By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Gov. Sam Brownback was one of several elected state officials participating in Saturday morning’s Wild West Fest parade in downtown Hays.

The governor arrived at his parade entry spot in plenty of time to visit with other parade participants before it started. Brownback’s convertible was parked next to the fire station where he walked up to a couple on-duty firefighters to shake their hands. Brownback then walked out to the crowd lining Main Street and shook a few more hands.

Back at the convertible being decorated by Ellis County Republican Party Chairwoman Elaine Adams and other volunteers, Brownback took a few minutes to talk about his re-election campaign.

“My strategy is pretty clear,” he said. “One, tell people what we’ve done. We’ve cut taxes, we’ve got private-sector job growth, we’ve got people moving into Kansas. And then tell people what my opponent has done. Paul Davis is an Obama Democrat; I’m mostly a Reagan Republican. And then let people choose.”

The presumed Democratic challenger in the governor’s race is Lawrence attorney and state House Minority Leader Paul Davis. Jill Docking, a Wichita financial planner, is Davis’ running mate. In the August primary, Brownback faces Wichita native Jennifer Winn.

Brownback said he’s hearing several common concerns from constituents as he campaigns across Kansas:

Brownback also talked about state’s Water Vision plan for the next 50 years. The first draft report was released Tuesday.

The Kansas Water Office plans a statewide tour starting July 7 to gather public input.

Although not yet on the itinerary, Brownback said a meeting will be scheduled in Hays.