here's the part that should make Republicans foam at the mouth: of those 122 donors, 86 of them were 2nd Congressional district residents, meaning a full 55.5% of Boyda's itemized contribution from individuals came from the district she currently represents.

Nancy Boyda had twice as many in-district contributors as either Jenkins or Ryun. Actually, Jenkins' and Ryun's combined number of itemized 2nd congressional district donors doesn't even meet Boyda's mark.

For three people running for the same thing, it's surprising how differently they're proceeding. Lynn Jenkins looks to be planning to be a second representative for Wichita and Kansas City, while Jim Ryun is angling to represent California, Maine, Texas, Florida, Oregon, New York, Mississippi...every state but Kansas.

Boyda encourages SCHIP veto override

Reported by Topeka TV station WIBW last night, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda will vote to override the president's veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and encourages her colleagues in the House to follow her lead.

Boyda joins Kansas Congressman Dennis Moore (D) and Senator Pat Roberts (R) in committing to override President Bush's irresponsible veto of a program that provides health insurance to millions of poor children.

We can only hope Representatives Jerry Moran (R) and Todd Tiahrt (R) and Senator Sam Brownback (R) will listen to their Kansas colleagues and vote to do the right thing as well.

Boyda proposes Tax Relief for Armed Combat Families Act

As reported by the Kansas City Star's Prime Buzz Blog, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda announced today a bill that would cut taxes for 150,000+ military families nationwide.

"Thousands of Kansas soldiers currently serve in the face of danger and under the burden of combat,” she said in a statement. “The last thing they need is to worry about paying higher taxes next year. Congress should pass immediate, permanent tax relief for military families."

--Prime Buzz

This is simply more evidence of the Nancy Boyda's commitment to our men & women in uniform and, equally importantly, how she continues to represent the values of her district.

Debt

Each of the folks running for the 2nd Congressional District seat shows a significant amount of debt on their 3rd Quarter reports, with both Congresswoman Nancy Boyda and Lynn Jenkins owing themselves a great deal of money.

The only candidate with real debt, however, is Jim Ryun, who owes something in the neighborhood of $43,000 to help cover the costs of his 3Q fundraising efforts.

Giving your campaign your own money shows a degree of dedication to your cause. Real debt- owing money to someone else- isn't the sort of thing you'd expect from a fiscal conservative, and not something you should look for in a steward of taxpayer dollars.

Boyda ends 3rd Quarter on top

All three candidates for the Kansas 2nd released their 3rd quarter fundraising numbers today, with Congresswoman Boyda besting her nearest Republican challenger's cash-on-hand, State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, by $100,000.

While the reports are filled with excellent news for Boyda, the same can't be said for her two Republican rivals. Huge spending, both to raise out-of-state money and to pay themselves shows exactly why neither of the two R's running can be trusted to handle a budget.

Let's look at the straight numbers first, then we can delve in for some analysis.

Jim Ryun:
CoH- end of 2Q- $301,528.34
Net Contributions- $250,064.00
Expenditures- $217,833.80
CoH- end of 3Q- $334,658.26

That's an incredible burn rate- one might say his campaign is "hemorrhaging money." In other words, the former congressman, for the second quarter in the row, raised exactly enough money to pay for the bills for his fundraising efforts. Ah, but that's not even really true- Ryun's report shows he still owes more than $43,000 for things like...stamps. Oh, also, he paid himself more than $3,000 in mileage reimbursements and the like. That's on top of the almost $11,000 he paid himself last quarter. Ladies and gentlemen, met the fiscal conservative in the race.

Lynn Jenkins:
CoH- end of 2Q- $286.068.88
Net contributions- $115,406.59 (plus $2,735.43 in interest on the checking account)
Expenditure- $43,442.17
CoH- end of 3Q- $360,768.73

After last quarter ($300K raised with a little help from $101K from her pocket) this quarter is pretty dang disappointing. She's not spending crazy like Ryun, so she's got some money in the ban. She's still in the game to play, but with PAC contributions coming from organizations like Republican Majority for Choice one has to wonder if she has the right equipment to play in a Kansas Republican primary. Note: Lynn also, strangely, reimbursed herself $3,100 for mileage and travel- even more than Jim did this quarter.

Congresswoman Nancy Boyda:
CoH- end of 2Q- $346,903.98
Net contributions- $171,145.71
Expenditure- $57,630.77
CoH- end of 3Q- $460, 448.29

A Democrat shouldn't be able to outraise a Republican anywhere in the country, let alone in Kansas- but Congresswoman Boyda did just that, besting Jenkins by $53,000. Of course, Ryun did out strip both of them when it comes to bringing money in, but Boyda showed both Republicans how to manage money. Not giving herself a dime, Boyda ended the quarter with just shy of $100,000 more in the bank than Jenkins.

I'm certain the "other side" will harp about the amount PAC money Boyda received this quarter, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind: more than half of her money came from individuals, and the PAC money she did take was from organizations like the International Brotherhood of Firefighters and the National Community Pharmacists. Say what you want, but those are organizations I'm proud support our congresswoman.

Welcome!

Debuting tonight, after a wait that was far too long, is Boyda Bloc, the first blog wholly dedicated to defending Congresswoman Nancy Boyda from the ridiculous and mean-spirited attacks being lobbed at her by her opponents.

When bad news about the two Republicans running against the Congresswoman comes out, this blog will happily present it to you, however the purpose of Boyda Bloc is to provide you with Nancy's accomplishments and the truth behind the attacks you might find elsewhere on the Internet- and to help remind the people of the 2nd District why Nancy Boyda is truly a great representative.

We'll try to post often, hopefully daily, but bear with us in our early stages. After all, it may take us some time to work of to the level of some of the other political blogs in our abilities.

So, with that, help ring in a new era in Kansas political blogging- don't be shy about posting comments!