Kansas Helen Podcast

Robert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.

In this portion of the conversation, Thomas explains his decision to switch from running as a Libertarian in his previous campaign to returning to the Republican Party for this race. He discusses how he believes this change gives him a more realistic path to winning and being effective in the role.

The conversation also explores the personal side of running for office, including the time commitment and the impact it has on family life. Thomas reflects on how his first campaign was a last-minute decision that he did not fully prepare his family for, and how that experience shaped his approach this time. Both discuss the importance of having a support system in place when deciding to run, and the realities of balancing campaigning with work and personal responsibilities.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 61, including the most recent campaign finance analysis 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

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Robert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.

In this portion of the conversation, Thomas introduces himself and discusses his previous run for office. He explains that he ran in the last election as a Libertarian, not with the expectation of winning, but as a response to seeing unopposed candidates on ballots and wanting to provide voters with a choice. He also reflects on the support he received during that campaign, including earning about 35% of the vote despite having limited time and resources due to his responsibilities as a teacher and coach.

He shares how that experience influenced his decision to run again, this time with a more serious approach and a belief that he is better prepared to compete.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 61, including the most recent campaign finance analysis 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

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses minimum wage and the need for a livable wage, including his support for increasing wages and reconsidering tipped wage systems. He talks about how reliance on tips can create instability for workers, sharing examples of inconsistent earnings and how that impacts people in service jobs.

He also explores the challenges small businesses face in adjusting to higher wages, emphasizing the need to rethink business models so they remain financially viable while still supporting workers. The conversation highlights the balance between ensuring fair pay and maintaining sustainable local businesses, particularly in rural communities.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis 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

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Robert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.

In this full conversation, Thomas discusses his decision to run again after previously running as a Libertarian, explaining why he switched back to the Republican Party and how his views on government, fiscal responsibility, and individual liberty have evolved over time. He shares his background as a teacher, Marine Corps veteran, and community member, and talks about what motivated him to move from a protest-style campaign to a more serious run for office.

The conversation covers a wide range of issues, including property taxes, education funding, school choice, and the balance between state and local control. Thomas emphasizes the importance of rethinking how education is funded and structured, while also discussing the challenges of managing property taxes when much of that funding goes toward schools. He also speaks about healthcare access, including support for expanding coverage and the challenges faced by working families and small business owners.

Additional topics include marijuana legalization, government priorities, campaign finance influence, and frustrations with how political decisions are made at both the state and federal levels. Throughout the discussion, Thomas and Reicher explore concerns about political division, lack of constituent communication, and the need for more transparency and accountability in government.

The conversation also highlights broader themes around civic education, voter engagement, and the importance of understanding how different levels of government function. Thomas outlines his goal of improving communication with constituents and being more present in the district, while Reicher emphasizes the need for voters to stay engaged and informed.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 61, including the most recent campaign finance analysis 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

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses corporate accountability and the role of government in enforcing agreements made with private companies. He talks about how development deals often include promises around jobs and economic impact, but those outcomes are not always delivered, raising questions about enforcement and oversight.

He also discusses broader concerns about corporate influence, particularly in agriculture and rural economies, and how large organizations can shape markets, policy, and local outcomes. The conversation explores the balance between supporting small businesses and addressing the impact of large corporate systems, including how wage structures, business models, and policy decisions affect rural communities.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis 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

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses his involvement in his local community and the importance of being directly engaged with residents. He talks about how understanding local issues comes from being present, listening, and actively participating in community discussions rather than relying on assumptions.

He also shares an example of community organizing around a proposed Smithfield facility, explaining how local residents raised concerns about environmental impacts, water access, and proximity to critical infrastructure like a hospital. The conversation highlights how local action and county-level decision-making played a role in stopping the project, with community opposition cited as a key factor.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis 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

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses the lack of mental health resources in rural Kansas and the need to build stronger support systems. He talks about how isolation, financial stress, and economic pressures—especially in farming communities—contribute to mental health challenges. The conversation also highlights how limited access to services and the structure of rural work can make it difficult for people to seek help.

He also reflects on broader systemic factors affecting rural livelihoods, including market pressures and consolidation, and how those conditions can increase stress and instability for individuals and families.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis 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

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses marijuana legalization and its potential role as a revenue source for the state. He talks about how legalization could create new funding streams while also addressing common perceptions around marijuana use. The conversation also explores how surrounding states with legalization impact Kansas, including the idea that effects are already present without the state receiving associated revenue.

He also reflects on broader policy considerations, including regulation, public perception, and how legalization could fit into long-term funding strategies for communities.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis 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

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses how individuals can engage with government and where their efforts can have the most impact. The conversation emphasizes focusing on local and state-level involvement, where individuals are more likely to be heard and can directly influence decision-making.

He also discusses how government systems are structured across multiple levels, from federal to local, and how those layers interact to shape issues like taxation and public services. The conversation explores ideas around alternative revenue models, including permanent funds, and how those approaches could provide more stability while reducing reliance on taxes.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis 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

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses the concept of neoliberalism and how it shapes economic and government systems. He explains the idea of prioritizing markets and private activity over public systems, and how that influences decisions around taxation, public services, and the role of government. The conversation also explores how these ideas connect to everyday experiences, including funding for public infrastructure and community resources.

He also reflects on how public investments like libraries, roads, and shared spaces contribute to community life, and how different policy approaches can affect access to those resources.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis 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

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse