Alan LaPolice (Clyde) has announced his intention to run for the First Congressional district seat. LaPolice ran a very ambitious race against incumbent Congressman Tim Huelskamp (Fowler) in the 2014 RepublicanPrimary. Despite being outspent and having declared late in the race, LaPolice pulled off an unexpectedly strong showing for a first time candidate and built a solid foundation of support and good-will in the Big First. “People ask if I was disappointed at the outcome of that race. I have to admit, for me, it was a victory. Against all odds, I held him to single digits and I proved that you could run a clean and honorable campaign and that it isn’t about the money, it can be about honest ideas and authentic leadership.” LaPolice commented.
LaPolice laid out his platform in fairly specific detail. “Everyone agrees that these are the most important issues facing Kansans and voters want to know what I’m for and how I plan to accomplish these goals.” The platform includes being a strong voice for agriculture, a plan to reduce the debt and strengthen the economy, strong support for education, publicly supported health-care reform and now more than ever, strength through honest leadership. “All of this is accomplishable with the right person. I believe I am that person.” LaPolice stated. More details about the platform can be found on the LaPolice campaign website: www.true-conservative.com.
When asked about the brand ‘Conservative’, LaPolice stated that Conservative does not mean burn down the government. “But in recent years, some have tried to accomplish this. This is why I am announcing now. True Conservative means a limited but still effective government, both at the federal and state level. It means smart spending and fair revenue policies. It means maintaining a strong military while honoring those who served. To me, it means investing in schools and infrastructure because that is our future and it’s the right thing to do. It also means defending individual liberties but that requires defending everyone’s liberties, not just those who agree with you. I see the dysfunction in Topeka and know it is the direct product of this new style of anti-leadershipmade popular by folks like Congressman Huelskamp.” He went on to describe the chaos that currently has the Kansas Legislature in a gridlock with massive debt, historic overtime in session, disingenuous policies and no reasonable solution in sight. LaPolice blames Huelskamp for“crafting the blueprint” for this type of extremism. LaPolice defined Huelskamp’s style as saying no to everything, refusing to compromise with anyone, lobbing bombs instead of offering solutions, and breeding hyper partisanship, even within his own party. “The real problem in D.C. has become the exact same problem in Topeka, and we hold unprecedented majorities. This is no way to govern.” LaPolice reported.
While he acknowledges that the road will be difficult, LaPolice stated that felt very optimistic about the race. “I am genuinely looking forward to getting back out there to listen to voters, to present a positive outlook on leadership and most of all, to having some very informative debates with the congressman.” LaPolice claims to have a very unique perspective on the race since he has come closer to defeating the 20 year veteran politician than anyone else. “I’ve run a national race, I’ve learned a whole lot on the way, I believe the time is right for a return to civility, honesty, and authentic leadership.”
LaPolice currently works at Cloud County Community College as an instructor and retention specialist. After the last primary, he worked at the Cloud County Coop as a grain handler and mill worker. He still farms with his father in Clifton and he and his wife Sonia have three young daughters. He currently serves on his local school board, he is an officer inthe VFW, the American Legion and the Lions club. He is also a former U.S. Army infantryman and veteran of the First Gulf War.
