Sebelius supports Palmer for re-election

For Scott photographer and businessman Gary Palmer looks on as his mother, State Rep. Shirley Palmer, D-Fort Scott, shares a moment of levity with her audience during a campaign fundraising dinner Thursday night at the Liberty Theatre.

Supporters of Kansas Rep. Shirley Palmer, D-Fort Scott, showed their approval for Palmer's candidacy for re-election Thursday night.

Palmer, a retired school teacher who sought and won election to the Kansas House of Representatives in 2006, has begun the fundraising process for re-election in 2008. About 170 supporters assembled at the Liberty Theatre on Thursday night to partake in an "Evening of Elegance."

The event, which included dinner, entertainment, a time for mingling, and comments from both Palmer and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, was planned to be unique and different and leave the attendees with a feeling of "wow," Palmer said.

At the event, Palmer explained to the audience that she had been given the honor of serving on three different House committees this year. She said she not only had perfect attendance at her committee meetings, but she also attended every session at the Kansas House of Representatives.

While pointing out that she is not perfect, Palmer said she is doing her best to make rational and thoughtful decisions. She added that she begins every morning in prayer, asking God to help her make the right decisions.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who attended the fundraising dinner, 'An Evening of Elegance,' in support of Palmer's re-election campaign, takes a few moments to share her thoughts with the audience.

Palmer said that her number one priority is to be a good listener, and that she is eager to hear what topics are important to local citizens.

Sebelius also spoke, saying Palmer has an interest in working hard for the people of Southeast Kansas. Palmer is a good example of servant leadership, Sebelius said.

"She sees herself as someone who serves others. Some run for office, because they want to be somebody. Shirley ran because she wants to help people" she said.

Sebelius said Palmer's opponent would like to have his job back, but that the job now belongs to Palmer. Sebelius challenged those in attendance to give their active support to Palmer and spread the word about her ability to serve them.

After making it clear that she does not really support cloning, Sebelius jokingly said she would like to clone Palmer.

Those who attended the event also heard the Fort Scott High School String Ensemble, whose members played several musical selections during the dinner portion of the evening. Supporters stood out of respect as local resident Robert Nelson sang the National Anthem and Palmer led them in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Fuss and Feathers, a musical duo of James "Red" Stradley and Ralph Carlson, performed a tribute to the flag and the nation's veterans. Frank Dunnick and the Holiday Band also performed several songs for the crowd.

After Palmer presented eight event attendees with $25 gas certificates from Pump-N-Pete's and Five Corners Mini Mart, Fort Scott High School vocalist Alanna Masterson concluded the evening with her rendition of the song, "Climb Every Mountain," as made popular in the movie "The Sound of Music."