Olathe, Kan – Former State Rep. Patricia Lightner, Republican candidate for Congress in the 3rd District of Kansas, today announced that a coalition of conservative current and former state legislators was endorsing her campaign.
The list of legislators backing Lightner now includes State Senator Mary Pilcher Cook of Shawnee; State Rep. Rob Olson of Olathe; State Rep. Mike Kiegerl of Olathe; State Rep. Owen Donohoe of Shawnee; State Rep. Jene Vickrey of Louisburg, State Rep. Brenda Landwehr of Wichita, as well as former State Rep. Eric Carter of Overland Park, State Rep. Judy Morrison of Shawnee, and State Rep. Benjamin Hodge of Overland Park.
Lightner said she was honored by the support of her former colleagues.
“As a former State Representative myself, it is an honor to be supported by so many of my conservative colleagues. They have stood up on principle time and time again and understand it takes a combination of experience and principled perseverance to govern successfully. From issues of fiscal responsibility to protecting life, they know where I stand and their backing is a tremendous boost for my campaign,” said Lightner.
In describing his decision to endorse Lightner, Rep. Rob Olson said it was a combination of her views on issues and her determination in seeking to flip the 3rd District to conservative hands.
“Patricia challenged Dennis Moore a year ago, six months before her opponent entered the race. Since then, she has been unwavering in her defense of conservative principles and in offering a new direction for the 3rd District. Her ideas and experience are a perfect fit for the 3rd District, and I am proud to endorse her,” said Olson, who represents the 26th District.
Judy Morrison, who represented the 23rd District from 1999-2008, said that Patricia has always been a fighter, and she knows she will be in Washington, as well.
“I served with Patricia for 5 years in the legislature, and as her slogan says, she truly means business when it comes to protecting life, fighting for fiscal responsibility, and upholding the rule of law. She listens to her constituents and is willing to tell you what she thinks, even if she disagrees. That’s what we need more of in Washington,” said Morrison.
Eric Carter, who represented the 48th District from 2002-2006, and is serving as Lightner’s General Campaign Chairman, said that the media would be wise not to underestimate Lightner.
“When it comes to the 2010 electorate, Lightner gets it – she’s been working on the grassroots since the day she has entered this race and literally wants to talk to every single voter out there. She understands the passion of the tea party and why it exists. Her election couldn’t come a moment too soon.”
