Winner of September special election to complete unexpired term of retired Nile Dillmore

October 16, 2013 – Topeka, Kans.

John Carmichael, winner of last month’s special election to replace the retiring State Representative Nile Dillmore, will be sworn into office today in a ceremony officiated by Kansas State Supreme Court Justice Carol Beier.  The ceremony, scheduled for 9:30am, will take place in the House of Representatives chamber in the Kansas State Capitol.

“It will be an honor to serve the people of the 92nd District and all the people of Kansas,” said John Carmichael.  “Nile Dillmore was a dedicated public servant who worked hard to serve his constituents, and I look forward to continuing his work as an advocate for the residents of the district, and indeed all of Kansas,” Carmichael said.

Carmichael expressed his willingness to tackle the difficult issues facing the state.  “When the legislature goes into session early next year, we will have to deal with the thorny issues of tax fairness, fully funding public schools, and preserving the integrity of our judicial system,” said Carmichael.  “The past few years have seen an erosion of the balanced, moderate approach to state government that Kansans expect and deserve.  I will work hard to restore that balance, and pledge to have an open door to the people of this district,” he said.

Kansas Democratic Party official encourages her to run for Secretary of State

August 26, 2013 – Wichita, Kans.

John Carmichael, candidate for Kansas House of Representatives District 92, today thanked former state senator Jean Schodorf for her support in his bid for the legislature.  Schodorf, who had been mentioned as a potential competitor to Carmichael for the House seat being vacated by the retiring Nile Dillmore, has instead endorsed Carmichael for the office.

“I am pleased to have the support of a well-respected community leader,” said John Carmichael, candidate for the 92nd District House of Representatives.  “Jean knows what it takes to get things done in our state capitol, and I am humbled that she is putting her trust in me,” he said.

Schodorf, a Democrat, previously served in the Kansas State Senate as a Republican.  Her endorsement of Carmichael ends speculation that she would seek to return to the legislature as a Democratic member of the House.

“I have been a friend and supporter of Jean’s for many years,” said Carmichael.  “It was a sad day for Kansas when she was pushed out of the Senate by Governor Brownback’s allies,” he said.  “I know Jean truly lives to serve the people of Kansas, and I encourage her to take on the next big challenge.”

“It’s time to end Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s divisive, partisan warfare on Kansas voters, and I believe Jean Schodorf is the person to run against him next year,” said Carmichael.  “As an officer of the Kansas Democratic Party, I cannot endorse a primary candidate of either party who seeks to defeat Kobach.  However, I believe Jean has the qualifications necessary for the office, and should she become the nominee of our party, I will do all I can to help her in that race,” said Carmichael.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a nearly identical Arizona law, and the ACLU has said it will bring legal action to compel Kansas’ compliance with the ruling. “Kansans cannot afford to pay Kris Kobach’s legal bills to defend his unconstitutional war on voters,” said Carmichael.  “Jean Schodorf, with her well-earned reputation for moderation and good government, is exactly the type of person we need to bring honor and integrity back to the Secretary of State’s office.”

Lifelong Wichitan seeks to fill statehouse vacancy left by resignation of Nile Dillmore

August 16, 2013 – Wichita, Kans.

John Carmichael, former chairman of the Kansas Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and of the Kansas Human Rights Commission, will be announcing his candidacy for Kansas House of Representatives, District 92.  Rep. Nile Dillmore, the incumbent, has told officials of his planned retirement from the Legislature, effective at the close of the upcoming special session.

“Like everyone I know, I was surprised and disappointed to learn of Nile Dillmore’s decision to retire,” said John Carmichael.  “His decision to leave Topeka is a loss not only to our community but to our state as well,” Carmichael said.

The vacancy will be filled by the Democratic precinct committee members from the 92nd district.  The election will likely be held in late September or early October, and the newly elected representative will serve out the remainder of the term, concluding in January, 2015.

Carmichael has taken the first steps towards organizing his campaign committee by appointing Scott Poor, former executive director of the Kansas Republican Party, as his treasurer.  “Extreme partisanship does not lead to good government.  Moderation and a willingness to listen to others are the keys to fixing the unfortunate state of affairs at our state capitol,” Carmichael said.  “Having served as an advisor to moderate candidates of both parties I assure you that if elected, I will recognize that a legislator represents all of his or her constituents.”