The importance of attendance can sometimes overshadow the importance of involvement. As your 4th ^{District Representative during the 2005/2006 legislative sessions, I made the decision to travel, with Governor Kathleen Sebelius, to Fort Scott after the fire that devastated a large portion of its rich historical downtown. Kansas was later saddened with the loss of one her sons, Gordon Parks. As his family and childhood community gathered to pay their respects I too attended his funeral to honor the man that paved the way for many generations to come. My dedication to my family brought to my wife Marla’s side during her surgery that had resulted from an accident. That same dedication took me to my daughter Katie’s high school graduation from Uniontown.}

Too often people forget that dedication begins at home. As your Representative, my dedication begins at home and carries over to my duties in representing you. It is impossible to fully understand the needs of the communities I represent if I do not come to them during their time of need. During each of my absences from the House for reasons given above, I was available to give my vote.

I am your pro-family, pro-life, pro-business candidate. I can say this with confidence because I still honor the same priorities and values you honor. Those same priorities and values guided me in voting in favor of such legislation as the Marriage Amendment, protection of property rights, increased educational funding and protection of your 2nd Amendment Rights. I continue to be a champion for the unborn child and continually press forward on legislation to help Agri-business. While some strive for perfect attendance others strive for a better understanding of the needs of the persons in the district they represent.