Back to the lake for the CCD May meeting

FIGHTING FOR A FOREVER FREE STATE

#39, May 2026

Back to the lake for the CCD May meeting

Matthew Brown, recently named as Kansas Democratic Party executive director to lead us into the 2026 election cycle, will provide the keynote speech at our annual Crawford State Lake meeting at Aggie's Dream in Crawford State Park on May 17.

"We went through an extensive search process to find the right person to serve as executive director which included candidates from across the state and the country," Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass said last December. "We had a very talented group of candidates and after multiple rounds of interviews with numerous Democratic Party leaders and stakeholders; Matthew was clearly the top choice for the job."

Brown, who was formerly Alabama Democratic Party Director of Development, brings a wealth of experience in winning races and party growth with him to Kansas. He was integral in the Alabama Democrats' first legislative net gain since 2010, growing large-dollar and institutional fundraising by over 850%. Brown helped the ADP re-engage lapsed party allies and built strategic new partnerships during that tenure. In addition, he managed and consulted on multiple Democratic and Democratic-aligned campaigns with an 83%-win rate including unseating multi- term incumbents and flipping control of Alabama's largest municipality's city council away from a popular Republican mayor.

"We are very excited about what Matthew will bring to Kansas as we prepare for the 2026 election cycle and the growth of the Democratic state party now and into the future," Repass said.

The May meeting will start at 1pm, but we will probably eat first before we get down to business. We generally have pulled pork and all are encouraged to bring contributions for a potluck.

Aggie's Dream can be a little tricky to find. The address to Crawford State Park is 1 Lake Rd, Farlington, KS 66734 but there is no confirmed address for Aggie's Dream. We will try to get signs and balloons up to point the way. This Google Maps link should also work: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QewCCaHsS8sJTgJQ8

— Emily Walters and Phil Burgert

Update from the Coover campaign

Hello Crawford County Democrats,

In the latest fundraising period (January through March) Don outraised Derek Schmidt by more than $54,000 ($217k - $163k). He was one of only about 20 Democratic challengers in the entire country to outraise a Republican incumbent for U.S. House.

This has been a true grassroots campaign as more than 96% of our money raised in the last quarter came from individual donors, while only 56% of Schmidt’s was from individuals.

Thank you to everyone who contributed and to those who have been supporting this campaign from day one. While we all may not like fundraising and constant solicitations, it is important.

Campaign funds (and early funds) allow us to build out the campaign team we'll need to compete in a district with 27 counties. And while campaign advertising — TV, radio, digital, mail, etc. — may not impact on your opinion, to the less engaged voter they make a huge impact in building name ID and allow us to reach voters in a much larger way with Don's message and contrast with his opponent. Additionally, strong fundraising (like outraising your 25+ year politician opponent) helps get us attention at the state and national levels who can provide additional exposure and funds.

We have a chance to elect a Democrat to Congress from Southeast Kansas and it's because of folks like the Crawford County Democrats who are helping us make it happen. If you feel moved to help us continue our momentum, please consider a contribution today!

Finally, please join us on Sunday, May 3 for a free ice cream social with special guest Dinah Sykes (Kansas Senate Democratic Leader as well as candidate for Insurance Commissioner) at the Pritchett Pavilion. RSVP to info@doncooverforcongress.com. Thank you to the Liberal Ladies for putting this event together.

— Andriy, Coover Campaign Manager

Candidate meet & greet

Good morning,

My name is Noah Taylor, and I'm an Army infantry veteran running for the United States Senate against Roger Marshall.

I hope you can join me on Tuesday, May 5th, at 6pm at the Crawford County Democratic headquarters for a conversation about my campaign and the future of Kansas. Attached is the invitation with more details. Please RSVP HERE and share with your friends!

I appreciate your consideration. You can also learn more about me HERE. Look forward to seeing you in May!

-- Noah Taylor

Candidate for US Senate - Kansas

(316) 776-4729

ntaylor@noahforkansas.com

Erik Murray, Senate candidate, speaks at our April meeting

Erik Murray, one of the Democratic candidates challenging Roger Marshall for his U.S. Senate seat, was the featured speaker at the Crawford County Democratic Party’s monthly meeting on Sunday, April 19, at party headquarters. Murray was accompanied by his daughter and campaign manager, Alyssa Murray.

A high-energy commercial real estate developer and entrepreneur from Kansas City, Murray delivered a passionate message focused on practical solutions to support Kansans and strengthen their communities. He emphasized that his campaign has accepted no PAC funding, describing it as a true grassroots effort.

Murray outlined key priorities: including expanding affordable housing, creating well-paying jobs, and raising the minimum wage to boost economic opportunity. He also addressed healthcare, stressing the need for Congress to take meaningful steps toward making healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Americans.

During a question-and-answer session, Murray reiterated his support for ensuring that every American has access to affordable healthcare. His responses were thoughtful and demonstrated a solid understanding of the issues facing Kansans today.

Murray expressed a particular appreciation for Southeast Kansas, describing it as a politically “purple” region. He noted how much he has enjoyed traveling across the state, meeting residents, and hearing their perspectives. Although this is his first campaign for public office, Murray brings an energetic presence and a fresh perspective that resonated positively with those in attendance. I appreciated the opportunity to meet him and learn more about his candidacy.

— Joe Grisolano

Updates from Lynette Wescott

Get The Word Out: Pick up at Headquarters:

BUTTONS and BUSINESS CARD SIZE VOTE CARDS

Pick up your button for VOTE NO August 4
Pick up business cards to pass out to everyone you meet, reminding them to VOTE!

VOTE NO AUGUST PRIMARY:
Saturday, June 6 -10:00 am -11:00 am – Lincoln Center Pittsburg - Kansas Appleseed – JUDGES BALLOT ISSUE – part of their Justice For All Vote No August 4 tour – Register at website or call 785-274-8311, LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2s3fnf8u

Who Has Filed To Run For Office: Filing date is June 1?

LOCAL: LINK
STATE and FEDERAL: LINK
Need help: Pittsburg County Commissioner 3 - Pittsburg city area - no one has filed, this is Carl Wood's current job - he has not refiled yet
Need help: District 1 - Baxter Springs area - we need someone to run against Dale Halewig, District 4 - Fort Scott area - we need someone to run against Rick James - Both of these Republican representatives are currently running unopposed. Both of these candidates vote in favor of vouchers. Halewig wants the Community Health Center and all non-profit medical facilities to pay property tax. Rick James wants to allow FOR PROFIT companies, two of which have him campaign money, to charge veterans when helping veterans complete paperwork for benefits. WE CAN DO BETTER!!!

Now he thinks he’s Jesus

By Mike Sand

A quandary

Paula Poundstone has been providing me with few minutes of comic relief almost every day for last several weeks. With her sarcastic wit, she engages in an observation about an experience of hers that brings to mind a sense of confusion that she relates to what President Trump says and what he has done or is doing and challenges him to act differently. In separate YouTube videos she is counting down the days until the midterm elections and suggests ways that we can do something every day to save Democracy, which every day seems more and more like it needs saving. And that brings me to the quandary of the day: To what extent do we allow our values to override the messy pragmatism of politics?

In the 2024 election, it was Harris versus Trump, and for many voters, the delay of President Biden to decide not to run and the lack of a Democratic primary disappointed many voters. Rather than accepting the establishment candidate, they just sat out the election, hoping that things would turn out OK. Looking back over the last year and three months, there is a growing consensus across party lines that things have gone from bad to worse. There are even magats that are talking impeachment of the president.

Even though Americans have come to expect daily unusual announcements, when Sarah Prue declared that she was challenging incumbent Kansas Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids, some Democrats must have shaken their heads is disbelief. Sharice Davids has been a thorn in the side of the Republican party since she was first elected to represent the Third Congressional District in 2018. Much to their consternation, even redrawing the map of the district was insufficient to unseat her. She seems to be a sure winner, and so far in the current political climate, the only electable Democrat from Kansas to Washington. Why is Sarah Prue risking this seat?

Ms. Prue was a guest on the monthly zoom meeting of the Kansas Chapter of Progressive Democrats of America, and the question of why she was challenging Representative Davids was at the forefront of her opening remarks and the discussion that followed. Ms. Prue had been a supporter of Rep. Davids and had worked to get her elected. In the current chaos that has accompanied everything the Trump administration has initiated since taking office, Ms. Prue believes that she can better represent policies and initiatives that Kansans need, regardless of party affiliation: universal healthcare, the abolishment of the lawless and terrifying ICE rampage, a sensible path for citizenship guest workers, the end of the war with Iran, defunding Israel’s weapons, reduction of the Pentagon budget, investment in education, investment in childcare, improving infrastructure, and addressing the neglect of rural areas. Rep. Davids has voted to continue to fund the weapons Israel has used to carry out the genocide of Palestinians, attacks on Syria and Lebanon, and attacks on Iran. She has not signed on to the Universal Medicare bill. AIPAC (America Israel Political Action Committee) has been generous in funding Rep. Davids, as well as over 350 other members of Congress from both major parties and every state.

Ms. Prue has expressed firm support of progressive policies and wants to be the alternative to safe, middle-of-the-road politics.

Voters in the CD3 primary have a quandary: choose to continue with a candidate who is cautious about offending financial supporters and who, unopposed, would probably win in the general election, or choose an unknown, who may better represent the needs and values of all Kansans. We will find out in the August primary.

The Kansas Chapter of PDA will continue to feature progressive candidates running for office with Cole Eppley as our guest at the May 13 Zoom meeting. Mr. Eppley is one of five candidates who hope to oppose Rep. Ron Estes in the Fourth Congressional District in the 2026 general election. Here is a link to register on Mobilize for this event: https://mobilize.us/s/bJnZmX.

— Jim Orwig, co-chair of Kansas Chapter of PDA

Book group review

After a month and week delay, our group met for a lively and at times serious reflective discussion of our April selection, Culpability, by Bruce Holsinger. This is a 2025 novel delving into emotional family drama and thought-provoking techno-mystery, that explores moral responsibility, family dynamics, parenting and sibling relationships as complicated by demanding careers within the age of artificial intelligence. The central question asked by the family in this novel and us as readers is: Who is culpable? The answer is complicated.

Our discussion about family issues, parenting and siblings generated these questions and insights: No matter what it looks like on the outside, you don’t know what’s happening on the inside; there are walls between and among family members; humans are culpable by turning our destiny over to AI. For sure, this novel has several lessons on how not to communicate within our family. Personally, I have attempted to put my head down about the challenges of AI and how it impacts our most intimate relationships. The family, friendship, and collegial dynamics impacted by AL as described in Culpability, woke me up (in somewhat an alarming way as a mental health professional) to the future of our relationships. We engaged in a discussion that generated questions and concerns. This is a recommended read (Oprah also adds this book to her list).

The next book group meeting is at 6:30pm on Wednesday, May 20, at the Democratic Headquarters. Our book for May, Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara, is a historical novel that describes the three days of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, and the days leading up to it. The perspective of historical figures from both the Confederacy and the Union highlights the significant aspects of this historical fiction.

We welcome new folks to join us for lively conversation, laughter, and a delicious potluck dinner even if you haven't read the book or don’t have a dish for potluck. Bring a friend and something to share if you wish. We appreciate that new members expand our discussion with new perspectives and suggestions for our next month’s book and look forward to seeing you at our next book group discussion.

— Harriet Bachner

Headquarters update

The purpose of the Crawford County Democratic Headquarters is to provide a safe, centralized meeting location, comfortable and efficient work spaces for party officers and volunteers, social support to our members and reliable information to the community.

We are open most weekdays from 10-4. Feel free to call 620-670-6867 with any questions about hours, elections or candidates.

The next ACTION meeting will be Thursday, May 14 at 4pm. We’ve caught up on our protesting and are looking forward to moving on to the next project. Everyone and their ideas are welcome!

Art for Equality participated in the Pittsburg Art Walk on Saturday, April 18th, enjoying perfect weather throughout the day. Dozens of children stopped by to paint rocks with Kathy, creating colorful and expressive pieces. They were also given bright bags and encouraged to personalize them with messages of kindness and positivity.

In recognition of Earth Day, Marcia handed out stress ball globes, inviting participants to reflect on global awareness in a tactile, engaging way by squeezing the globe on the spot Trump bombed that day. Our display featured artwork centered on diversity and inclusion, which sparked interest and conversations among attendees, with many asking about the origins and meaning behind the pieces.

— Sally Harryman, HQ manager

LL notes from April

The Liberal Ladies met on April 8 at Dem HQ with 21 Wise Women in attendance. Kimber Reddick came with her mother, Patsy Lawson, a long-time treasured member. Chris Connors returned because her daughter encouraged her. During the meeting, it was emphasized that members can feel free to speak up when necessary (one at a time), without any pressure to do so. The group serves as both a support network and an information-sharing platform. Delma shared a rant/poem regarding Stephen Miller, which was greatly appreciated by the group.

Emily discussed Don Coover's campaign. They will go to Washington soon and need to raise money and encourage others to contribute to his campaign. Janice gave us information about a debate with governor candidates Ethan Corsin, Cindy Holscher, and Marty Tuley. Harriet would like those who took the Deep Canvassing Workshop to have a meeting to go over the concepts and practice with each other. Marcia discussed having a fundraiser for Don Coover. We had a planning meeting with Jenna regarding the Ice Cream Social on May 3 with Don Coover speaking. Ruth updated us on school funding issues. She and Lynette started a group called Get the Facts and the next meeting was at Homer Cole on April 28, 5:30 to 7:00 and dinner was provided. There were three special speakers including the superintendent of Pittsburg schools.

Our next meeting will be at noon on Wednesday May 6 at Dem HQ. We look forward to seeing you there.

— Susy Hammons

Dionne’s April report

Crawford County Democratic Party

Monthly Meeting — April 19, 2026

Secretary’s Report

Attendees: Vice Chair Jack Bertoncino, Treasurer Don Pyle, Secretary Dionne Blakemore, Janice Arthur, Harriet Bachner, Vivian Blakemore, Lillian Bosseau, Jim Brumfield, Lee Brunetti, Linda Brunetti, Sandy Casey, Don Frevele, Joe Grisolano, Susy Hammons, Isaiah Harris, Sally Harryman, Jean Hurlbert, Ruth Miller, Susan Monsour, Ted Monsour, Jim Orwig, Avery Rowland, Sophia Stapleton, Nancy Tomassi, Vincente Torres, Betty Urich, Skip Urich, Rexine Warehime, Marcia Weeks, Lynette Wescott, Shawn Bugni, Ellie Walden, Jack Brooksher

Welcome & Vice Chair’s Remarks — Jack Bertoncino

Vice Chair Jack Bertoncino opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.

Jack emphasized the need for Precinct Captain recruitment. Members interested in serving as Precinct Captains were encouraged to contact Jack directly. The filing deadline is June 1.

Treasurer’s Report — Don Pyle

The Treasurer’s Report was provided by Don Pyle (attached). Janice Arthur moved to accept; Vivian Blakemore seconded. Motion passed.

Secretary’s Report — Dionne Blakemore

The Secretary’s Report was provided. Vivian moved to accept; Don seconded. Motion passed.

Elected Officials’ Report

Sandy Casey and Joe Grisolano were present, but had nothing to report.

Local Candidate Updates

Isaiah Harris — Kansas House District 3

Isaiah Harris has officially filed as the Democratic candidate for Kansas House District 3. His Campaign Launch Rally & Community Food Drive is scheduled for:

Saturday, April 25, 3:00–5:00 PM — Pritchett Pavilion

‍The event will feature free live music and snacks. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items. For more information or to sign up for the newsletter and donate, visit isaiahforkansas.com.

‍Avery Rowland — Kansas House District 2

‍Avery Rowland has filed as the Democratic candidate for Kansas House District 2. Her campaign slogan is “Plant Seeds for Everybody.” Members were encouraged to share her name with friends and neighbors and to visit averyforkansas.com.

‍Headquarters Update — Sally Harryman

‍Headquarters is now open Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM most weekdays. Sally will begin posting schedule signups starting June 1.

‍Action Committee meetings continue every Thursday at 4:00 PM.

‍Coover Campaign Petition Drive — Marcia Weeks

‍Marcia Weeks presented information on the Coover petition drive. The campaign needs 2,500 signatures to get on the ballot at no cost. Signers must be registered Democrats in the county listed on the petition. Members were encouraged to help gather signatures.

‍Newsletter Update — Harriet Bachner

The newsletter has been receiving wonderful compliments from readers. Harriet extended sincere thanks to all contributors.

‍Submissions for the next edition are due by April 25th. The newsletter currently has over 600 subscribers.

‍Deep Canvassing Update — Harriet Bachner

Harriet is organizing a meeting for all trained deep canvassers to discuss how to apply those skills during the upcoming canvassing season. Two potential dates are being considered:

‍Saturday, May 2 — a couple of hours
Thursday, May 7 — alternate option

‍Details to be confirmed. Watch for communication from Harriet.

‍Community Outreach Committee — Harriet Bachner & Lynette Wescott

The committee is organizing a small-group postcard writing initiative. Handwritten notes to legislators have been shown to be highly effective.

‍The committee is also working to organize a group to attend Kansas State Legislature committee meetings in Topeka this summer.

‍Fundraising Committee — Isaiah Harris

‍Isaiah Harris announced that his fundraising committee duties will be reduced going forward as he directs his efforts toward his District 3 campaign. The fundraising team will take on greater responsibility.

‍To help the fundraising committee, contact: isaiahforkansas@gmail.com

Young Democrats — Sophia Stapleton

‍The Young Democrats continue their volunteer work at Wesley House. The group is ready to volunteer for candidates and is eager to canvass.

‍Canvassing sessions are planned for weekend and Weekday evenings.

High School Democrats — Vivian Blakemore

‍The High School Democrats are preparing to canvass and are ready to get involved in campaign efforts.

‍Candidate Search Committee — Don Pyle & Lynette Wescott

‍County Commissioner District 3 (Pittsburg area): As of April 15, Carl Wood has not refiled, nor has any other candidate. A Democratic candidate is still urgently needed.

‍County Commissioner District 1: Bruce Blair has refiled.
‍Kansas House District 3: Chuck Smith (R) has refiled; Isaiah Harris (D) has filed.
‍Kansas House District 2: Avery Rowland (D) has filed; Ken Collins (R, incumbent) will face a primary against Dan Muter.
‍State Board of Education District 9: Destry Brown (R) has filed.
‍All Committeemen and Committeewomen seats are up — ratio of R vs. C is being monitored.
‍Dale Halewig (Baxter Springs area): No opponent yet. If you know someone who might run, reach out.

‍Local Impact: Get the Facts — Lynette Wescott

‍Lynette presented information on upcoming Local Impact events and community actions. See handout for full details. Highlights:

‍Tuesday, April 28, 5:30–7:00 PM — Homer Cole Community Center (3003 N. Joplin, Pittsburg): Local Impact: Get the Facts — SCHOOLS. Meal provided. Topics include school funding, mill levies, at-risk and special education funding, and property taxes. Presenters include local school leaders, an education tax policy expert, and a Champions for Schools representative.
‍Saturday, June 6, 10:00–11:00 AM — Lincoln Center, Pittsburg: Kansas Appleseed — Judges Ballot Issue, part of the Justice For All Vote No August 4 tour. Register at the website or call 785-274-8311.

New Business

‍Canvassing Launch — May 9

‍The official canvassing launch is scheduled for May 9. Melinda Lavon from Douglas County will speak about the proposed August and November constitutional amendments. Ethel Edwards will be providing palm cards to include in walk bags for canvassers.

Kansas Appleseed — Lynette Wescott

‍Reminder that Kansas Appleseed is coming to Pittsburg on June 6 to discuss the judges ballot issue.

‍Upcoming Candidate Visits

‍Sandy Spiedel Neumann, U.S. Senate candidate — Monday, April 27, 5:30 PM, Headquarters, Pittsburg
‍Noah Taylor, U.S. Senate candidate — Tuesday, May 5, 6:00 PM, Headquarters, Pittsburg

‍Kansas Federation of Democratic Women

‍Annual convention: Saturday, May 2, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Topeka. Features guest speakers, learning sessions, and networking.

‍Vote No — August 4

‍Members were reminded to pick up their Vote No August 4 buttons and business card-size vote reminder cards to distribute to everyone they meet.

‍Special Guest — Erik Murray, Candidate for U.S. Senate

‍Erik Murray, Democratic candidate challenging Roger Marshall for U.S. Senate, addressed the group. More information at erikforkansas.com or join.erikforkansas.com

‍Erik is conducting the “Heart of America Tour” and believes Southeast Kansas will be the epicenter of political change in the state.

‍About Erik Murray

‍4th-generation Kansan from Wyandotte County, Kansas City, KS
‍Founder of a commercial real estate development company; leads East Side Innovation, focused on rebuilding disinvested communities
‍Father of four; wife is a nurse
‍Daughter Alyssa Murray, a senior at Stanford, serves as his campaign manager

‍Campaign Priorities & Approach

‍Turning out young voters is a top priority — students and young people are central to the campaign
‍“Before people care what you know, they need to know that you care” — conducting community cleanups as part of the HOA Tour
‍No PAC money accepted
‍Goal: knock 700,000 doors across Kansas
‍Outreach to other Senate seats held by Republican incumbents with Democratic challengers — a “we, not they” campaign philosophy

‍Policy Positions

Pro-Medicare for All
Pro-taxing billionaires at their fair share
Gun reform: universal background checks, ban on high-capacity rifles, while protecting the Second Amendment and prioritizing the safety of kids, communities, and law enforcement
Bringing people to Kansas, including rural areas: building housing and community spaces, revitalizing downtowns, funding infrastructure and healthcare

Adjournment

Vivian Blakemore moved to adjourn; Janice Arthur seconded. Motion carried.

Next Meeting: May 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM — Crawford State Lake / Aggie’s Dream

We want to hear from you!

Article submissions are needed from Crawford County Democrats and friends about issues and topics we should all be thinking about. Let us publish your thoughts in this Revue, for distribution to county Democrats and others across the state. Back issues of thr newsletter are also on the website at https://www.crawfordcountyksdems.org/newsletter.

Please email your thoughts or those of your caucuses and interest groups for publication in the county party’s newsletter to news@crawfordcountyksdems.org. Accompanying photographs or other ideas for illustrating your articles are also welcome. Feel free to ask questions by text or phone of newsletter crew Harriet at 620-704-8566 or Phil at 708-466-0659. Also please include your phone number with your message in case we have questions for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

By Crawford County Democratic Party

Dr. Emily Walters, Chair

EDUCATING VOTERS AND WINNING VOTES

Newsletter contacts: Harriet Bachner & Phil Burgert news@crawfordcountyksdems.org