Legislative Figures - Finance Report Analysis

Last week, Kansas Legislative Candidates filed expense reports covering all financial activities of the previous year. There were some surprising reports - both good and bad - as well as some that were expectedly large (or small). Over the next few days, StayRed will do a detailed analysis of the winners, the losers and the up-and-comers, both in the Kansas House and Senate.

Kansas House of Representatives -

Big Winner - Ray Merrick



Without a doubt, House Majority Leader Ray Merrick submitted the most impressive report of all Kansas House members. Merrick raised just under $33,000 while spending under $5,000 - a very impressive burnrate. While Merrick was outraised by Speaker Neufeld, his final cash on hand total of $56,600 is higher than any other member of House leadership. We're assuming that Merrick will not face a serious challenge in 2008 after his convincing victory in 2006. With that in mind, it's a safe bet that nearly all of that cash will be spent on other Republican races next cycle. Congratulations are in order to both Merrick and Neufeld who have essentially given Republican candidates a $100,000 bank account to work with in '08.

Big Loser - Judy Morrison



It's a safe bet that Morrison, a narrow winner in 2006, will face a serious challenge this year from her former foe, Democrat Milack Talia. With that in mind, we assumed that Morrison may finally start raising some money. Sadly, we were wrong. Morrison raised just over $8,500 and spent almost $6,000 on non-value added expenditures. Talia, meanwhile, raised over $4,000 and spent essentially nothing, giving him an almost $1,000 cash advantage. If Morrison doesn't pick up the pace - quickly - during this legislative session, she will be facing an uphill fight come November.

Calling it Quits - John Dennis Kriegshauser



At this point, it appears that Kriegshauser, the narrow loser of an election challenge to Democrat Gene Rardin, will not be running in 2008. Kriegshauser, a three-time challenger to former Representative Jim Yonally, finished up the year with no substantive money on hand, making it all the more likely that he has decided against another electoral challenge. Though Yonally didn't raise any money during the previous year, he's still sitting on more than $8,000, so it's far too early to count him out yet.

Also in this category are David Huff, Tony Bukaty, Titus Bond and Charlie Mahoney, who all officially closed their campaign accounts, filing termination reports.

Eye in the Sky - Kevin Yoder



The Johnson County legislator raised an impressive $31,000, finishing the year with more than $38,000 on hand. Though we're not sure what it might be, it's our bet that Yoder's got his eye on something. It won't be this year, but look for Yoder to throw his name into the ring for higher office during an upcoming election cycle.


Look for more analysis in the coming days...


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Posted by Concerned Kansans at 1/15/2008 7:00 AM
Categories: Kansas House Fundraising
 

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