Live Blog with Donald Betts Jr.: The People's Candidate
Hi, my name is Donald Betts, Jr. and I am running for U.S. Congress in the 4th Congressional District against 7-term incumbent Todd Tiahrt. I grew up in Wichita and as a child my mother, brother and myself were homeless numerous times.
We lived from motel to motel, from shelter to shelter growing up until we went to live with my grandfather, a minister, in Las Vegas. I didn’t come from a privileged background but I worked hard to overcome adversity and even though we lived in poverty stricken neighborhoods, full of gang violence, and drugs, I worked through school and got a scholarship to Friends University in Wichita where I graduated.
I started my legislative career at age 24 by running for Kansas State House of Representatives. I not only won the seat but continued to serve in the House until a special election in 2004 when I was appointed to the KS Senate. I was reelected at age 25 to the Kansas Senate. I am the youngest state senator in the history of Kansas. I am young but I have lived a very full life. Our future generations will continue to shape our country. I never looked at my age as an obstacle but an opportunity to speak out for everyone, young and old.
Some of the policies I have supported include funding for special education. One special program that started in Kansas (and is now nation-wide), “Circle of Friends” is an opportunity for special education students to team up with regular students one-on-one and it fostures understanding and acceptance. I love seeing the happiness in a child’s face with celebral palsy to be able to do “regular” activities such as horseback riding or just hanging out with their new team friend.
The feeling I get when I support policies that offer a positive outcome for the masses, gives me joy. What I’ve gone through in my life has made me a man of the people, and I’ve chosen to be a public servant, because it is what I’m supposed to do. It is my goal to make sure that no child is “left behind”.
I wake up every morning with the mission to retire Tiahrt. Why? Must you ask? When it comes to our youth, it should be a “no brainer” to support initiatives like “SCHIP” (State Children’s Health insurance program). My opponent voted to sustain the president’s veto against this measure three times. This congressman has supported President Bush over 90% of the time, and while you are paying more at the pump, his contribution coffers are being filled to the rim in oil money? My voting record has, and will continue to reflect healthy choices for our environment, while my opponent has a consistent 0% voting record for the environment.
There are stark differences between me and my opposition. I am on a mission to provide true leadership by example. There should be no question, that my loyalty rest with making the future brighter, safer, and stronger for America’s youth.
For more details, about my position on issues, and for more about me, please visit my website, www.betts4congress.com.
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Two Questions
Hi Senator, thanks for joining us.
I've got two questions.
First, I'm wondering what issue is resonating most with young people in your state and what you are doing to address that issue.
Second, I'm wondering if you could talk abouts some of the challenges of being so young an elected official and how you've dealt with those challenges.
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Bugs in the System
It worked - sorry all, apparently the FM comment system has been buggy for the Senator, but it seems to be working properly now.
Tuition and Darfur
The issue that is reasonating with most young people in the state of Kansas is the increase in college tuituion. Young people are finding it hard to pay for college and survive because of the yearly hikes. The federal government has also made it difficult for young people to apply for federal student aid. I helped to relieve some of the pressure to universities, so the buck wouldn't be passed over to the student, by supporting deferred maintenance legislation.
In addition to college tution, students are concerned about international affairs. If you visit my website (www.betts4congress.com) and click on the green button, you will notice that several young people are raising money to bringing awareness to the genocide in Darfur. I worked with several young people to draft and sponsor legislation that put Kansas on record, by divesting it's retirement system from all companies doing business with Darfur.
saw your mtv think video
Hi there...saw your mtv think video...looking forward to hearing more about your race.
Jane Fleming Kleeb is the Executive Director of the Young Voter Pac which helps Democratic candidates and State Parties win with the 18-35 year old vote through endorsements, on-the-ground support, training, strategy and money.
quick question ...
In my experience, young candidates really struggle with their age. On one hand, they know that their age offers voters a fresh perspective, enthusiasm, and all the good that comes with youth. On the other hand they often struggle to be viewed as "one of the grownups" doing everything they can to seem older.
Where do you fit in that spectrum?
Do you have any advice on this issue for young candidates?
You are the Master of your Fate!
There is a saying, "get in where you fit in". My first year in the Kansas house, was different, we had roughly seven members under thirty elected that year, and we called ourselves, the "kiddie caucus". We joined hands on legislation, and were able to get noticed as a block. There were organizations like the American Council of Young Political leaders, and the Young Elected Officials Network, that help to give me a broader perspective on how other YEO's were feeling. It gave us a chance to vent, and make each other strong.
The advice I would offer to young canidates would be to allow your passion, determination and vision to lead you. Don't allow anyone to tell you what you can not do, show them what you can do. The old guard has been known to set up walls and barriers. My philosophy is that if I come to a wall, and can't go over it , around it, or under it, I will go right through it. It is our time to lead, it is our future we're fighting for, so let's fight for it!
Question
How did older members treat your youth in the Kansas State House?
Kiss the ring!
Older members treated me with high respect in the House. The House of Representatives is the peoples house. Nevertheless, there were still restraints as to how far I could spread my wings. With 125 members fighting for various positions of power, legislation, and policy it gets frustrating, however, we must remember that it is still politics. The treatment I received during my first year in the Kansas Senate, however, was a real reality check.
Election Reform
Hi, I'm curious as to what your ideas are regarding election reform at the federal and state level. Do you support same-day-registration? Abolishing the electoral college? Voting on weekends or making election day a federal holiday?
Yes! Yes! Yes!
I serve as the ranking member of the Senate Elections and Local Government committee. I fought for years to make the elections process, one that increases voter turnout, only to find that I'm fight against Senator that want to make the process more difficult. Can you believe that, after the struggles in years past? Well believe it. I give high congrats to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius for her veto on yet another voter I.D. bill. I refused to sign the conference committee report and voted against the bill. To answer your question, yes, yes, and yes!
YEO
Good morning Senator Betts,
Can you tell us a little bit about the YEO program - how you became a part of it, and whether it has helped you in any way? Thank you!
YEO
The Young Elected Officials Network is an amazing concept. I was part of the first class. We met in Washington, D.C., where we were greeted by members of congress and addressed by policy experts across the country. What was most impressive was the opportunity to meet young elected's like myself. I mean you couldn't imagine the feeling I felt to see other young visionaries in one room together. It was beautiful! My soul was refreshed and renewed all at the same time, my passion to work harder was full of fire, because I felt like I was part of an army of future leaders. I really think Oprah or someone should have a special on the YEO's. This organization is the wave of the future, literally. www.betts4congress.com
Question
First off, thank you for this blog and introducing yourself to us all!
I would like to know how the challenges of your childhood/past have influenced your opinions on public education policy?
The Maverick
You are very welcome! If I can become a Senator, having been educated in the public school system, and my friends who are now doctors and lawyers who are also products of the public school system then it is imperative that we continue to support public schools. If it weren't for my pricipals, teachers and counselors, I would not have made it this far. I remember all of there names, and still keep in close contact with many of them even though they've retired. These educators prevented me from being another statistic. Even though I was poor, and couldn't afford a "private" education, my teachers always treated me like mountain mover. The public school system is the bedrock of America. Yes there are always improvements, but if someone really wants to learn and achieve greatness they will. I graduated from the Advanced Technologies Academy in Las Vegas, NV., the A-Tech Mavricks (check them out). www.bettsforcongress.com
Congrats!
Sen. Betts,
Having worked at the Oklahoma state legislature, I have seen Young electeds rise to the top through innovative ideas and really understanding the electorate. What makes these young electeds so amazing is that their age is often not a major issue. Do you find that your age has helped/hindered you in any way in relation to being an effective legislator?
Also, what role will young people play in your day to day campaign for Congress?
THANKS! Your neighbor to the South!
Mandy
Thank you for your question
Thank you for your question Mandy.
My age and experience has helped me to inform my colleagues of issues that concern this generation. I often find that local leaders, are hesitant to approach me because I 'm part of that old guard, and the old ways of doing things, my ideas are more progressive, and inclusive. The leaders that do invite me to the table for a one-on-one, they find my youth to be an asset, and that I'm not just young and dumb, but I'm a smart intelligent visionary, ready to inspire change in the public interest. A change that inspires other young people to get engaged, excited and motivated about the political process.
Young people are employed, volunteering, and advocating for my campaign. I will tell you however, my campaign manager is 72 years old, a seasoned expert having run the campaign for former Congressman Dan Glickman, a former newspaper reporter and college instructor. So, we have an equal-opportunity campaign
THANKS!
You aren't too far away (3-5 hours)! I have visited your website and signed up to get information. Maybe I can come up and meet you and put some miles in for you knocking or make calls!
Keep up the great work!
Thanks to the Senator
Thanks to the Senator for dropping by today. My apologies to all of you and to his staff for the bugs in the comments that ate up so much time.
This is something we're going to be doing more of at Future Majority so we'll be working out those kinks. Hopefully it will be much smoother next time.
It the meantime, please do check out the Senator's website, join the Facebook group, and if you can, donate $10 or $20 to their campaign.
Thank you for the opportunity
Dear Mike:
Thank you for the opportunity to post on this blog - it has been an exciting and fun experience. I hope to participate again.
Regards,
Donald Betts, Jr.
P.S. My website is: www.betts4congress.com should anyone wish to obtain further information
Senator Betts - Energy Bills
Senator Betts - If elected how do you think you can help Kansas face the energy crisis in America, and secondly, how do you think your influence can be felt Nation wide?
Wrong page
Eswin,
You are on the wrong page. This is the old Live Blog we did in May. Go repost your question here:
http://futuremajority.com/node/2138