September 15, 2023     Friday File Donate Now KSGOP CLICK HERE     Guest Column by Nikki Haley Presidential Candidate, Former Governor of South Carolina and Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations There is something so special about rural America. Like many of you, I grew up in a small town: we had a population of 2,500 and just two stop lights. Bamberg, South Carolina, was the type of place you couldn’t even think about doing something wrong without someone calling your mom. And it was in that small town where I learned the values that became the bedrock of my life: faith, family, and freedom. Growing up in Bamberg taught me service before self, how to stand up for my beliefs, and how to grow thick skin. As many of us do, I also learned very early on about bullies; but my mom would always say, “Don't complain about it. Do something about it.” Our country could listen to that advice right now. Everywhere we look, we see the failures of the Biden administration. From the southern border crisis to record-breaking inflation to rising fentanyl deaths to China’s growing threat, Joe Biden’s presidency has been a complete failure. That’s a lot of bad news, but here’s the good: we can turn things around. We can save our country. It just takes courage—courage for me to run and courage for you to get involved and fight for the future we want. Like my mom always says, stop complaining about the situation and let’s do something about it. I refuse to believe that our best days are behind us. We can make America strong and proud again if we put in the work. We can secure our border and stop the flow of illegal immigration by implementing a national E-Verify program, stopping handouts to illegal immigrants, and hiring more Border Patrol and ICE agents. We can tackle inflation by cutting up Congress’ credit card. We can get tough on China by saying, we’re cutting off normal trade relations if you don’t stop killing Americans with fentanyl. The first step in this plan is making sure Joe Biden is a one-term president. Republicans can’t complain about the results in November if we don’t take this primary seriously and choose the best candidate to defeat Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. I believe America is a ready for a new generation of conservative leadership. I will fight every day to earn every vote. I hope you will join me. We have a country to save.     Note: The Guest Column has been/will be offered to any candidates for President of the United States. Each week, a candidate is provided this space as a service to Kansas Republicans to hear from those who want to be our nominee and to lead the free world. The KSGOP does not endorse or support any candidate for any office over another.     Visit the KSGOP Booth at the Kansas State Fair Please visit YOUR Kansas Republican Party Booth in the Meadowlark Building at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson! You will find smiling faces, opportunities to sign up for the 1776 Club, meet, mix, and mingle with fellow Republicans from across the state, visit with our fabulous volunteers who are staffing the booth over the next ten days and click on the QR code for a chance to win a KSGOP t-shirt! A special thank you to Tess Anderson, KSGOP Secretary, for organizing the booth and making it look so welcoming. Also, a special thank you to Marty Bohannon, KSGOP Office Manager, for organizing the volunteers and making an untold number of phone calls and emails to fill the volunteer slots! BRAVO!!! Please come and see us. We’re expecting you!     1776 Club Join Now and Become a Card-Carrying Kansas Patriot! Join the “1776 Club” and Stand for Liberty and Patriotism! Are you ready to take a stand for liberty, patriotism, and the future of our great nation? Join your fellow Kansas Republican Party (KSGOP) members and become a proud member of the prestigious "1776 Club." By joining the "1776 Club," you'll become a card-carrying member of the KSGOP and join a passionate community of like-minded individuals committed to upholding conservative principles and ensuring a prosperous future for Kansas and the United States. Together, we can make a difference and save America from the threats that loom over our values and freedoms. As a member of the "1776 Club," you'll actively participate in shaping policies that align with our core beliefs, and you'll have the chance to be eligible for exciting "pop-up perks" as fabulous opportunities become available. The perks program offers random winners the chance to attend unique and exclusive events, giving you the opportunity to be part of the "cool kids club"! The "1776 Club" represents the embodiment and foundation of our nation's founding principles and the spirit of independence. By joining this exclusive club, you'll gain access to a network of influential leaders and dedicated activists who are working tirelessly to protect our constitutional rights and preserve the American dream. Joining the KSGOP and the "1776 Club" is not just about being a member; it's about being part of a movement that stands firm against the forces that threaten our American values. Together, we will promote limited government, individual liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a real impact. Join the Kansas Republican Party and the "1776 Club" today, and be part of the solution. Together, we will build a stronger, more united America and Kansas for generations to come. Signup now to become a "1776'er" and get yourself in the hunt for amazing perks. The opportunities are out of sight, so you don't want to miss out! Thank you for your support and commitment to our shared values.     Conservatively Speaking by KSGOP Chairman Mike Brown New Mexico Democrat Governor: Second Amendment and Oath of Office “Not Absolute.” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's recent decision to implement a temporary gun ban in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County has ignited a fierce debate that will frame the American political Second Amendment debate and define the 2024 presidential election cycle. The balance between public safety and constitutional rights is in play with the question if anyone, including a state’s governor, has the sweeping authority to suspend a critical part of the U.S. Constitution. ”Shall Not Be Infringed.” The NM Governor’s massive mistake and over-reach has drawn sharp criticism from the Right and the Left, including the Democrat Attorney General of New Mexico who notified the Governor that he and his office will not be defending her in court. This is a BIG clue, folks. The AG not only knows she is wrong but doesn’t want any “splatter” from her self-inflicted and unconstitutional problems to get cast on to him. Pause here and reread the previous sentence. This is the issue Republicans should, and will, be running on starting now through the 2024 general election. Democrats: The U.S. Constitution and Oath of Office are not absolute. Vote Republican for a strong America. For some background, the governor of New Mexico issued an emergency public health order, suspending the right to carry guns in public for a minimum of 30 days. Of course, she can extend that 30 days indefinitely in whatever increment of days she chooses, according to her, whenever she decides, because she is the Queen of New Mexico and the citizens of NM are her subjects, don’t you know? Sound familiar? Remember “15 days to stop the spread” that turned into two years? ”Shall Not Be Infringed.” The controversy in this issue stems from concerns raised by local law enforcement officials and citizens alike who argue that this move infringes upon Second Amendment rights. The governor acknowledges the potential legal challenges but remains steadfast in her belief that no constitutional right should be considered absolute, including her own oath to uphold the Constitution. Grisham's comparison to restrictions on free speech during emergencies is shocking and unsettling. No one is safe when law abiding citizens cannot defend themselves from the lawless. Her perspective is completely wrong. If she followed the Constitution and her Oath of Office, she would have immediately placed her citizens’ rights above all else. Americans’ rights are foremost and paramount. Those rights do not end where someone else’s insecurities and fears begin. Our Founding Fathers anticipated such nonsense and included the words, “shall not be infringed” specifically into the 2nd Amendment. They saw this nonsense as inevitably coming and in four simple words forever crushed the idea that government can prohibit an Americans right to “keep and bear arms”. ”Shall Not Be Infringed.” This is a guarantee from the Founding Fathers. This is in black and white. This is nonnegotiable. This requires no further dialog. The End. As expected, her ridiculous comments have incited passionate reactions on social and mainstream media, with many questioning the constitutionality of her actions and her fitness for holding the office of Governor. Elon Musk called for Grisham's removal from office and reflects the intensity and ferocity of the backlash. He argues that deliberately violating the Constitution is illegal, and this sentiment is echoed by others who see this as a dangerous precedent. ”Shall Not Be Infringed.” Making matters worse, Grisham's press secretary clarified that violators of the gun ban could face civil penalties and hefty fines. And the benevolent Governor exempted licensed security guards and law enforcement personnel from the ban. And it doesn't apply on private property as long as certain safety measures are in place. How nice of her to bestow these exceptions. Kansas Liberal Governor Laura Kelly has been stone-cold silent on this matter and to date hasn't even mentioned it much less called out her buddy in NM. This silence causes me great concern about her intentions and I call on the citizens and the legislature of Kansas to watch her and her administrations actions carefully. ”Shall Not Be Infringed.” In this divisive moment, it is essential to recognize and respect the constitutional rights that underpin our democracy. New Mexico's governor's action may have sparked controversy, but it also serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle over the boundaries of individual freedoms vs. collective security. With Democrats, your rights are always in-play. Ultimately, this issue will be decided in the courts, where your constitutional rights and the boundaries of “emergency measures” will be thoroughly examined and ruled upon. Judges don’t like this kind of case because the included words “shall not be infringed” are crisp, clean and unambiguous. This point was made crystal-clear on Wednesday when a federal judge temporarily blocked NM Governor Grisham’s executive order suspending the open and concealed carry of firearms in public in Bernalillo County, which includes the city of Albuquerque. U.S. District Judge David Urias — a Biden appointee — suspended for two weeks any enforcement of the Democrat’s order, arguing it was likely unconstitutional. “To be honest with you, I think you have kind of a hard road here to get up,” Urias told the attorney representing the governor. ”Shall Not Be Infringed.”     The Parallel Universe News & Opinion Stories You May Have Missed This Week McCarthy launches formal Biden impeachment inquiry Source: New York Post Hunter Biden indicted on gun charges Source: Wall Street Journal FL approves "classical" education exam backed by DeSantis Source: Axios Biden’s border of death named world’s deadliest Source: Washington Examiner 9/11 did not end with the Afghanistan withdrawal Source: Washington Examiner Youngkin pardons father of girl who was sexually assaulted Source: New York Post Second GOP debate: Here's what to watch for in California Source: USA Today DeSantis warns against latest COVID booster Source: Washington Examiner Nancy Pelosi says she’ll seek House reelection in 2024 Source: AP News Kim Jong Un travels to Russia Source: Wall Street Journal Putin: Trump's legal cases reveal 'rottenness' of US politics Source: Axios Biden’s $6 billion ransom to Iran Source: Wall Street Journal Romney announces he won't seek re-election in 2024 Source: NBC News What should be done about corrupt FBI & DOJ officials? Source: The Federalist     New KSGOP Website Launched Please check out our new and super-snazzy KSGOP website that just launched! Thanks to Dakotah Parshall, KSGOP Executive Director, for his efforts and talents to pull this together. It is remarkable and I'm delighted to have been the catalyst to bring this modern and easy-to-use website forward. Updating and changing our KSGOP website is now easy and quick, so let us know if you have a suggestion or catch an error! We hope you love the new site like we do! Mike And now, please take a tour of the new KSGOP website: CLICK HERE     KSGOP Store Get Your Gear! ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ CLICK HERE to Shop Now!     Facts and Figures Hispanic Heritage Month Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month when we celebrate the contributions and honor the legacies of Hispanic Americans who have enriched our nation. What you need to know: The Republican Party has always been the home for freedom and opportunity. We champion those values by fighting for school choice, entrepreneurship, religious freedom, and the removal of barriers that impede opportunities to achieve the American Dream. In 2020, the realignment of Hispanics to the Republican Party materialized. In 2020, Republicans netted 15 seats in the House of Representatives. In each of those seats that flipped to the GOP, the elected winner was either a woman, minority, or veteran. Five Hispanic Republicans were part of the 15 seats flipped. President Trump won 38% of the Hispanic vote in 2020, a 10-point increase from 2016. In 2021, Republicans saw huge gains with Hispanic voters and big wins with Hispanic candidates. Governor Glenn Youngkin won Hispanics and Latinos by a 55-44 margin and Cuban American Jason Miyares was elected as Virginia’s first Latino Attorney General. Texas Republican John Lujan flipped House District 118, a 73% Hispanic district that Biden won by 14 points in 2020. In McAllen, an 85% Hispanic South Texas town, Republican Javier Villalobos flipped the mayoral seat. In 2022, Republicans just had their best midterm performance ever with Hispanics. There has been a significant shift among Hispanics, and it is very promising for the future of the Republican Party. In 2022, more Hispanic candidates ran for Congress than ever before. The Republican National Committee made a multimillion-dollar commitment to continue our organizing efforts in Hispanic communities in key states across the country. Under Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel’s leadership, the RNC opened 20 Hispanic community centers across the country. Our community centers worked to deliver historic wins for diverse candidates including Monica De La Cruz, Juan Ciscomani, Anna Paulina Luna, and Tony Gonzales. Hispanics are being left behind by Biden and Democrats’ failed policies. Under Biden, inflation is historically high, Americans are paying more for gas, and the economy has entered a recession. Reports find Hispanic or Latino households are feeling the squeeze of Bidenflation more than most Americans. According to a study by the Dallas Fed, inflation is disproportionately hurting Hispanic households, with 57% of Hispanic Americans stressed by high inflation. Bidenomics has left the Hispanic community behind. In August, the Hispanic unemployment rate increased From 4.4% To 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.8%. The Hispanic male unemployment rate increased from 4% to 4.3% in July. Under Biden, Hispanic median household income remains below pre-pandemic levels. National test scores have plummeted to historic lows as a result of Democrats’ extended school closures – erasing decades of progress. These declines have been even worse for minority students, who were put at a further disadvantage due to pandemic school closures, “in part because their schools were more likely to continue remote learning for longer periods of time.” Biden’s border crisis has disproportionately affected Hispanic communities along the border. More than 7.2 million illegal immigrants have crossed the border since Biden took office. The bottom line: Republicans will continue to champion freedom and opportunity by fighting for school choice, entrepreneurship, religious freedom, and the removal of barriers that impede opportunities to achieve the American Dream. Bidenomics Is Crushing Americans Day-to-day life continues to get more expensive under Joe Biden. What you need to know: The latest Consumer Price Index data shows year-over-year inflation ticked up last month, coming in higher than expected and remaining more than twice the rate compared to when Biden took office. Prices have risen by 17.4% since Biden took office – with Americans still reeling from the lasting effects of inflation. On a year-over-year basis, inflation under Biden has averaged 6% – more than double the level of inflation seen under any of the last four presidents. Real wages remain lower than when Biden first took office. Inflation-adjusted average hourly wages were $11.39 when Biden took office and are now $11.04, meaning Americans have seen a 3.1% pay cut under Biden. Americans are suffering from the lasting effects of Biden’s historic inflation, with many unable to pay bills, save for retirement, or afford rent. 61% of Americans report living paycheck-to-paycheck. 74% of Americans are stressed about their personal finances. 56% of Americans say they’re not on track to comfortably retire. Meanwhile, Biden is expected to continue his record pacing rate of vacations, caring more about his vacation time than the American people. Since taking office, Biden has spent 380 days – 39.9% of his presidency – on vacation. This past month alone, Biden spent 19 days on vacation. The bottom line: Americans are in desperate need of economic solutions that Republicans up and down the ballot are ready to deliver.     Kansas State Fair Underway In Hutchinson     See you at the Kansas State Fair!     Please stop by the KSGOP booth at the Kansas State Fair and see the awesome Kansas Republicans who are staffing our operation this year! The 2023 Kansas State Fair is set to commence from September 8 to 17, and it promises to be a memorable event filled with cherished experiences. This annual fair is more than just a gathering; it serves as the ultimate celebration of everything that makes Kansas unique - its culture, industry, agriculture, people, communities, and, of course, its delectable food. As the gates swing open, visitors will be welcomed into a world where iconic elements of Kansas life converge. From the finest livestock and vegetables proudly displayed to the exciting 4-H exhibits and lively music performances, the fair encapsulates the essence of the state's heritage. Even tractor enthusiasts will find their interests catered to, with tractor sales adding to the diversity of attractions. One of the highlights of the Kansas State Fair is the famous butter sculpture, a true work of art carved entirely from butter. It never fails to amaze and captivate both young and old. Another awe-inspiring sight is the display of giant pumpkins, showcasing the incredible agricultural prowess of the state's farmers. The Fair's grandstand entertainment is not to be missed, featuring thrilling shows and performances that leave the audience in awe. Also, the timeless Ye Old Mill ride promises a delightful journey through a historical waterway, immersing riders in a sense of nostalgia and wonder. The 2023 Kansas State Fair is a place of joy, community, and shared experiences. It brings together people from all walks of life, uniting them under the banner of Kansas pride and camaraderie. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, the fair offers an opportunity to connect with the heart and soul of this beautiful state. If you're looking for a fun-filled time with lots of giggles, fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories, mark your calendars and join in the festivities at the 2023 Kansas State Fair. It's an event that truly captures the spirit of Kansas and will leave you with a heart full of cherished moments and a lifetime of great memories.   Note: If you have a Republican event you would like to tell folks about, please email the details for inclusion consideration to: [email protected] Please Include: date, time, address, and event description Kansas Republican Calendar of Events 🐘 September 8 - 17, 2023 Kansas State Fair Kansas State Fairgrounds 2000 N Poplar Hutchinson, KS September 16, 2023 4pm-630pm Leavenworth GOP Picnic Basehor City Park 15940 Leavenworth Road, Basehor, KS Bring your family and friends for a picnic in the park. Cost: $5 per family *please rsvp so we can get a head count. Bring your family and friends, pack your lawn chairs, and yard games, and come hang out with GOP friends. The LVCO GOP will supply the BBQ sandwiches and water. Please bring a side dish to share. 🐘 September 16-17, 2023 Annual Ol’ Maris River Run Car Show Ottawa, KS “BACK TO THE ‘60s” cruise night (6-9pm Sat 9/16). Between 1500-2000 entries expected. Cars of all years, makes and models will meet in Forest Park, Saturday evening to experience the downtown MAIN ST. CRUISE. Franklin County Republicans will have a “Walking Taco” booth on the courthouse lawn! 60’s attire is welcome! Car Show Q’s: [email protected] September 23, 2023 9am to 5:30pm Morningstar Church Foundation for Applied Conservative Leadership Training This event will equip you to be more effective in the political realm. If you have a desire to influence our leaders for good and inject common sense and personal integrity into our system, please seriously consider investing some time and money. It’s only $45 if you pay by September 1. This group came to Lawrence in 2021 and it was a catalyst in our area for people to start working together and making a difference. September 23, 2023 Kansas Black Republican Council 13th Annual Freedom Shoot Start 9am Check-in 8:30am Ravenwood Lodge 10147 SW 61st Street Topeka, KS 66610 RSVP NOW CLICK HERE KSBLACKREPUBLICANS.COM/EVENTS #KSFREEDOMSHOOT September 23, 2023 4 pm Montgomery County GOP annual chili/chicken noodle fundraiser $5.00 per person/$20.00 per family Come meet and hear from Kris Kobach, Dan Hawkins and Tony Mativi Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle 2615 W. Main Street Independence, KS 67301 Questions? Call Jamie Clubine at (620) 331-9727 September 30, 2023 10 am - 1230 pm KSGOP State Committee Summer Meeting Paola, KS Stay tuned for additional information coming soon. Due to limited space, only about 30 observers will be accommodated on a first-come/first-serve basis. Alternate Delegates are encouraged to check with the district chair to see if they might be seated. A space specifically for media/press only will be provided on a first-come/first-serve basis. State Committee Members and Alternates will be notified with more details soon.     “The road to Socialism, abject poverty, human suffering, and the end of freedom on earth runs through the middle of a divided Republican party.” ~ Mike Brown     Donate Now KSGOP CLICK HERE     About KSGOP Donate 1776 Club KSGOP Leadership     Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4157 Topeka KS 66604 Phone: 785-234-3456 Email: [email protected] Website: www.kansas.gop   Kansas Republican Party Platform   Paid for by the Kansas Republican Party, Inc. Mike Brown, Chairman Alan Townsend, Treasurer   Kansas Republican Party | P.O. Box 4157, Topeka, KS 66604 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!