donald betts

I found out about two new young candidates in Kansas stepping up to the plate to run for office. I'm learning more and more about young candidates across the country and always love to shill for them as I go.

In Wichita, Donald Betts seeks the Congressional seat in the 4th district.

Betts, 29, was elected the youngest person in history to the Kansas State Senate in 2004 after serving a previous term in the State House, a post he took in 2002 at the age of 24.

In an interview with me Betts commented

"I want young people who thought that something like this could never happen to at least have some hope that it is possible if only they try."

Betts is well equipt with leadership, experience, and passion - and well organized netroots efforts on facebook and a nice campaign site as well as the recently released MySpace and using the 20/20 program, a very grassroots fundraising tool coined by district neighbor Nancy Boyda in her 2006 race.

"The district is ready for a fresh start, a new perspective on politics." Betts said at his announcement.

Greg "half as old as Pat Roberts" Orman is the past CEO and President of KLT Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Great Plains Energy, Inc., an energy holding company headquartered in Kansas City.

The former draft campaign run through facebook has now been switched over to an official campaign and cites his statement when he filed for candadacy

"As I look at what's going on in Washington, and the course we're on as a nation, I am convinced we can and should be doing better," Orman said of his decision to run.

"Like so many Kansans, I'm disappointed and deeply troubled by the inaction, infighting, and ineffectiveness on display in Washington today. And I'm prepared to offer the people of Kansas a United States Senator with the right priorities who can help get America moving in a positive direction again."

Orman has yet to launch his website but I'll keep you posted as I'm sure the social networking sites will as well.

When asked about who some of the youngest candidates are this cycle the DCCC could not provide the data off hand. As I discover them I'm eager to give more info on great young candidates stepping up to lead.