Kansas Helen Podcast

If you’re a Republican primary voter considering candidates for governor, I urge you to vote for Stacey Rogers. You can learn more about her People Over Politics, grassroots campaign at: www.stacyrogersforks.com

While I personally wouldn’t vote for her due to disagreements on several key issues, I still recognize her genuine motivation for entering this race. Furthermore, I admire the immense effort she has invested in connecting with Kansans, particularly in an environment where the Republican establishment often equates a candidate’s fundraising with their worthiness.

This dynamic was evident when Stacey refused to pay $10,000 for what should have been her rightful place on a debate stage. Candidates should not have to purchase opportunities to engage with opponents and voters. Political parties are increasingly blurring the lines, often implying that a candidate’s “effort” is synonymous with their fundraising prowess.

However, money does not equate to effort, and it certainly doesn’t equate to votes. Consider two candidates who each raise $3,000. If one achieves this through hundreds of $5 donations, while the other receives it from three individuals contributing $1,000 each, these are not politically equivalent achievements. The first candidate has engaged a broad base of people willing to invest in their campaign, while the second has only reached three affluent individuals.

I’ve observed this trend on the Democratic side as well. Candidates like Anne Paralecar and Cindy Holscher may not be outraising their opponents, but their dedication is undeniable. They are actively traveling, knocking on doors, engaging with voters, and building strong teams of supporters. Stacey Rogers demonstrates the same level of commitment.

Stacey is relentlessly present. I was fortunate to secure an hour of her time after a long effort to schedule our conversation, a testament to her constant travel across Kansas. She personally knocks on doors, attends every possible event, and speaks directly with as many voters as she can. She doesn’t rely on campaign advertisements, mailers, or polished videos, expecting money to do the work for her.

This is precisely what we need from our candidates. I prioritize a candidate’s willingness to persuade voters, engage in face-to-face conversations, and genuinely listen to the needs of Kansans, far above how much money they raise. While I may not endorse Stacey’s solutions or all of her policies, I believe her motivations are sincere. If you’re a Republican primary voter, I believe her dedication matters, and she has earned your consideration and your vote.

Her campaign finances underscore this commitment. Rogers is running a statewide campaign with less than $50,000 and no identified PAC contributions. Her reports detail 71 named contributors and at least 121 contributors whose donations of $50 or less were collectively reported as $6,060.56, though the actual number could be higher. In total, this amounts to at least 192 contributors, giving a combined $34,486.92, with an average contribution of $179.62. Despite not having millions, Rogers is actively traveling, showing up, and engaging with Kansans.

A Statewide Campaign With Less Than $50k

Of the $28,426.36 in itemized contributions, an impressive $27,991.36 (98.47%) came from contributors with Kansas addresses. Only $275 (0.97%) originated from outside Kansas, while the remaining $160 (0.56%) came from a named contributor whose location was not disclosed.

This is significant because it demonstrates that Rogers’s campaign is not financed by a network of out-of-state donors. Nearly all of her itemized financial support comes from within Kansas, directly linking her campaign to the state she aspires to govern.

While the $6,060.56 in non-itemized contributions cannot be categorized by donor location due to reporting limitations, the verifiable itemized contributions strongly indicate that Kansans are almost exclusively funding Rogers’s campaign.

Her Spending Reflects Her Priorities

How Rogers has spent her money is as revealing as how much she has raised. Nearly 56% of all campaign spending was allocated to online advertising, design, and marketing. When combined with expenses for campaign materials, public events, and community sponsorships, the reports clearly show a campaign heavily invested in reaching Kansans directly.

The largest expenditure category was online advertising, design, and marketing, totaling approximately $17,712.50. An additional $4,160.97 was spent on printing, shirts, and campaign supplies. Rogers also invested $1,224 in a booth at the Kansas State Fair and $1,100 in community sponsorships. These are direct expenses aimed at establishing the campaign’s presence in public spaces and facilitating direct interaction between Rogers and the voters she seeks to earn.

While a campaign finance report cannot reveal a candidate’s true intentions or guarantee future governance, it does offer insight into how a candidate allocates their resources and what their campaign prioritizes. She isn’t passively waiting for Kansans to find her; she is actively making an effort to connect to put People Over Politics

What “People Over Politics” Means

“People over politics” must be more than a campaign slogan. It must represent a commitment to prioritizing the lives and needs of Kansans above political parties, powerful donors, personal grudges, and the endless struggle for control.

It means acknowledging that an individual’s worth is not diminished by their political affiliation or differing opinions. Governance is not about rewarding supporters and punishing opponents; a governor is responsible for serving every Kansan.

Stacey and I hold different views on several significant issues, yet we share the belief that political disagreement does not lessen a person’s value. We agree that individuals should not suffer or be harmed simply for holding different beliefs, and that government should strive to improve their lives whenever possible.

This fundamental agreement outweighs any of our disagreements because it provides a crucial starting point. If we cannot first agree on the inherent value and dignity of every person, there is no foundation for compromise, negotiation, or collaboration. We cannot hope to solve problems if we begin by treating those on the opposing side as enemies whose lives are inconsequential.

We are not required to abandon our principles or downplay our disagreements. Instead, we must recognize that the people affected by political decisions are more important than prevailing in a political battle.

This is what “people over politics” means to me, and it is the most vital point of agreement between Stacey Rogers and me.

Stacey Rogers’ Message

Rogers’ campaign emphasizes hard work and direct engagement, advocating for limited campaign spending. She believes candidates should meet voters directly, fostering more accurate judgments than advertisements or polished videos.

Rogers traveled approximately 95,000 miles to nearly every Kansas town, visiting businesses, gas stations, cooperatives, and gathering places rather than just party events or county seats. She noted many Kansans, working or raising families, cannot attend political events. Rogers compared her approach to Joan Finney and Bob Dole, asserting that visiting communities should be the minimum expectation for statewide candidates.

These conversations revealed a divide beyond Republican versus Democrat: “power and money against the people.” Rogers acknowledged disagreements but believes they can foster understanding and collaboration.

Rogers cited proposed massive data centers as a bipartisan issue. She distinguished these from smaller, existing facilities, raising concerns about their impact on Kansas land, resources, and communities, especially when foreign companies are involved. Communities often lack the knowledge to question developers effectively.

Her travels also highlighted the decline of small towns despite their value. This experience shaped her governance philosophy: owning a business doesn’t make her an expert in every industry. Without consulting those directly involved, she risks harmful decisions.

Similarly, Rogers questioned over-reliance on paid lobbyists. She believes state leaders must speak directly with affected individuals and consider diverse information before deciding. She would apply this to state employees, refusing a “clean sweep” before assessing departmental functions and needs.

Rogers described the Kansas Legislature as chaotic and divided, with political infighting, punishment, and power struggles wasting taxpayer money and lawmaker time. She would use the governor’s platform to expose misconduct and hold lawmakers accountable, arguing that blocking beneficial legislation as retaliation harms Kansans.

Regarding education, Rogers believes Kansas has lost focus on preparing children for adulthood. As an employer, she’s observed graduates struggling with basic reading, spelling, and math, a cost employers and customers bear.

Rogers acknowledged state overreach but noted it often follows years of local inaction. The question isn’t just if the state should intervene, but when it has a responsibility and whether its methods are appropriate. She criticized lawmakers for passing unenforced laws instead of addressing underlying problems, likening it to applying “Band-Aids” while issues worsen.

Rogers stated her campaign accepts no PAC or special-interest money. Contributions come from small local Kansas businesses, not massive corporations. To maintain transparency, after receiving minor out-of-state contributions, she began specifying no large out-of-state donations. She questioned candidates spending campaign funds on out-of-state consultants or hotels when serving Kansas.

Rogers leads by “getting into the trenches.” She rejected advice to delegate social media, believing that handling hostile online comments prepares a governor for criticism. Personal involvement forces her to answer difficult questions and refine her positions.

Rogers believes politics overemphasizes conflict and underemphasizes collaboration. A governor must serve all Kansans. She would not abandon her morals or beliefs for support, but disagreement doesn’t diminish another’s value. She aims to improve lives wherever possible, even for those who disagree, while remaining honest about her identity and beliefs.

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.

Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.

The conversation closes with voter education, local elections, and the value of a vote. Moreland says she has heard people say their vote does not count, but local elections matter more than people realize. Her final message is that voters should educate themselves, understand the value of their vote, and show up because state and local races can come down to very small margins.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:

https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.

Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.

For more information, visit:

https://protectkansasrights.org/

#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.

Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.

Moreland talks about money in politics and why voters should pay attention to where candidates get their campaign funding. She says her donations have come from people, not corporations, and that she does not want to be bought out. The conversation focuses on the risk that candidates who rely on PACs, parties, or large donors may start making decisions for those donors instead of ordinary voters.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:

https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.

Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.

For more information, visit:

https://protectkansasrights.org/

#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.

Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.

This section focuses on rural crisis, small towns, farm loss, and corporate ownership. The conversation covers unincorporated communities, rural areas losing resources, families watching generations of work get taken over, and the damage done when corporations with no connection to the land take control of places that used to be supported by local roots and local investment.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:

https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.

Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.

For more information, visit:

https://protectkansasrights.org/

#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.

Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.

The conversation turns to what happens when leaders make decisions without listening to the people affected. Moreland says that kind of leadership changes people’s lives without understanding the impact. The section connects that problem to public departments, state decisions, local communities, and the need to bring people to the table before decisions are made.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:

https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.

Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.

For more information, visit:

https://protectkansasrights.org/

#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.

Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.

This section looks at what it means to work within the system without becoming part of the problem. Moreland and the conversation focus on learning how government actually works, understanding what officials can do, and not accepting “there is nothing I can do” when elected leaders have tools and choices available to them.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:

https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.

Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.

For more information, visit:

https://protectkansasrights.org/

#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.

Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.

Moreland talks about why Kansas needs more everyday people in office. She says the Legislature needs people who are not lifetime politicians, millionaires, or insiders, but regular people willing to knock doors, listen, learn, and do the work. The conversation also covers why representatives should think about how their votes affect people across the whole state, not only their own district.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:

https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.

Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.

For more information, visit:

https://protectkansasrights.org/

#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote

Taylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.

Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.

This section focuses on homelessness in Parsons and Moreland’s work with the local homeless shelter. She says homelessness is a real issue in the community and argues that cities and counties need to play a more direct role in supporting shelters and human services instead of leaving small nonprofits to carry the entire burden through donations and grants.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:

https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.

Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.

For more information, visit:

https://protectkansasrights.org/

#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote

Taylor Moreland is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.The conversation starts with a campaign update. When we last spoke she had no opposition, now she has a primary opponent, and hopefully will be facing the general opponent. Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, I am confident Taylor is a rising figure in Southeastern Kansas political landscape and we all should be keeping an eye on her journey. See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 Democratic primary here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify.Reminder: Vote NO on Amendment 1: Elections for Supreme Court Justices.For more information, visit:

https://protectkansasrights.org/

#kansas #onetowatch #sekansas #democrat #vote

Taylor Moreland is running in the primary for Kansas House District 7, a rural southeast Kansas district including Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities. In this follow-up conversation, Moreland discussed her campaign’s evolution since filing in September 2025, lessons learned meeting voters, and why she believes everyday people with real-life experience are essential in the Kansas Legislature.

Initially, Moreland had no primary opponent. Now, she is engaged in an active primary, a process she describes as fun, meaningful, and rich with new connections. She stated that even if she were to lose, this would not be her last campaign, as the work holds too much significance. For Moreland, this campaign is about leveraging her existing experiences to a higher level to help more people.

One of the first topics she addressed was her deeper understanding of the district’s rural and agricultural sectors. Moreland noted that she did not grow up in an agriculture-focused household but has come to appreciate that agriculture is the foundation of Kansas. She emphasized her commitment to learning about important issues, which has involved conversing with farmers and rural residents who offer a perspective different from her upbringing in Parsons.

This led to an early theme of the conversation: lawmakers must be willing to understand issues beyond their direct experience. A state representative makes decisions not only for people who live exactly as they do but also votes on laws that affect Kansans across diverse communities, industries, and circumstances they may never have personally encountered. Moreland highlighted that one of the most rewarding aspects of the campaign has been listening to these varied perspectives, even when people share the same goal but differ on the approach.

This point resurfaced when the discussion shifted to homelessness. Moreland acknowledged that Parsons experiences homelessness, though she wouldn’t describe it as a “huge problem” compared to larger cities. She serves as president of the local homeless shelter’s board, a role she takes pride in. Through this position, and her prior nonprofit work, she has witnessed the serious reality of the issue in her community.

Moreland suggested that many people might not fully recognize homelessness when they see it. If individuals repeatedly observe the same people around town, part of what they are witnessing is that those individuals lack a permanent residence. Parsons is fortunate to have a direct local resource, she noted, as the community doesn’t always have to send people elsewhere for help. However, she also stressed that the shelter and other nonprofits cannot bear the entire burden alone.

She compared Parsons to cities like Wichita, Kansas City, and Joplin, Missouri, where local governments play a much larger role in supporting homeless shelters. Moreland noted that in some communities, government support extends beyond occasional grants to year-round operational funding. In Parsons, while grants are helpful, a shelter quickly depletes them when caring for people and maintaining a facility.

Moreland advocates for direct city and county involvement in addressing homelessness and human-service needs. She argues that relying solely on nonprofits for essential services is insufficient, as these services should not depend on small organizations scrambling for funds.

The discussion shifted to the financial implications of criminalizing homelessness. Cities often spend substantial funds on policing, cleanups, and enforcement, which fail to solve the problem or house individuals. Moreland emphasized that communities already spend money on homelessness; the question is whether it’s on solutions or merely displacing the problem.

Moreland believes local government must be part of the solution. Shelters need baseline funding, so additional fundraising can support extra services. Sheltering people should not depend solely on volunteers and small nonprofits.

This led to a broader discussion about who should hold public office. Moreland observed that many lawmakers are not “everyday people” but come from political families, wealth, or professional political circles. She believes Kansas needs more individuals who have lived regular lives, engaged in hard work, and are willing to prove themselves directly to voters.

Moreland highlighted young candidates nationwide who campaign actively, doing their own outreach and marketing. She personally made almost all the thousands of texts and calls for her own campaign, emphasizing that candidates must earn votes, and voters owe candidates nothing.

For Moreland, a contested primary is crucial. Without opposition, voters might perceive a candidate as not having earned their position. A contested primary offers voters a choice and allows the candidate to demonstrate their ability to win support. Moreland’s motivation for running stems from her real-life experiences, which prompted her to question state laws and their authors’ understanding of the people they affect.

This concern is particularly true for foster care. Moreland was frustrated by foster care laws and contacted legislators and the governor. Governor Laura Kelly sent the deputy secretary of DCF to meet with Moreland. Moreland described this conversation as the moment she realized how often those in power placate passionate individuals rather than genuinely listening and taking action.

Moreland’s efforts extended beyond filing to run. She observed committee meetings, contacted the child welfare committee chair, and discussed the issue extensively. She believes advocacy doesn’t require being a lawmaker, but running for office elevates the work.

The conversation also highlighted the importance of accessible communication. Moreland wants constituents to feel comfortable being authentic with her, not obligated to use formal language. She appreciates bluntness, even anger, as it signifies honesty. Elected officials, she believes, should interact with people as individuals.

This theme extended to small farms and ranches. Moreland admitted she hadn’t fully grasped their struggles. Despite Kansas being agricultural, residents don’t necessarily consume local produce. She highlighted the significant impact of local schools being supplied by local farms. While cautioning against unfunded mandates, she believes Kansas could better support local food systems.

The conversation connected grants, incentives, and tax breaks to community gardens, smaller food projects, and direct support for local producers. Moreland noted Kansas offers numerous incentives to large corporations but less to small farmers, ranchers, and rural residents. She emphasized that small farmers and ranchers are Kansas’s backbone and expressed concern about agricultural consolidation.

This led to a broader discussion about corporations, wealthy interests, and the erosion of power in rural communities. When family farms and local businesses vanish, capital and connection to the land often disappear. Corporations, by contrast, may lack deep community roots or commitment to its well-being, potentially not prioritizing local schools, downtowns, grocery stores, or the community itself. Moreland agreed that declining local ownership significantly harms rural Kansas.

The discussion then shifted to local leadership and community service. Moreland stated that, should she lose the primary, she would find solace in knowing she is already engaged in her passionate work. She is already active in civic service and community initiatives. For her, running for office is not a sudden foray into public service but an expansion of her existing work to a statewide level.

Moreland outlined her campaign approach, committing to avoid personal attacks and engage in policy debates. She believes this is crucial because collaboration, even with opponents, is necessary to prevent legislative gridlock. She acknowledged disagreements with her Republican opponent but emphasized their ongoing dialogue and the need for coexistence.

Moreland also stressed accountability. She believes individuals should evaluate candidates and officials by examining voting records, campaign finance, actions outside legislative sessions, willingness to hold town halls, constituent engagement, and openness to feedback. Leaders should involve people in decisions affecting their lives.

This discussion stemmed from government decisions made without public consultation, such as a state department relocation that ignored employee input. Moreland noted that such decisions, often made by those unaware of the consequences, significantly impact people’s lives, highlighting a frustration that those in power frequently make decisions about others without truly listening.

The conversation then shifted to the rural crisis, addressing farmer suicides, farm loss, and the burden of losing generational land. Moreland connected lawmakers’ decisions to these dire conditions, emphasizing how individuals often internalize blame for systemic problems. The loss of a family farm, for instance, represents more than a job; it signifies the dissolution of generations of labor, identity, and connection to the land.

The discussion also covered unincorporated towns and small communities struggling to survive. Moreland admitted her prior misunderstanding of unincorporated towns, now recognizing how easily they lose resources and representation. These communities often lack essential amenities, direct services, or significant political attention, and their distant state representatives further dilute their representation, making their needs easy to overlook.

This led back to corporate ownership. Historically, wealthy local landowners or business owners, often with family names tied to a town, had a degree of community connection, sometimes funding local improvements. However, when corporations with no community attachment acquire assets, money exits the community, leaving the town to struggle.

Money in politics was a dominant theme. Participants emphasized voters must scrutinize campaign funding sources, as these often indicate a candidate’s priorities. Moreland agreed, stating a candidate’s willingness to accept money from specific sources is highly significant.

Moreland expressed satisfaction that individuals have made her donations. She stated she couldn’t imagine soliciting funds from a PAC and has no desire to be beholden to corporations. For her, earning people’s votes is intrinsically linked to earning their support. A donation driven by belief in the campaign, she argued, holds a different meaning than accepting money from corporate interests or powerful developers who may later expect privileged access or influence.

The conversation also covered how PAC money, corporate money, developer money, and donations from individuals with multiple LLCs can distort politics. A wealthy person might make donations through each entity, creating the appearance of scattered interests when the money is from a single source. This issue impacts city politics, particularly when developers have business before local government.

Participants discussed Moreland’s primary opponent, a sitting city commissioner, in this context. The conversation focused on public service, time commitment, and accountability. Moreland expressed uncertainty about the legalities of someone serving in both roles but noted her opponent had stated he would resign his commission if elected. She emphasized that public service demands dedication, requiring officeholders to attend meetings and represent constituents.

The discussion concluded by returning to themes of curiosity, openness, and the value of a vote. Participants portrayed Moreland as someone willing to maintain an open mind, educate herself, and make decisions independently, rather than simply following party lines. She agreed that before voting on an issue, she would seek to understand it thoroughly and ensure she genuinely supported it.

Moreland’s final message to voters centered on participation. She acknowledged the sentiment that some people feel their vote doesn’t count, leading them not to register. However, she stressed that local elections are different. These races can be decided by small margins, making every vote far more impactful than people often realize.

Moreland urged voters to understand the value of their vote, educate themselves, and choose candidates based on more than just party label, name recognition, or superficial impressions. When voters select someone, they empower that individual to make decisions on their behalf, a responsibility Moreland believes people should take seriously.

Moreland’s candidacy is shaped by community work, foster care advocacy, homelessness initiatives, and rural discussions. She believes public office should be accessible to everyday people, positioning herself as a dedicated civic servant rather than a career politician.

Her campaign is rooted in the idea that those closest to problems should participate in decision-making. This involves consulting people experiencing homelessness before allocating funds, learning from farmers and ranchers before crafting agricultural policy, supporting small communities, and scrutinizing campaign finance. She believes candidates must earn votes, as voters owe them nothing.

For Moreland, Kansas House District 7deserves a representative who listens, learns, works collaboratively, and remains grounded in real-life experiences. The primary will determine if voters believe Moreland’s blend of lived experience, community service, and dedication to understanding the district’s diverse needs represents the leadership they want for rural southeast Kansas.