Thanks for exposing Nace for the serpent she really is…

For what it’s worth, I e-mailed the Nace campaign as I had previously had good responsiveness from her (particularly when the rest of the city council was being stupid) just to get her take on it, here’s what her and her one of her campaign’s staffers, Tom Wyrsch, wrote in reply:

From Tom Wyrsch:
I would like to add something personal to your comments. My name is Tom Wyrsch. I have worked for Becky 8 years throughout her City Council term. I am also one of the most dedicated and determined Democrats you will ever know. I am former Chairman of the Jackson County Democratic Committee and still serve on the committee. In a regular election I am as partisan as you can be. Now to your concerns.

The City elections are non-partisan. Becky is one of the most well qualified candidates in the race. If you look at all of the candidates running for Mayor you will see that they all have donations from Republicans as well as Democrats. For example, Al Brooks is supported by Jack Kraft, one of the top Republicans in the City, who prides himself as being one of Kit Bonds best friends and friend of President Bush. John Fairfield hired a top Republican consultant from Washington and his campaign treasurer is a Republican from Platte County. Pat Gray, Al Brooks paid consultant, helped elected Connie Cierport to three terms in the Missouri General Assembly and has worked for many Republicans as well as Democrats. The point I am making is that in a non-partisan election you need to bring people from all walks into your camp. Becky has the support of the Building and Construction Trades Council and the Local 42 of the Firefighters Union. Both long time supporters of Democrats. Going up against the other candidates Becky needed to hire a top consultant to help in fundraising and message. People forget that Pat Gray got the reputation as being Darth Vader long before Jeff Roe was even on the scene here. His campaign tactics are legondary. I think you need to look how Becky brings people from both sides of issues together for a common purpose. She has many strengths that will benefit this City. This article you sent is put out by Al Riederer who is trying to make this a partisan race. Richard Martin who is helping Riederer is a top Democrat operative close to Claire McCaskill and former Governor Carnahan. This article does a disservice to Kansas City and the fact that they have a non-partisan form of government. This is not a Democrat/Republican issue.

The above comments are mine personally and should not reflect on the Nace for Mayor campaign except to let you know that I personally am one strong Democrat who is backing Becky Nace 100%. So are many other Democrats, Republicans, Independents and the like. You should look at what Becky has done on the Council. She has answered over 11,000 constituent calls with many different problems. I just wanted to let you know how I felt about this issue. I hope it helps.

Tom Wyrsch

And from Ms. Nace herself:

What you read was false and misleading. I have received 8% of my total contributions from top name Republicans. Bartle and I share a district and often work together on neighborhood issues that have nothing to do with partisan politics.

I want to be the Mayor for all Kansas Citians. Our form of government was designed to accomplish that goal and it is what I believe in. You mentioned you contacted my office some time ago and I was responsive to you. Did I ask what your political affiliation was before helping you? You are from out of town and that did not prevent me from answering your questions. Being responsive means for everyone equally. Welcome to Kansas City. I look forward to working with you to improve Kansas City.

Not sure how to interpret this, though I’ll just leave it to the reader. I’d also mention that I’ve previously had positive relationships with her office (and she has personally been very responsive). Her website does not seem to have a whole lot issue wise, but I thought it would be good for her to have a response here.