(September 10, 2012) WICHITA – Mark Kahrs, candidate for the Kansas House of Representatives District 87, today announced his campaign committee which includes local businessmen and long-time political heavyweights.
“I am proud to announce my campaign committee and look forward to discussing innovative ways to grow the Kansas economy through the conservative principles of lower taxes and smaller more efficient government,” said Mark Kahrs, Republican candidate for the Kansas House of Representatives in district 87.
Honorary Chairman: Russ Meyer, Chairman Emeritus at Cessna Aircraft Company.
Honorary Chairwoman: Former state Senator Barbara Lawrence Shaw. Lawrence taught in the Wichita Public Schools for 10 years. She served in the Kansas House from 1989-1993 and served in the Kansas Senate from 1993-2001. Lawrence was also a candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 1994.
Treasurer: Robert W. Decker, CPA. Decker has been in public practice in Wichita since 1976 and is a former President of the Wichita Chapter of Institute of Management Accountants. Decker is also a member of the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the City of Wichita Employee’s Retirement Board & Joint Investment Council.
Finance Chairman: Matt A. Schlapp, former White House Political Director for President George W. Bush and former Chief of Staff for Congressman Todd Tiahrt. Schlapp also served as Vice President of Federal Affairs at Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC. Schlapp is a board member for the American Conservative Union and a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Political Affairs Committee. Schlapp also serves on the board of the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public administration at WSU. Schlapp is founder of Cove Strategies.
“Our state needs leaders with the courage of their convictions who are willing to fight to protect our freedoms and stand up for Kansas taxpayers,” said Matt Schlapp, Finance Committee Chairman for Kahrs for Kansas. “Mark Kahrs is committed to Kansas and committed to this race.”
Kahrs was the top fundraiser this last reporting cycle among all the 300 House candidates. He was the only non-incumbent candidate with more than $20K cash-on-hand.
Kahrs is a fourth generation Kansan and a small business owner. He grew up in Wichita and graduated from Wichita High School East. Kahrs earned his BA from Wichita State University and graduated from Washburn University School of Law in 1991. Kahrs and his wife, Sherri, have three young daughters and are members of Heartland Community Church in Wichita, Kansas.
