PUBLIC VIEWPOINT: Candidate’s Run Sparks Arkansas Memories

“If you want something done right, you have to get someone from Arkansas to do it.” Diane Blair Late professor of political science, University of Arkansas. This year, this saying was reinforced when Kyle Russell, a native of Fayetteville, took a package at his place of employment, H&R Block, to run for state Senate in my district in Johnson County, Kan. He made this decision while being thebreadwinner for his wife and three children. His wife, Rhonda, is also from Fayetteville and if you know Kyle, like most successful men from Arkansas, he makes no major moves without her input and blessing.

Rhonda also knows what all successful women from Arkansas know: Nothing gets done without work, courage and a lot of prayer.

She’s going door to door with Kyle as I write this. She is his rock.

If you listen to the TV and the talking heads you won’t get the true pictureof America. For that you need to step into the small towns and cities all over our country, which are full of young, healthy men and women who still long to do the right thing by this country. This new generation will do again what this country has always done and will continue to do: fight for justice, laugh along the way and continue to help people.

I was lucky. I was able to grow up in what I considered to be the most magic and wonderful place on earth, Arkansas. I could climb trees, listen to my dadand brother talk politics and watch my beautiful aunts laugh and cook great meals, all in a long summer’s day.

But what I am truly grateful for is the true grit and creativity the state gave me, and I think has given Kyle.

My parents left this earth too soon, as did Diane Blair, but their love and lessons live on and I know when Kyle and Rhonda need a boost on the campaign trail they, along with other Fayetteville saints, make a trip down to help out.

KAREN J. HALBROOK

Leawood, Kan.

Opinion, Pages 5 on 11/08/2012

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