Hill topics
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100.
11.
NEWSENATORSTAKEOFFICE
Geoff Krieger / KANSAN
Sam Brownback of Kansas gestures during an interview. Brownback was in Topeka for Kansas Days, the annual state Republican Convention.
Brownback trying to keep election vows
By Ann Marchand Kansan staff reporter
TOPEKA — Sen. Sam Brownback loves his job. The quintessential politician, Brownback has ascended to the U.S. Senate by talking to people and shaking hands.
At the annual Republican Kansas Days festivities last weekend at the Topeka Ramada Inn, Brownback spent his time catching up with friends.
Brownback, who has the most seniority of the Senate freshmen, splits his time between Topeka, with his family, and Washington, D.C., with his work.
He said that he worked to provide his three children with a secure future, financially and educationally.
Brownback, who paid for his education at the University of Kansas School of Law with student loans, said that he wanted to protect student loan funding from budget cuts in the 105th Congress.
"I hope we will continue strong support for student loans and increase the funding for student loans," he said.
the senator also commented about his recent tours of basic research projects at the University. Basic research is student-initiated research projects done through the University and financed by grants.
He said that he expected to see more commercialized or private research — research that is not done through the University but is privately financed — but was pleasantly surprised by the large number of basic research projects.
"I feel strongly about continuing to fund basic research," he said.
Brownback, who was listed as one of the six most compelling freshman members of Congress in the February issue of *George* magazine, said that his legislative style was better suited for the Senate.
"The House operates more like a football game where you've got two opposing teams and they ram at each other," Brownback said. "The Senate operates more like a track team, with everyone running their own race, with their own agenda."
He also said that the smaller legislative body seemed more efficient.
"You're always looking for 30 or 40 other people to get things done in the house," he said. "You can move a bill a lot quicker in the Senate."
Brownback, one of the revolutionaries in the 104th Congress, has earned respect for his individualism. He was one of a handful of freshman House Republicans who did not sign Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich's, R-Ga., Contract With America.
This session he hopes to make progress on his campaign agenda of what he calls the three R's: reduce the budget, reform the way Congress works, and return the government to the people.
"The agenda I ran on is the agenda I want to accomplish." Brownback said. "I felt that the issues I ran on are clearly needed in the nation."
He depends on a loyal staff to help him meet those goals.
Matthew Rowden. Wichita senior
and intern in the senator's Topeka office, said that he was surprised at Brownback's efforts to maintain relations with the Kansans he represents.
"He does contact constituents more than I expected him to," he said.
Rowden said that the number of people calling had increased dramatically. Part of Rowden's job is to listen to constituents, then write up a detailed report about their comments and relay it to the Senator.
As a Representative, Brownback was beholden to only a quarter of the state. Now, Brownback and fellow Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts share the responsibilities as the state's two senators.
Lance Latham, field representative, said that Brownback remained sincere in his commitment to his goals, with a easygoing nature.
"Inside or outside of politics, he's probably one of the nicest people I've ever met," Latham said.
Rob Hagman, Pittsburg junior and intern in the Topeka office, said that the jump from Representative to senator hadn't changed Brownback at all.
"He's still the same old Sam," he said.
Roberts ready for transition from House
By Ann Marchand Kansan staff reporter
In an interview earlier this month, Roberts, one of 15 Senate freshmen,JECTed on his move to the other side of Capitol Hill. In November, Roberts defeated State Treasurer Sally Thompson, to fill the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Nancy Kassebaum.
Roberts said he enjoyed the atmosphere in the Senate.
"I think the Senate is more deliberative, more collegial — it's a unique fraternity," he said. "In the House, under Newt Gingrich, it was more of a crisis-management perspective."
But old habits die hard, and after working in the Longworth House Office Building for several years, Roberts still forgets that he is now on the other side of the Capitol.
"The other day I wasn't thinking and turned into the Longworth garage," Roberts said. "I had to turn around and come over to the Senate side."
Roberts thinks fondly of his time in the House, but he is eager to get to work in the Senate.
Although he does not sit on the committee that governs education legislation, Roberts, who has a daughter at the University of Kansas and a son at Kansas State University, said he would work to protect funding for higher education.
He noted that 1997 appropriations for student aid increased $2.4 billion to $40.7 billion, including a $68 million increase for work-study programs, a $1.3 million increase for Pell Grants, and a $37 million increase for TRIO programs, which include Upward Bound and Student Support Services, and the Educational Talent Search.
with KU administration and Chancellor Robert Hemenway to establish a public-policy center at the University in honor of former Kansas Sen. Bob Dole.
He said that because the Senate is a smaller group, it took some time to adjust to the setting. Roberts went from following 76 people in House seniority (out of 435) to ranking 87th out of 100 Senators — second in seniority among freshmen behind Kansas's other Senator, Sam Brownback, who filled Dole's seat.
Roberts also said he is working
Roberts and his staff are working out of a temporary office that belongs to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The size of Senate offices, awarded every two years based on seniority, ranges from spacious to crowded. Roberts likely will end up in the laster.
"It's different, by sheer numbers, obviously," Roberts said. "My first reaction was, 'Where is everybody?'
"Right now we're in a transition office and the space is very limited," said Jackie Cottrell, Roberts' press secretary.
During this office-transition phase which won't be completed until March or April — Roberts and his staff are forced to cope with resources available to them.
"In the meantime, 16 years' worth of files and correspondence are in the attic." Roberts said.
Cottrell said that Roberts' office had been fortunate during its transition because it received most of its office equipment — computers, copiers, phones — within the first week of work. But she noted that they were not immune to problems associated with changes.
"You kind of take for granted that your fax machine is programmed," Cottrell said.
Roberts said that he was ready to do what he did best: serving as a federal legislator. Roberts said his departure from the House was fairly insignificant in terms of continuing to work toward his goals.
"I'm not leaving anything," he said. "I'm just changing podiums."
How to Contact your Senators
How to Contact your Senators
Sen. Pat Roberts
Washington: United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510 (202)224-4774
Topeka: 444 SE Quincy
Suite 392
Topeka, KS 66603
913/295-2745
Wichita: 155 N. Market, Suite 120
Wichita, KS 67202
316/263-0416
Johnson County: 4200 Somerset
Suite 152
Prairie Village, KS 66208
913/648-3103
Dodge City: 100 Military Plaza
Dodge City, KS 67801
316/227-2244
Sen. Sam Brownback
Washington: United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Washington,DC 20510 (202)224-6521
Topeka 612 Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66003
913/233-2503
Offices in Johnson County, Pittsburg, Wichita, and Garden City are scheduled to open later this spring.
HOROSCOPES
Today's Birthday (Jan. 29)
Make imaginative plans this year, starting now. The old way is best in April. May through July are good for romance and putting down roots. Choose a partner in August to build what you design. In October, send your manuscript to the publisher or travel to exotic lands. Give something special away in December. A brilliant scheme set in motion now could pay off next January. You'll benefit from working with a woman.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 9.
Today, gather a bundle of other people's ideas and work them into your own plans. That includes the competition, too. Build on the framework that's already in place. A drive would be relaxing. Go as far as you can in the time you have.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today is a 5.
you'll be very busy today. There's a whole lot of stuff that has to be done before quitting time. Unfortunately, a lot of it may be paperwork. Tonight, finish up your taxes. You'll benefit emotionally as well as financially by having them out of the way.
Arles (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8.
A friend could come up with an excellent idea this morning. To get involved, you'll have to be willing to learn a new skill. If you can keep the peace with an authority figure, you may be able to achieve another goal. Don't get too riled up.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today is a 5.
You may have to cover for a ditz
today, so keep your eyes open. You don't want to get blamed for somebody else's mistake. Tonight should be good for working out a compromise between stubborn individuals. It's worth the effort, so give it a try.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 10.
You are awesome! You and your friends may come up with an imaginative solution to a tough problem. Something that used to seem impossible has become merely difficult. This evening is fabulous for love, stimulating conversations and brilliant insights.
Check to make sure you're not spending more than necessary on a domestic item today. You want the finest, or course, but
Cancer (June 22-July 22)-Today is a 6.
not at retail. Plan a soothing dinner, especially if you're entertaining guests. That will help if an argument breaks out.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) - Today is an 8.
Although you should be fairly effective today, there are still problems to watch out for. Your worst critic may actually contribute to your cause. Romance should go well tonight. Stick with the truth — the whole truth — and you'll get the same in return.
You are one of the few who can tell fantasy from reality. Mention it when you see it. Financial troubles could stem from wanting something that's not practical. Be careful or you'll buy it anyway. Don't let a family member do that, either.
Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) Today is a 5.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)-Today is a 9.
You should be strong, eloquent and particularly good-looking today. Others will be awed by your wit, vocabulary and clarity of thought, so make sure you have all of your facts straight. Be kind to a studious person tonight. You may need what he or she knows.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) -
Today is a 4.
The opposition is gaining strength, and even your own advisers could be suggesting major concessions. Give up something you don't need anymore to get something better. Tonight, catch up on your reading. If you study, you'll find the answer you're seeking.
There will be a lot of wild talk bandied about today. Your humorous insights can keep things in perspective. Don't let a domestic disagreement impair your objectivity. A group outing should go well, especially if it involves education.
Sagittarius (Nov, 22-Dec, 21)-
Today is an 8.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today is a 5.
You may need to learn a few things so you can adjust to a change that's underway. Trust your experience, too. If you're considering a major purchase, do a little more research first. A friend may be able to get you a better deal.
NOTE Horoscopes have no basis in scientific fact and should be read for entertainment only.
TONIGHT
Alan MacFarlane, 8 p.m. at the Nouville Tasty Shoppe, 129 E. 10th St. Free.
- Student Recital: Daniel Billings-
ly, baritone; 7:30 p.m. at
Swarthout Recital Hall in Murphy
Hall, Free.
- Clutch, Speeddog Champion and Groovalicious, 10 p.m. at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Cost: $10 advance tickets.
- Leftover Salmon and Moe, 9 p.m. at The Granada, 1020 Massachusetts St. Cost: $7 advance tickets.
THURSDAY
■ Louis' Moon Dance, 9 p.m. at the Nouvelle Tasty Shoppe, 129 E.
10th St. Free.
Shag, 10 p.m. at The Bottleneck,
737 New Hampshire St. Cost: $5
and $6.
■ Original Play Festival and Communion by Don Schawang, 8 p.m. at Murphy Hall. Cost: $4 KU Students, $8 public, and $7 other students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at Murphy Hall, Lied Center and SUA box offices.
*Visiting Artists Series; Jan Parker, flute; 2:30 p.m. at Swauthor Recital Hall in Murphy Hall. Free.
*Visiting Artists Series; Andrew Trechak, piano; 7:30 p.m. at Swauthor Recital Hall in Murphy Hall. Free.
FRIDAY
Darrel Len and Megan Hurt, 9 p.m. at the Nouvelle Tasty Shoppe, 129 F. 10th St. Free.
Carol Dressler and Beth Scalet, 6 p.m. at the Nouvelle Tasty Shoppe, 129 E. 10th St. Free.
129E I.04F St. Free.
■ MU 330, Murphy's Law, Judge Nothing, and Missile Command, 10 p.m. at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Cost: $5 and $7.
■ Student Recital: Naomi Miller, viola; 7:30 p.m. at Swarthout recital Hall in Murphy Hall. Freel.
■ Original Play Festival and Tales From the Wasteland by Will Averill, 8 p.m. at Murphy Hall. Cost: $4 KU Students, $8 public, and $7 other students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at Murphy Hall, Linden Center and SIAX office fees.
SATURDAY
Original Play Festival and Tales from the Wasteland by Will Averil, 8 p.m. at Murphy Hall. Cost: $4 KU Students, $8 public, and $7 other students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at Murphy Hall, Lied Center and SUA box offices.
Acoustic Juice, 10 p.m. at the Nouvelle Tasty Shoppe, 129 E.
10th St. Free.
Scott Born Benefit with Danger Bob, Palomar, Butterglory, and Todd Newman, 10 p.m. at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Cost: $5 and $6.
KANU Imagination Workshop, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St. Cost: $7 and $10.
Original Play Festival and Tales From the Wasteland by Will Averill, 8 p.m. at Murphy Hall. Cost: $4 KU Students, $8 public, and $7 other students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at Murphy Hall, Lied Center and SUA box offices.
SUNDAY
Swing Set, 9 p.m. at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Free.
Wilco, 9 p.m. at the Granada,
1020 Massachusetts St. Cost:
$12 advance tickets
MONDAY
Open Mike 8 p.m. at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St.
Free..
TUESDAY
Carol Dressier and Open Mike 8 p.m. at the Nouvelle Tasty Shoppe, 129 F. 10th St. Free.
O'Phil and The Low Brows, 8:30 p.m. at the Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Free.
theater in deröder.
0224017