Stephene Moore

August 4th, 2010

Topeka, KS- Kevin Yoder is a fiscally responsible conservative Republican State Representative and family man who opposes Obamacare, wants to “just repeal everything the Obama administration’s passed,” supports tax cuts and boasts about being pro-life and pro-gun.

Or at least that’s what he wants us to think this week.

The only real truth about Kevin Yoder is that he is nothing more than a career politician who will say or do anything to get elected. The Kansas Democratic Party has already coined a term for the lies, half-truths, and flip-flops we have already seen from Kevin Yoder this election – The Yoder Odor.

After years in Topeka, Kevin Yoder has no problem looking into voters’ eyes and lying about his positions, his record, and his endorsements for his own personal political gain.

Some examples of the Yoder Odor include:

* Tax As I Say, Not As I Do: In 2003, Yoder co-sponsored and voted for a bill that would have increased sales and income taxes by $266.5 million. The bill would have raised the state sales tax from 5.3 percent to 5.8 percent and placed a 3.5 percent surcharge on income tax bills. In 2010, Yoder authored the Yoder Budget that would have forced massive property tax increases throughout the state and during a recent candidate forum, Yoder claimed “I stand up every day to fight those who want to raise taxes.” [Kansas City Star, 5/2/03; Kansas City Week In Review, 5/14/10; www.youtube.com, accessed 8/3/10]

* Education For All, Education For None: In 2004, Yoder supported a significant boost in education funding even though it meant higher sales or property taxes. In 2010, Yoder introduced a budget plan that slashed school funding to the tune of $172 million. [Kansas City Star, 10/27/04; McClatchy-Tribune Regional News, 3/31/10; Kansas City Star, 3/19/10]

* Ethics Then, Lobbyists Now: In 2004, Yoder said that he favors “limits on gifts and support the current law that I believe limits gifts to under $40.” In 2010, Yoder has received $1,415.43 in gifts and meals from lobbyists, more than any other member of the State Legislature. [Kansas City Star, 10/5/04; Kansas Ethics Commission]

* Teacher Today, Gone Tomorrow: In 2004, the Kansas City Star reported that Yoder had been endorsed by the Kansas National Education Association. In a June 2010 campaign appearance, Yoder claimed that he has “stood up against the NEA.” [Kansas City Star, 7/21/04; www.youtube.com, accessed 8/3/10]

* Pro-Choice, Pro-Life, Pro-Himself: In 2004, Yoder “would not vote to ban abortion if Roe vs. Wade is overturned,” and in 2007 voted to allow abortions to be covered in University Health Care Plans for students. Yet, at a campaign appearance in 2010, Kevin Yoder said that he is “proud to be pro-life,” adding “That’s the kind of leadership we need in this community.” [Kansas City Star, 7/28/04; Associated Press, 2/7/06; www.youtube.com, accessed 8/3/10]

While voters are fed-up with career politician Kevin Yoder and his ever-changing chameleon like persona, Stephene Moore’s character stands beyond reproach. As a nurse, mother, grandmother, community volunteer, and long-time resident of the area, Stephene Moore’s principled beliefs reflect our Kansas values.

For the remainder of this election, the Kansas Democratic Party will work every day to present to voters this clear choice between Kevin Yoder, an unprincipled politician who’s lies you can sniff out as the Yoder Odor and Stephene Moore, a dedicated community member who will continue her record of upstanding service to Kansas by putting aside politics in order to create jobs, balance the budget, and get our country back on track.