State Rep. Merrick: 'I'm running again'

It was easy to tell by the tone of House Majority Leader Ray Merrick’s voice that he was stunned, no, make that dumbfounded when asked about the rumor that he would not seek re-election.

After a good belly laugh, Merrick, R-Stilwell, 27th District, then asked, “I would like to know who is starting that (rumor); are they hoping or wishing?

“No, I’m running again. I’m out raising money. I had a fundraiser a couple of weeks ago and it was real successful and I wouldn’t be doing that if I wasn’t running again.”

In fact, Merrick, who just turned 70, said he would like to serve at least one more term and possibly two.

“I’m good for five more years and then we’ll see,” he said. “When my wife tells me to quit, that’s when I quit.”

Merrick said he still has some goals he would like to accomplish before leaving the Kansas Legislature.

“I’ve worked real hard to get to where I am and the brass ring is to be speaker, but I don’t know if that will ever be a possibility,” he said. “Annexation is still a big deal with me and I would like to see the county and the school districts and everybody that spends taxpayer dollars be transparent and have it on the Internet so everybody can see where the money’s going.

“We did that with state government and it works real well.”

Being majority leader is a powerful position that benefits Johnson County, he said.

“I’m very supportive of the county,” Merrick said. “I’m not bragging, but they’re probably lucky to have me in the position I’m in. I just wish they would tell me more often.”

Merrick was in McCall, Idaho, attending a legislative summit with legislators from 38 states. He said he has heard rumors there will be a Democrat running against him next November.

“Some young guy,” he said. “I don’t know if they’ll find a Republican to run against me or not, but I take them all seriously and this old guy gets out and knocks on doors and works (to get elected).

“So it’s full steam ahead and take no prisoners.”

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Write comment