ks_sen_BROWNBACK

SEN. SAM BROWNBACK

· Republican Sen. Sam Brownback was elected to the Senate in a special election to complete former Senate Majority Leader, Bob DoleÂ's term when he resigned to run for President in 1996. Originally Kansas Govenor, Bill Graves appointed his Lt. Governor, Sheila Frahm to fill the position until an election was held. He announced his candidacy saying, "these are size 25 shoes even Michael Jordan couldnÂ't fill". Brownback defeated Frahm in the primary (55% - 42%) and went on to beat his general election opponent, Democrat Jill Docking with 54% of the vote.

· BrownbackÂ's Â'96 campaign mantra: The 3 RÂ's - Reduce, Reform, and Return. Reduce the size and scope of the government. Return to basic values.

· Brownback took a gamble in running for the Senate. He hadnÂ't even completed his first full term in the U.S House, but his re-election prospects were secure. Brownback was elected to the House in 1994 with 66% of the vote in a match-up with former Democratic Governor, John Carlin.

· When he campaigned for the House in 1994, Brownback refused to sign the RepublicanÂ's Contract with America, taking issue with itÂ's provisions for welfare reform and taxes. He did, however, agree with the GOP leadership on the need to for government reform and term limits.

· Brownback emerged as a leader in the 1994 freshman class and alligned himself with the New Federalists, whose mision was to eliminate the Departments of Commerce, Education, Energy, and Urban Development. He argued for increased fiscal responsibility, led a campaign to sell off the Federal Annex Building, and pushed for a Gift Ban Rule. Brownback was often condemned the appearance of influence peddling on Capitol Hill.

· After law school, Brownback practiced at a Manhattan, Kansas law firm. In1986, he was appointed Kansas state Agriculture Secretary. When a federal judge ruled the Board of Agriculture was unconstitutionally elected, the board was dissolved in 1993.