LAWRENCE — The Democratic leader of the Kansas House of Representatives has announced he’s challenging Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. Paul Davis, Lawrence; officially launched his gubernatorial campaign this morning in a Web video sent to Facebook supporters and Twitter followers. Since 2008, Kansas has made deeper cuts to public education than all but seven other states, with a cut in 2011 being the largest single reduction to Kansas school funding in state history, he said. “Like so many of you, I’m profoundly troubled by the direction our state’s been heading over the past three years,” Davis said. “Education funding gets cut and our state’s commitment to our kids and schools slips away.” Davis said he is also concerned that higher property and sales taxes – as well as skyrocketing utility rates – are placing a heavy, unfair burden on Kansas workers, families, and seniors. “The wealthiest and well-connected get all the breaks and our Kansas economy feels broken.” Davis is an attorney and partner at Fagan, Emert & Davis of Lawrence. He has been in the Legislature 10 years and has been House Minority Leader five years. Brownback has already announced his candidacy.
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 4 p.m.
