Home
Kansas Legislature
story
The following members of the Kansas Legislature were elected by their members to hold the top offices in the House and Senate during 2005. They have the most control over pending bills that flow through the legislative process.
Senate
Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton
Morris, a western Kansas farmer, has been chairman of the Senate budget-writing committee for the past four years. He was elected president 17-13 by Senate Republicans in a race that showed the split between so-called moderates and conservatives. He was cast as a moderate, but is seen as more of a consensus builder than his predecessor Dave Kerr of Hutchinson, who didn't seek re-election.
Profile »
Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, R-Independence
Schmidt has quickly risen to a leadership post. Articulate, Schmidt appears to be point man to provide the Republican message in contrast to Sebelius.
Profile »
Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka.
The dean of the Legislature with 28 years in the House and Senate. With Democrats outnumbered 30-10 in the Senate, Hensley and his fellow Ds face tough odds. He is a master at using parliamentary rules, and is a plain-spoken debater.
Profile »
House of Representatives
House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka
Twelve years in the Legislature, Mays is seen as a conservative Republican, and a possible candidate for governor in 2006.
Profile »
House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, D-Greensburg
A farmer and stockman, McKinney dresses like a cowboy but talks like an economist. Outnumbered 82-43 in the House, McKinney oversees a caucus that has a wide range of opinions and experiences.
Profile »