This evening, in a email to Kansas Democratic Party supporters, Chairman Larry Gates announced he will not enter the race for Kansas governor against Sen. Sam Brownback.
Gates had publicly expressed interested in running for governor and was highly rumored to be the leading democratic candidate. While his announcement gives ammunition to those doubting the Democratic Party has a qualified candidate for the governorship, Gates assured supporters otherwise.
There are tremendously qualified candidates who are considering this race and allowed me the opportunity to fully consider my own candidacy,” Gates said. “From among those individuals a great nominee will emerge to challenge the Washington insider whose campaign advisors would have you believe this race is over. The reality is the campaign has yet to begin.”
October 16, 2009:
For many months, Jeanne and I have considered undertaking a campaign for governor in 2010. Many of you have encouraged me and offered your support, for which I am humbled and grateful. In fact, I told many friends I intended to run as a business person more qualified to lead Kansas out of our present economic mess than a Washington politician who helped create that turmoil.
The demands of our businesses in this economic crisis will not permit me to become a candidate. We owe it to our investors, our loyal employees, our customers and our family to give our fullest attention to weathering this severe business downturn. I would owe it to you and all Kansans to run an aggressive, full-time campaign on the issues. The reality is, I cannot do both.
Although the press reports Democrats are not prepared for 2010, the truth is far from it. You and I know our political campaigns are much too long. It’s no secret, most candidates must sacrifice business, profession or job to undertake a state-wide race. However, Sam Brownback is not encumbered by job or livelihood. He chose to begin his quest for governor nearly two years from the November, 2010 election while enjoying the comfort of his taxpayer supported job and health care benefits.
There are tremendously qualified candidates who are considering this race and allowed me the opportunity to fully consider my own candidacy. From among those individuals a great nominee will emerge to challenge the Washington insider whose campaign advisors would have you believe this race is over. The reality is the campaign has yet to begin.
Thank you for your encouragement and enthusiasm for my potential candidacy. Jeanne and I are blessed by the friends in our lives. I look forward to joining you on the campaign trail.
Sincerely,
Larry Gates
Chair — Kansas Democratic Party
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