TOPEKA - Democrats from across Kansas today gathered in Topeka for the Kansas Democratic Party’s 2012 State Convention.

Much of the convention focused on completing the delegate selection process with over 50 candidates running for eleven at-large delegate slots. Following nearly two hours of candidate speeches, the Kansas Democratic State Committee elected six women and five men to attend the Democratic National Convention this September in Charlotte.

“I am always encouraged when so many Kansas Democrats gather together to discuss the issues that are important to Kansas: strengthening our economy, standing up for public schools, and creating a fair system that works for everyone,” Joan Wagnon, Kansas Democratic Party Chair said. “This year’s convention had an additional level of excitement because of the recent release of new election maps - fair, non-partisan maps that offer Kansas voters a real choice this November. These maps have energized Kansas Democrats and I believe that come November Kansas voters will be energized to vote for Democratic candidates who will return commonsense to Topeka.”

In addition to the eleven at-large delegates, the State Committee also selected five party leader and elected official (PLEO) delegates as well as the Kansas Democratic National Committeeman and Committeewoman. The Democratic National Committeeman and Committeewoman will begin their service after the conclusion of the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

At-Large Delegates

Women

Grace Lancaster - Topeka
Cynthia Nelson - Lincoln
Jill Reed - Shawnee
Alyce Edwards - Kansas City
Sidwell Jones - Atchison
Glenda Reynolds - Whitewater

Men

Rehan Reza - Topeka
Mark J. Greene - Shawnee
Robert Choromanski - Lenexa
Jim Oberbeck - Scammon
Andrew Rickel - Manhattan

Party Leader and Elected Official Delegates

Mayor Carl Brewer - Wichita
Senator Anthony Hensley - Topeka
Representative Paul Davis - Lawrence
KDP State Secretary Barbara Fowler - Emporia
2nd Congressional District Chair Kathryn Focke - Manhattan

Democratic National Committeeman and Committeewoman

Bill Roy Jr. - Lenexa
Teresa Krusor - Winfield