Olathe, KS - Former State Representative Patricia Lightner, who represented the 29th District for three terms, is taking the steps necessary to re-claim the 3rd Congressional District for the Republican Party.
Lightner, who kicked off her campaign recently with the launch of her website, www.patricialightner.com, is aggressively building support as she moves towards a formal announcement. On her website, she posted an 8-minute YouTube video discussing her reasons for running, her strategy for winning, and her core belief in the principle of liberty. She also launched a Facebook Group and "Fan Page", which are quickly picking up supporters.
Lightner says she has been overwhelmed by the positive response to her message.
"I'm gratified by the response to my message of liberty and my strategy for winning. But, I'm not surprised -- people are ready to support a candidate who believes in the fundamental principles of limited government, free enterprise, and fiscal responsibility," said Lightner.
Lightner, in addition to appearances at various events, has also launched a series of weekly meet-and-greets at various locations throughout the 3rd District so people can talk with her directly. The next Meet & Greet will be on Thursday, September 3 at Toad's Pub & Perk in Overland Park, from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
"People not only want to know who I am, but why I'm running. They want to look me in the eye and ask me questions about my background and my record," said Lightner. "They want to ask me what I'm going to do about the loss of liberty they see everyday. They want to ask me how I'm going to defeat a 12 year incumbent who says he's a blue dog despite his liberal record. I am inspired by the passion and enthusiasm out there, and the willingness to directly engage candidates for office," she said.
Lightner, an economic and social conservative, says she is garnering support from conservatives, moderates, libertarians, independents, and Democrats.
"This isn't a one or two issue election - everything is at stake - and people like that I stand on a foundation of principles that guide my positions on issues, whether it be on health care, taxation, the size of government, or cultural issues. They like my independent spirit and my desire to be part of a rising tide of liberty," said Lightner.
Prior to her three terms in the Kansas Legislature, Patricia spent six years in the federal government. She started her work in the public sector employed as an enforcement attorney with the Federal Aviation Administration. There she worked on hundreds of certificate actions cases as well as civil penalty cases involving airport security. The rest of her experience in the federal government was with the Resolution Trust Corporation, where as a litigation attorney she oversaw hundreds of property cases involving a half of dozen institutions assigned to her.
She recently completed nearly five years in the financial services industry as a Vice President in Government Relations with the global bank, HSBC. She worked on consumer credit issues such as: privacy, security breach, mortgage lending, licensure, credit card and insurance.
Lightner is a graduate of Notre Dame de Sion High School and the University of Kansas. She is married to David; they reside in Olathe with their two daughters, Isabella and Caterina.
