FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
January 25, 2010
Contact: Billy Valentine
620-273-8400, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Wasinger Grassroots Team Grows
Expansive team covers expansive 'Big First'

COTTONWOOD FALLS -- Today, Rob Wasinger announced additions to his Kansans for Wasinger Leadership Team, led by co-chairs Dick Friedeman of Great Bend and Bill Halvorsen of Cottonwood Falls.

"Building a grassroots team in an expansive district is a daunting task, but the message of my campaign is catching fire, community by community," said Wasinger, a native of Hays who has worked for former Gov. Bill Graves, then-State Senator Jerry Moran, and most recently worked as chief-of-staff to Senator Sam Brownback. "My grassroots team will help me get my message of economic growth and prosperity out in their communities."

Additions and quotes of support are listed below. Previously released leadership team members and quotes of support are available here.

What They're Saying About Rob:

"Rob Wasinger is the only candidate in the race who has shown a real commitment to hear our concerns and visit with us here in McPherson. In fact, prior to running for Congress, he worked closely with McPherson officials as chief-of-staff to Senator Brownback to help solve some of our transportation problems. There is no doubt that when elected, Rob will continue to get things done for us in McPherson and I am proud to endorse his bid for Congress."
-- Meg Van Asselt, community volunteer, McPherson

"As a small town mayor I know firsthand how important local government is to the everyday lives of citizens here in rural Kansas.  We need a representative who will support local government and fight the growing federal bureaucracy in Washington.  Please join me in making Rob Wasinger the next congressman from the Big First."
-- Robbin Bell, mayor, Herington

"As a resident of Dodge City, it is imperative that we elect a Congressman who understands western Kansas.  After meeting Rob Wasinger, it is clear to me that he understands the unique issues affecting our area, especially in the arena of bringing people back to rural America, the backbone of our economy, through his economic development and new homestead plans.  His experience at the federal level gives him credibility in such an important position. Furthermore, it is apparent to me that Rob Wasinger has ten very important reasons -- his children -- to make a difference in Washington."
-- Monte Broeckelman, city commissioner, Dodge City

"As a physician who has practiced medicine in Hutchinson for a long time, I believe it is very important that health care reform is done the right way.  I have met Rob Wasinger and I am convinced that he has the intelligence, judgment and understanding of the relevant issues to help make this happen. I also believe that our next Congressman must be strongly pro-life and Rob is a stalwart on the life issues.  I strongly support Rob Wasinger for Congress."
-- George Cullan, physician, Hutchinson

"As a lifelong farmer here in Ford County, I know how hard farmers work in southwest Kansas to secure a future for their children.  Rob Wasinger has the experience to fight for the Kansas agricultural industry in Washington and I am proud to endorse Rob to be our next Congressman from the Big First."
-- Aaron Gerdes, farmer; member, Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership,  Dodge City

"As a primary care physician who strongly believes we need to change our health care system, I support common sense reforms like tort reform, allowing the sale of insurance across state lines and expanded health savings accounts.  For these reasons, I support Rob Wasinger for Congress.  Rob understands that we can make serious, meaningful changes to our health care system without the federal takeover that is currently being proposed.  He understands that we can accomplish much without busting the federal budget.  I strongly urge residents of the First District to support Rob Wasinger for Congress."
-- Verlin Janzen, physician, Hutchinson

"I am supporting Rob Wasinger because of his strong commitment to our veterans who have served our country with bravery and honor. Rob's father served three tours in Vietnam and his grandfather served in World War II, so I know that Veterans' services is an issue close to Rob's heart. Our country must fulfill its promise to our veterans and I know Rob Wasinger will fight for them as our next Congressman."
-- Calvin Pottberg, accountant, Junction City

"I believe this is a seminal time for America.  It is imperative that we support political leaders who will champion the causes of individual freedom, limited involvement of government and fiscal responsibility.  Perhaps as never before, our strength as a nation hinges on electing those who pledge their selfless determination to preserving and promoting the America envisioned by our founders.  It is in that spirit that I heartily endorse Rob Wasinger for Congress.  Rob uniquely offers Western Kansas roots and sensibility combined with his education and practical experience in Washington that will well serve the interests of not just Kansans but all Americans."
-- Richard J. Staab, president, non-profit corporation, Hutchinson

"I have two primary criteria in evaluating candidates for Congess.  First, they must be tough on spending.  Second, they must have a high degree of personal morality.  Having met Rob Wasinger, I am convinced that he meets both of these criteria--in a big way.  I strongly support Rob Wasinger to be our next congressman in the First District."
-- Lawrence L. Trimmell, orthodontist, Hutchinson

"I have been privileged to have with worked with Jerry throughout  the years on education and autism advocacy. It is vitally important that our next Congressman be as committed to finding solutions, make considerate and mindful decisions based on strong values.  I've found that candidate in Rob Wasinger, a positive, issues-based candidate who works for Kansas and will work for southwest Kansans. Rob has a plan to bring economic growth and prosperity to our district, proving Kansas has bountiful opportunities for business and industry and will ensure that we have a sustainable tax base in Kansas.  Strong and responsible leadership, respectful and realizes funding for individuals with disabilities and education adds quality of life for all Kansas. Southwest Kansas would be well-served by Rob Wasinger!"
-- Jeanie Zortman, chair, Kansas Governor's Commission on Autism, Dodge City

"I support Rob Wasinger because of his ethical compass, his obvious intelligence, his knowledge of the issues and his old fashioned common sense. Rob brings to the table a balance of proven political experience and unwavering personal integrity.  He will make those of us in Kansas' First District proud that he is our congressman."
-- David Wierengo, president, Gregory Inc., Hutchinson

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