Olathe, KS – Former State Representative Patricia Lightner, who is taking steps to re-claim the 3rd District Congressional seat for the Republican Party, has announced the location of her next two “Ask Patricia” Meet & Greets. The first will occur on Wednesday, September 9, at the Johnson County Republican Headquarters at 127th and Metcalf while the second will take place a week later on Wednesday, September 16 at Johnny’s Tavern at K-10 and Ridgeview. The events, which will both occur from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m, are the third and fourth in a series of weekly gatherings at various locations throughout the 3rd District.
The sessions, which feature an “Ask Patricia” question-and-answer segment, are being held so Lightner can introduce herself to as many people as possible early on, so they are comfortable with her and her views.
“From town halls to tea parties to simple organization meetings, I’ve never seen so much interest at this point in an election cycle. People are upset about what’s going on, but they’re also looking for a candidate who believes in the same principles they do – so I’m giving them an opportunity to size me up,” said Lightner.
Lightner contrasts her public presence and availability to Congressman Moore, who abruptly skipped a planned Town Hall meeting last Sunday. Moore ’s cancellation surprised the hundreds of citizens, who found hand-written cancellation notices taped to the doors of the Cleveland Chiropractic College . According to reports, Moore cancelled the event because they had 1000 RSVP’s and overflow would be an issue.
“I’ve never heard of a Congressman cancelling an event because too many of his constituents were interested in what he had to say. If he had an overflow, schedule as many events as it takes to handle the interest, or get a larger venue,” said Lightner. “What this shows me is that Dennis Moore is simply through listening to people who are upset, and he’s just going to vote the way he’s going to vote. Having a phobia of upset people isn’t a good trait for an elected official to have. You’ve got to have the ability to take a few verbal arrows if you’re going to vote wrong.”
Lightner, an economic and social conservative, says she is garnering support from conservatives, moderates, libertarians, independents, and democrats.
“It’s not just traditional Republicans who are showing up to my events. I had a Libertarian man in his 20’s stop by my event yesterday. He was concerned about the government takeovers of car companies and banks, and wanted to learn more about my campaign. This is someone who hadn’t been involved in a campaign before. I listened to what he had to say, and it was compelling,”
Lightner, who is building up her campaign organization towards a formal announcement, added that Dennis Moore might want to reconsider his cancellations.
“I understand his record doesn’t square with the whole ‘blue dog’ mirage he’s banked on for 12 years, but leaving last-minute notes on doors is the quickest way for the voters to show you the door. People don’t like being stood up.”
