Almost three years ago, I accepted the challenge of serving as Attorney General because I saw an office in crisis.

Years of scandals, both personal and political, had weakened the trust Kansans must have in their top law enforcement officer.  When I walked in the door, I made it clear: Things were going to be different.  Under my watch, the Attorney General’s office would have the right priorities again:

•  keeping Kansans safe from violent predators and sex offenders, especially  those who deal in child pornography, 
•  cracking down on unscrupulous scam artists who defraud consumers, 
•  prosecuting fraud and waste in government. 

Working together, we've turned the Attorney General's office around.  We cannot go back to the days when politics guided the Attorney General's office.  The Attorney General must set the standard for fairness, good judgment and – above all – independence.

Today, I'm asking you to support me; to support the team I have assembled; and to support the hard work we have done.  

Today, I'm not making cheap or easy political promises about what I might do as Attorney General; I'm standing on my record of real results benefiting all Kansans.

Today, with an independent approach and a dedication to making Kansans safer and more secure – I announce that I am officially a candidate for Attorney General of Kansas.

As your Attorney General, I have demonstrated that the office can be independent, justice can be fair, and an Attorney General with the right priorities can be aggressive in protecting Kansans.  

I’m running because I believe in public service, I believe in protecting Kansans, and I believe that an independent attorney general can make a real difference in Kansans lives.

Protecting Children

Child pornography is one of the most terrible crimes we deal with, and yet too many of these offenders believe they can hide in the shadows.  That may have been true before, but under my watch we are shining a light on these criminals and bringing them to justice.

I have investigators cracking down on criminals trading and viewing child porn.  Every time a pornographic image is produced, distributed, or viewed the crime against that child is repeated.

In addition,I have increased safety for all of our kids on the internet, by working to remove registered sex offenders from internet sites used by kids.

Identity Theft

Safety on the internet also extends to protecting identities.  We've introduced new tools like our Identity Theft repair kit to assist Kansans who have been victimized.

In addition, I've created investigations like Operation Imposter in Jackson County, and arrested those, including illegal immigrants, who were stealing Kansans' social security numbers.

Kansans should know that on my watch our full efforts are directed to investigating, arresting and prosecuting illegal immigrants who steal Kansans identities and violate the law.

Protecting Consumers

Just a few years ago a consumer division almost completely dismantled by political agendas was handling few cases and consumer fraud was unchecked. As Attorney General, I've focused on swift complaint resolution, making sure every complaint is addressed, and going after those that prey on consumers.  I had a simple message - If you break the law so you can make the sale, it is you who will end up paying the price.

As a result, last year my consumer protection unit increased recoveries by over 800% from 2006 and this year we will recover more than ever before.  Our work doesn't just protect Kansas consumers, it protects honest Kansas businesses.  For every crooked business that is scamming its customers, there are dozens of honest small business owners who just want to compete on a level playing field.  I've made sure the consumer division is both pro-consumer and pro-business.   

Cracking Down on Government Fraud and Waste

Kansans are sick and tired of waste and fraud in government.  While politicians talk about fraud and debate about new boards or commissions, I've gone after drug companies and medical providers who are defrauding Kansas taxpayers and recovered more money than any other Attorney General in history.

Taxpayers provide millions of dollars a year to support Medicaid and provide healthcare for our neediest citizens.  And yet, in 2006, only $900,000 was recovered in Medicaid fraud and abuse.  That…was totally unacceptable.

So last year my office cracked down and recovered $17 million stolen from the Medicaid program, and this year we will recover millions more.  That's a record for any Attorney General, and it is just the beginning.  That's not a promise to do something about fraud and abuse, and it isn't a meaningless piece of legislation.  That's $17 million for Kansas Medicaid program that otherwise would have gone to unscrupulous businesses and providers who under previous administrations saw the Kansas Medicaid program as an easy target.

Running for Attorney General

I'm running for Attorney General on a record of real results, not empty promises.  I’m running because I’ve proven this office can make a difference in Kansan’s lives, I am running for attorney general to continue to build on the record of achievement and integrity that we have built.