Kansas searching for Dem Gov candidate ...we are probably screwed...Gov Brownback anyone ugg

Democrats search for governor candidates

BY BRENT D. WISTROM
The Wichita Eagle
Several of Kansas' top Democrats gave energetic speeches to a lunch crowd at the party's annual Demofest in Wichita on Saturday.

But no one had an answer to one of the biggest questions facing the party: Who is their 2010 gubernatorial candidate?

The top names floating around are state Sen. Chris Steineger of Kansas City, and Larry Gates, the state party chairman.

Neither has committed.

"I'm considering it very strongly," Gates said in a brief interview. "I just think these campaigns are too long."

Gates, a lawyer, said that if he decides to run, it will be on a message of contrast.

He said that in tough economic times, "someone with a business background is better suited to lead us out of

this recession than someone who comes from Washington with Washington ideas."

Gov. Mark Parkinson, who reaffirmed his decision not to enter the race, said that he has encouraged Gates to run.

http://www.kansas.com/news/story/998419.html