Paul Buskirk

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Paul Buskirk completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Buskirk's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-206686-2024-03-11\" id=\"heading-bio-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-206686-2024-03-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-206686-2024-03-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI was born and raised in a small rural town in south central Nebraska. Lived in western Colorado for junior high and then high school in Derby Kansas. Undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Kansas.\r\n<p>For nearly 40 years I have worked in the field of academic support - working with high school and college students to ensure that they completed their degrees and were prepared for life after school.\r\n</p><p>My bride and I have been married for 31 years and we have two amazing adult daughters.\r\n</p><p>Why I am running for public office?\r\n</p><p>Today our country is being pulled at the edges by voices of extremism – on all sides. These voices are loud. So loud at times that we may be tempted to believe they represent the majority. But they do not. The majority of Americans – and specifically many Kansans – want to make a living for ourselves and create a future for our children. We want our government to get back to its job of serving the people. We want our elected officials to quit arguing over ideology and party affiliation and start representing us and addressing our needs.\r\n</p>\nThe 1st District of Kansas is comprised of 60 counties across 90,000 square miles. The diversity within our district is unique: diversity in culture; in language; in industry; in education and more. This district - Our district - has the opportunity to be a shining example to our country how we can push aside these voices of extremism and beginning working together to meet the needs of our communities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-206686-2024-03-11\" id=\"heading-key-message-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-206686-2024-03-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-206686-2024-03-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Arrogance of Government. Our elected and appointed officials at the federal level are obsessed with adhering to their ideology and political party affiliation. They need to be reminded that government exists to serve and refocus their attention on helping meet the needs of those who elected them.</li><li>Unity. The voices of extremism are so loud. We must push aside these voices - which are in the minority. Those of us in the middle need to work together to help our families make a living for themselves and a future for our children.</li><li>Common needs and strengths within our District.\r\n<p>The communities in our 1st Congressional District in Kansas have unique identities. And they have common needs: expanded rural medical facilities; roads and highway improvements to support the economic opportunities; more teachers to educate our children. \r\n</p>\nThese communities have a wealth of common strengths. The people of our district are proud of our history, our cultures, and our traditions. We want to establish a thriving legacy of success for our children.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-206686-2024-03-11\" id=\"heading1-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-206686-2024-03-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-206686-2024-03-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAgriculture and completing the long-overdue Farm Bill to serve our farmers and ranchers.<br/><br/>\n<p>Highways and transportation to serve our communities.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nPublic education to prepare our youth for the next generation of success.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-206686-2024-03-11\" id=\"heading2-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-206686-2024-03-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-206686-2024-03-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy first job, in high school, was at the McDonald's restaurant just up the road from my high school. My high school debate partner worked at this store and encouraged me to apply when I turned 16 in the summer of 1977.<br/><br/>\n<p>My supervisor set me up at the french fry station my first day. Grab the bag of frozen fries from the cooler; load them into the frying baskets; drop the baskets into the hot oil; set the timer; when the beeper sounded, pull the basket out; pour the hot fries into the warming tray; salt liberally; and then scoop into serving containers.<br/><br/>\r\nSix hours I worked the fry station that first day. I went home smelling like a french fry.<br/><br/>\r\nThe next day I went back to work eager to learn something new! And?....<br/><br/>\r\nTwo full weeks I worked the french fry station! I couldn't eat a french fry for 6 months.<br/><br/>\r\nWhile my introduction to this first job was memorable, this four-year experience (high school and then part-time in college) carved deep impressions for me: the value of work; being on time; respect for chain of command; getting along with co-workers from all walks of life.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nIn my travels throughout the 1st District of Kansas I regularly stop at McDonald's for my favorite Diet Coke and an opportunity to visit with the hard-working people behind the counter.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-206686-2024-03-11\" id=\"heading3-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-206686-2024-03-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-206686-2024-03-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOur country must work to find what we truly have in common. It is an easy path to divide -- it is a truly burdensome, but necessary journey to unite.<br/><br/>\n<p>The message in the Pledge of Allegiance will guide our journey as a country: \"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.\"<br/><br/>\n</p>\nPresident Lincoln quoted the Bible when he said “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” America has many voices. We must unite in order to create a legacy for our children.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-206686-2024-03-11\" id=\"heading4-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-206686-2024-03-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-206686-2024-03-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-206686-2024-03-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIn the Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln referenced Government as \"of the People, by the People, and for the People.\" Serving the people by helping meet their needs is the essence of government.<br/><br/>\r\nCompromise of a position or a goal while keeping steadfast to character and integrity must be at the core of government.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nPaul Buskirk completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Buskirk's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I was born and raised in a small rural town in south central Nebraska. Lived in western Colorado for junior high and then high school in Derby Kansas. Undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Kansas. For nearly 40 years I have worked in the field of academic support - working with high school and college students to ensure that they completed their degrees and were prepared for life after school. My bride and I have been married for 31 years and we have two amazing adult daughters. Why I am running for public office? Today our country is being pulled at the edges by voices of extremism – on all sides. These voices are loud. So loud at times that we may be tempted to believe they represent the majority. But they do not. The majority of Americans – and specifically many Kansans – want to make a living for ourselves and create a future for our children. We want our government to get back to its job of serving the people. We want our elected officials to quit arguing over ideology and party affiliation and start representing us and addressing our needs. The 1st District of Kansas is comprised of 60 counties across 90,000 square miles. The diversity within our district is unique: diversity in culture; in language; in industry; in education and more. This district - Our district - has the opportunity to be a shining example to our country how we can push aside these voices of extremism and beginning working together to meet the needs of our communities. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Arrogance of Government. Our elected and appointed officials at the federal level are obsessed with adhering to their ideology and political party affiliation. They need to be reminded that government exists to serve and refocus their attention on helping meet the needs of those who elected them. Unity. The voices of extremism are so loud. We must push aside these voices - which are in the minority. Those of us in the middle need to work together to help our families make a living for themselves and a future for our children. Common needs and strengths within our District. The communities in our 1st Congressional District in Kansas have unique identities. And they have common needs: expanded rural medical facilities; roads and highway improvements to support the economic opportunities; more teachers to educate our children. These communities have a wealth of common strengths. The people of our district are proud of our history, our cultures, and our traditions. We want to establish a thriving legacy of success for our children. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Agriculture and completing the long-overdue Farm Bill to serve our farmers and ranchers. Highways and transportation to serve our communities. Public education to prepare our youth for the next generation of success. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My first job, in high school, was at the McDonald's restaurant just up the road from my high school. My high school debate partner worked at this store and encouraged me to apply when I turned 16 in the summer of 1977. My supervisor set me up at the french fry station my first day. Grab the bag of frozen fries from the cooler; load them into the frying baskets; drop the baskets into the hot oil; set the timer; when the beeper sounded, pull the basket out; pour the hot fries into the warming tray; salt liberally; and then scoop into serving containers. Six hours I worked the fry station that first day. I went home smelling like a french fry. The next day I went back to work eager to learn something new! And?.... Two full weeks I worked the french fry station! I couldn't eat a french fry for 6 months. While my introduction to this first job was memorable, this four-year experience (high school and then part-time in college) carved deep impressions for me: the value of work; being on time; respect for chain of command; getting along with co-workers from all walks of life. In my travels throughout the 1st District of Kansas I regularly stop at McDonald's for my favorite Diet Coke and an opportunity to visit with the hard-working people behind the counter. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Our country must work to find what we truly have in common. It is an easy path to divide -- it is a truly burdensome, but necessary journey to unite. The message in the Pledge of Allegiance will guide our journey as a country: \"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.\" President Lincoln quoted the Bible when he said “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” America has many voices. We must unite in order to create a legacy for our children. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? In the Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln referenced Government as \"of the People, by the People, and for the People.\" Serving the people by helping meet their needs is the essence of government. Compromise of a position or a goal while keeping steadfast to character and integrity must be at the core of government.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Buskirk’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><big>WHAT I BELEIVE</big><br/><br/>\n<big>Abortion</big><br/><br/>\nMy greatest and most passionate hope is that any woman who is considering an abortion would invest heartfelt and thought-filled consideration into available alternatives. There are so many families who are ready to adopt a child. \n<br/><br/>\nHowever, I believe that if a woman does wish to proceed with an abortion, she should have every right to do so, <b>legally</b>. \n<br/><br/>\nReproductive rights are human rights. Such decisions are only the business of the woman, her family, her physician, and her pastor.<br/><br/><br/>\n<big>Gun Violence</big><br/><br/>\nCommon sense.\n<br/><br/>\nOur Founding Fathers established the 2nd Amendment to the new Constitution in the Bill of Rights in response to the People's conviction that this new Government must protect their Rights. I believe that these same Founders expected – and embraced – that our citizens would understand that. However, I believe that with Rights come Responsibilities. \n<br/><br/>\nI believe the Founders would embrace the idea that waiting periods make sense. Background checks make sense. Laws to keep guns out of the hands of those who would harm themselves or others make sense. Keeping assault rifles in the hands of those who serve to protect us makes sense. And locking up guns to keep them out of the hands of our children absolutely makes sense. <br/><br/><br/>\n<big>Immigration</big><br/><br/>\nI believe that we should embrace those who wish to enter the U.S. to seek a better life for themselves and their families, or to seek protection from countries that do not respect their human rights. \n<br/><br/>\nTo achieve this, we need borders that can be monitored and properly managed. \n<br/><br/>\nWe need clear policies for these new neighbors to be able to work. \n<br/><br/>\nAnd we need a streamlined and sensible path for these individuals to gain citizenship. <br/><br/><br/>\n<big>Farm Bill</big><br/><br/>\nThe bipartisan efforts established by Senators Bob Dole and George McGovern in 1973 <b>must</b> be maintained. \n<br/><br/>\nSecurity for our farmers and all ag producers along with support for all our Nutritional Food programs – domestic and international – are vital to the economy across the country, and particularly across many industries in Kansas.<br/><br/><br/>\n<big>Israel/Hamas/Gaza</big><br/><br/>\nTime for Peace. \n<br/><br/>\nThe world will forever remember the horrors committed on the Israeli people on October 7th and understand Israel's desire for retribution. But now, months and nearly 40,000 lost lives later, it is time for Peace. It is time to look forward to how these children of God – on all sides – can find ways to co-exist. Mohandas Gandi, India's great leader said about revenge, <i>\"An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind.\"</i><br/><br/><br/>\n<big>Ukraine</big><br/><br/>\nAmerica's greatest moments of history were when we battled England to gain our freedom; when we fought with ourselves to keep our unity and freedom; and when we fought with our allies because we fervently believe in freedom for all. \n<br/><br/>\nThere is every reason to believe that Russia will continue past Ukraine should it fall. Ukraine's freedom is key to Europe's freedom. America must stand by with our trusted allies once again.<br/><br/><br/>\n<big>LGBTQ+/Gender Identity</big><br/><br/>\nHuman rights are at the foundation of the U.S. Constitution. \n<br/><br/>\nAs our culture continues to grow and evolve, we learn more about ourselves and others. Regardless of our sexuality and how we each choose to identify, our individual rights must be affirmed and actively protected. \n<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Paul Buskirk’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Paul Buskirk completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Buskirk's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-136204-2022-07-04\" id=\"heading-bio-136204-2022-07-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-136204-2022-07-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-136204-2022-07-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-136204-2022-07-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-136204-2022-07-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFor 37 years I have served as an educator in Kansas, working with high school and college students. I have seen first hand the incredible challenges facing our children and youth and their families. May 2nd is when the US Supreme Court decision was leaked to the media. The Life v Choice debate will go on for lifetimes. In that heated emotion, the voices of the children who are already born remain silent. I am running to stand on a larger platform with a louder voice to speak to the needs of our children. We need expanded education about and support for adoption services. Foster care systems have caring and gifted professionals but they need more help. And our young working families who are trying to keep their families together are being stretched by inflation and lack of housing. We can do better. We will do better.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-136204-2022-07-04\" id=\"heading-key-message-136204-2022-07-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-136204-2022-07-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-136204-2022-07-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-136204-2022-07-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-136204-2022-07-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>The welfare of our children and youth must be first and forefront in all our priorities.</li><li>Education. Support our teachers. Most of our children and youth's socialization occurs in school. We need to attract and keep great teachers.</li><li>End the hating. There is far more that binds us together than can ever divide our nation. United we can accomplish everything!</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-136204-2022-07-04\" id=\"heading1-136204-2022-07-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-136204-2022-07-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-136204-2022-07-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-136204-2022-07-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-136204-2022-07-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tChildren, youth, education. Every challenge we see today regarding any adult member of our society is absolutely tied to how we cared for them when they were a child. Abuse. Discrimination. Violence. Hatred. All these immense challenges we see today have roots in our children's formative years. If we want to address America's challenges, we should begin by taking care of America's children. We can do better\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "Buskirk’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ WHAT I BELEIVE Abortion My greatest and most passionate hope is that any woman who is considering an abortion would invest heartfelt and thought-filled consideration into available alternatives. There are so many families who are ready to adopt a child. However, I believe that if a woman does wish to proceed with an abortion, she should have every right to do so, legally . Reproductive rights are human rights. Such decisions are only the business of the woman, her family, her physician, and her pastor. Gun Violence Common sense. Our Founding Fathers established the 2nd Amendment to the new Constitution in the Bill of Rights in response to the People's conviction that this new Government must protect their Rights. I believe that these same Founders expected – and embraced – that our citizens would understand that. However, I believe that with Rights come Responsibilities. I believe the Founders would embrace the idea that waiting periods make sense. Background checks make sense. Laws to keep guns out of the hands of those who would harm themselves or others make sense. Keeping assault rifles in the hands of those who serve to protect us makes sense. And locking up guns to keep them out of the hands of our children absolutely makes sense. Immigration I believe that we should embrace those who wish to enter the U.S. to seek a better life for themselves and their families, or to seek protection from countries that do not respect their human rights. To achieve this, we need borders that can be monitored and properly managed. We need clear policies for these new neighbors to be able to work. And we need a streamlined and sensible path for these individuals to gain citizenship. Farm Bill The bipartisan efforts established by Senators Bob Dole and George McGovern in 1973 must be maintained. Security for our farmers and all ag producers along with support for all our Nutritional Food programs – domestic and international – are vital to the economy across the country, and particularly across many industries in Kansas. Israel/Hamas/Gaza Time for Peace. The world will forever remember the horrors committed on the Israeli people on October 7th and understand Israel's desire for retribution. But now, months and nearly 40,000 lost lives later, it is time for Peace. It is time to look forward to how these children of God – on all sides – can find ways to co-exist. Mohandas Gandi, India's great leader said about revenge, \"An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind.\" Ukraine America's greatest moments of history were when we battled England to gain our freedom; when we fought with ourselves to keep our unity and freedom; and when we fought with our allies because we fervently believe in freedom for all. There is every reason to believe that Russia will continue past Ukraine should it fall. Ukraine's freedom is key to Europe's freedom. America must stand by with our trusted allies once again. LGBTQ+/Gender Identity Human rights are at the foundation of the U.S. Constitution. As our culture continues to grow and evolve, we learn more about ourselves and others. Regardless of our sexuality and how we each choose to identify, our individual rights must be affirmed and actively protected. [2] ” —Paul Buskirk’s campaign website (2024) [3]\n\n\nPaul Buskirk completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Buskirk's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. For 37 years I have served as an educator in Kansas, working with high school and college students. I have seen first hand the incredible challenges facing our children and youth and their families. May 2nd is when the US Supreme Court decision was leaked to the media. The Life v Choice debate will go on for lifetimes. In that heated emotion, the voices of the children who are already born remain silent. I am running to stand on a larger platform with a louder voice to speak to the needs of our children. We need expanded education about and support for adoption services. Foster care systems have caring and gifted professionals but they need more help. And our young working families who are trying to keep their families together are being stretched by inflation and lack of housing. We can do better. We will do better. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? The welfare of our children and youth must be first and forefront in all our priorities. Education. Support our teachers. Most of our children and youth's socialization occurs in school. We need to attract and keep great teachers. End the hating. There is far more that binds us together than can ever divide our nation. United we can accomplish everything! What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Children, youth, education. Every challenge we see today regarding any adult member of our society is absolutely tied to how we cared for them when they were a child. Abuse. Discrimination. Violence. Hatred. All these immense challenges we see today have roots in our children's formative years. If we want to address America's challenges, we should begin by taking care of America's children. We can do better\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Buskirk's campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>What can we do to address the soaring cost of living?</b>\n</p><p>I am not an economist and would never tell you “I know” all the answers, when in fact, I do not. I do know that during this time, when our economy is emerging from COVID-19 and re-balancing the delicate line between inflation and recession, we must watch out for the working families. Our elected leadership, at all levels, needs to specifically target these extremely needy members of our community. Subsidies; tax rebates; food pantries; civic and religious charities; all these tools must be used strategically and together to keep families intact.\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>Where do you stand on abortion?</b>\n</p><p>My greatest and most passionate hope is that any woman who is considering an abortion would invest heartfelt and thought-filled consideration into alternatives. There are so many families who are ready to adopt a child. However, I believe that if a woman does wish to proceed with an abortion, she should have every right to do so, legally. The U.S. Constitution's bill of rights was created to protect just such personal freedom!\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>What would you do to address gun violence?</b>\n</p><p>The 2nd amendment is deeply embedded into our country’s history. I believe that our Founding Fathers would expect that common sense would be equally embedded in our country’s current-day decision-making on this matter, but that has not always been the case. On June 25, 2022, Congress enacted a bipartisan deal that is a solid next step in addressing the ongoing issues of gun violence. We need to see the effects of this legislation before considering what further steps may very well be warranted.\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>Where do you stand on LGTBQ rights?</b>\n</p><p>Human rights are at the foundation of the U.S. Constitution. As our culture continues to grow and evolve, we learn more about ourselves and others. Regardless of our sexuality and how we each choose to identify, our individual rights must be affirmed and actively protected.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-1\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Paul Buskirk's campaign website (2022)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-4\"><a href=\"#cite_note-4\">[4]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Buskirk's campaign website stated the following:\n“ What can we do to address the soaring cost of living? I am not an economist and would never tell you “I know” all the answers, when in fact, I do not. I do know that during this time, when our economy is emerging from COVID-19 and re-balancing the delicate line between inflation and recession, we must watch out for the working families. Our elected leadership, at all levels, needs to specifically target these extremely needy members of our community. Subsidies; tax rebates; food pantries; civic and religious charities; all these tools must be used strategically and together to keep families intact. Where do you stand on abortion? My greatest and most passionate hope is that any woman who is considering an abortion would invest heartfelt and thought-filled consideration into alternatives. There are so many families who are ready to adopt a child. However, I believe that if a woman does wish to proceed with an abortion, she should have every right to do so, legally. The U.S. Constitution's bill of rights was created to protect just such personal freedom! What would you do to address gun violence? The 2nd amendment is deeply embedded into our country’s history. I believe that our Founding Fathers would expect that common sense would be equally embedded in our country’s current-day decision-making on this matter, but that has not always been the case. On June 25, 2022, Congress enacted a bipartisan deal that is a solid next step in addressing the ongoing issues of gun violence. We need to see the effects of this legislation before considering what further steps may very well be warranted. Where do you stand on LGTBQ rights? Human rights are at the foundation of the U.S. Constitution. As our culture continues to grow and evolve, we learn more about ourselves and others. Regardless of our sexuality and how we each choose to identify, our individual rights must be affirmed and actively protected. [2] ” —Paul Buskirk's campaign website (2022) [4]"}]