News release
LAWRENCE — Paul Buskirk is announcing his candidacy for Kansas 1st Congressional District for the 2024 election cycle. Buskirk runs as a Democrat against the Republican incumbent Tracey Mann.
Buskirk who resides in Lawrence, has served as an educator in Kansas, working with high school and colleges students via the athletics department at the University of Kansas serving as the associate athletic director of Student-Athlete Support Services and currently the special advisor for Campus Engagement and Career Outreach since 1985. His tenure working with young athletes from across the country has given him insight into the ongoing and increasing challenges facing children, youth, and their families.
Spurred on by a run for U.S. Senate in 2022, Buskirk is building on the connections made meeting with fellow Kansans across the state during that campaign. Finding common ground with families, farmers, and those serving children and youth across the state left him wanting to continue on the path to service.
Further, recent events at the national level have also fueled his call to serve. The onslaught of issues such as the government’s inability to function, political extremism, ongoing discrimination, economic uncertainty, and growing evidence of children and families living in borderline poverty were enough to fuel his passion. However, this biggest spark comes from the demonstrated arrogance and prioritization of party over country he has witnessed time and time again, even from those serving on the Supreme Court.
“President Lincoln referenced government as ‘of the people, by the people, and for the people.' Yet, from what I see, our government today is self-serving and arrogant. So many officials, appointed or elected, hold tightly to ideology, political party, and their own welfare with little regard for governing ‘for the people.’ I want to change that," said Buskirk.
With a mission of serving selflessly, without noted arrogance or self-interest, Buskirk seeks to serve Kansans in the 1st Congressional District dedicating his role to serve the best interests of all Kansans. From the farmers of western Kansas seeking to maintain their land and businesses to pass along to the next generation, to the immigrants who come to Kansas to find work and stability, to the children who grow up in Kansas seeking to follow their parents on to a life of security and stability.
Overall, Buskirk seeks to leave a legacy for all by securing the foundation of government as it was intended to serve the people.
“If we want what is best for our children and their children, and we want to pass along to them our education, our businesses and farms, our values, and our wisdom, then we must unite to create a legacy for our children. Government must be reminded that it exists to serve us all.”
Buskirk announced his run for Kansas 1st Congressional District as the Kansas Supreme Court conducted a special docket in Dodge City November 14. Recent failures of U.S. Supreme Court justices to identify lavish travel benefits on their financial disclosures is yet another example of the arrogance of the federal government.
“It is affirming to watch the Kansas Supreme Court exhibit its humility by bringing the important business of the court directly to the people it serves in Dodge City to openly share the processes of the court and demonstrate this level of transparency in their work," said Buskirk.
For more information about Paul Buskirk with ongoing updates about his background, stance on important voter issues, and ongoing campaign updates, go to www.buskirkforcongress.com. Buskirk can be contacted via email at [email protected].