2010 Elections: District 20 candidate profiles — McKnight, and…just McKnight

As we did in the run up to the primary elections this summer, we’ll be featuring profiles on the candidates running for state legislative office in local districts. We’re starting out today with the District 20 House race featuring Republican Rob Bruchman, a former aid to Congressional candidate Kevin Yoder, and Democrat Rob McKnight, who switched parties earlier this year so he could run against Bruchman.

Bruchman apparently wasn’t interested in letting our readers know about his experiences and beliefs in July. And he’s just as indifferent now. Which is to say, he didn’t return our questionnaire. (Again, we aren’t in the business of making endorsements, but if a guy can’t manage to fill out a simple questionnaire for the local media, how responsive is he going to be to constituent needs…)

McKnight, however, was happy to oblige:

Name: Rob McKnight

Occupation: Retired advertising agency copywriter and creative director, magazine publisher and marketing consultant.

Education: Wichita High School East, 1965; University of Kansas; Wichita State University; Stanford University, Professional Intensive Course – Publishing (1990)

Years lived in district: My wife and I have been taxpaying residents in the 20th House District since 1978. Our two adult daughters attended (and graduated from) public schools in the district.

Previous elected offices held: While I have been active in city, county and state politics since 1976, this is my first run for office.

Why vote for me: As I said in a recent mailer, there are seven reasons I am the clear choice for this position. They were:
1. Rob McKnight moved to this district in 1978 because it was a great place to raise a family, not so he could run for political office. Rob McKnight has lived and paid property taxes in the 20th for 32 years. His opponent rented an apartment on May 1st.
2. Rob McKnight has been involved as a manager, owner or partner in Kansas business organizations for over 40 years. His opponent has not, and maintains an office in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
3. Rob and Caroline McKnight have two daughters who attended and graduated from Shawnee Mission public schools. Their grand-daughter will follow them. His opponent is a bachelor with few current links to our schools.
4. Rob McKnight was happy to attend the League of Women Voters Forum. His opponent’s chair was empty.
5. Rob McKnight believes in complete campaign finance transparency. He reports every penny he receives. He has never been questioned about the legality of who he solicited or when he did it.
6. Rob McKnight does not change his answers in order to attract special interest group donors or voters. When he says he supports public education and economic development programs, he doesn’t then turn around and say he won’t fund them.
7. Rob McKnight is a solid moderate and enjoys endorsements from the Kansas City Star as well as the state’s leading education and moderate groups. His opponent does not.