Posted by Loree Voigt · May 27, 2020 8:57 PM
I’m Raymond Kinney, a proud resident of Raymore, father and humbled candidate for Missouri state senate. Throughout the long history of the United States and its democracy, we’ve moved our nation’s backbone ideal of “we the people” in and out of the foreground and broken it with a “win above all” attitude.
The freedoms, infrastructure, and transparency our great state citizens deserve is being muddled in between personal agendas and arm twisting. My goal is to bring those core values back to the government by staying in touch with my constituents.
Each of us has a unique perspective on policies and current issues, and those perspectives deserve to be heard. It shouldn’t matter if you spend your days in a college classroom or plowing fields, working the train tracks or running a small business — you deserve to be heard and to have a candidate who represents you.
I was born and raised in Cleveland, Missouri to James and Deanna Kinney. From a young age, I witnessed my parents’ civic-mindedness and strong involvement in our small community. This instilled a strong value in me to remain involved in my community in every way possible. I graduated Cass-Midway high school in 1980, then enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably from 1980-1984. I was first assigned to the USS Lexington from 1980-1982 as an Airman and then aboard the USS Tarawa from 1982-1984 as an Intelligence Specialist. After an honorable discharge in 1984, I returned home to Missouri.
In 1990 I married my wife, Debra Kinney, and we have two incredible children, of whom I am very proud. Christopher is also a military veteran, having proudly served in the USAF, and JacqueLyn, who is currently studying medicine in New Jersey. We moved to Sweet Springs in 1996 to raise our children.
During our time in Sweet Springs, I served as Mayor from 1998 to 2013. When I took over as Mayor, our city council was in so much turmoil, we were making the papers in other states. Fights and arguments during city council meetings, personal agendas, and disorder ruling the day. During my tenure, we turned things around, and our council meetings became cordial, professional, and productive. Upon my leaving office, a great honor was bestowed upon me as the council voted June 28, 2013, as Raymond Kinney Day. We chose to move to Raymore in 2013, after our children graduated high school, to be closer to family and work.
In 1998 I began working for Allied Systems as a Union Car Hauler transporting Ford trucks out of the KC Ford Assembly Plant in Claycomo. During this time I learned what it meant to be a Union member. I’m thankful that it afforded me the ability to provide a comfortable living for my family.
Through the years I witnessed others who have not been so fortunate and have struggled to make ends meet. I realized that I was the beneficiary of the hard work and sacrifices made by people who came long before me. I want to return the favor and continue the fight for the workers that are coming behind me.
Between the lessons learned from my parents and my union job, I have learned that the job is not only about one person; it’s about fighting for yourself, your fellow man, and the ones who follow behind you.
To learn more about how you can help Raymond win this race go to www.raymondkinney31.com
Posted by Loree Voigt · May 03, 2020 12:51 PM
It's still going to be a bit before we can all get together in person but, we miss seeing you, and let's face it, we've got work to do! It's never been more apparent or important to change the politicians in Missouri and this country. It's time to get busy!
Click the "Join Us" button at the top of this page and fill out your contact info we'll send links to the Zoom Meeting w/agenda to follow, we'll see you on the 28th!
Posted by Loree Voigt · April 26, 2020 3:59 PM
We deserve the right to vote safely in Missouri!
Did you know…
· 5 states automatically mail ballots to their voters
· 28 states allow no-excuse absentee voting but, voters must ask for a ballot
· 7 of the remaining 17 states have waived their requirements of needing an “excuse” due to Covid-19
· And, then we have our state, Missouri, where our Secretary of State, Jay Ashcroft, has failed to act and decide so counties are making their own rules. Some election boards around the state, including KCMO, already are allowing COVID-19 to be a reason to vote absentee.
The CDC has
encouraged voters to cast ballots by mail to avoid crowds at the polls. Missouri allows absentee voting for those confined due to illness or disability - and those ballots do not require a notary. But SOS Jay Ashcroft - instead of issuing guidance that those staying home to avoid contracting or spreading the virus can vote absentee - has
left the decision to local election authorities, leading to varying interpretations from one jurisdiction to the next.
We need no excuse absentee ballots in Missouri, and we need to be allowed to return our ballots without a notary.
We are currently and will still be under some restrictions on election day June 2nd, as Governor Parson has extended the state's Declaration of Emergency until June 15th.
CALL TO ACTION
Call, write an email, or submit a letter to Governor Mike Parson, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, AND your Missouri State Senator and Representative, explaining that we should be allowed to vote no-excuse absentee WITHOUT the need to find a notary to notarize the ballot.
Missouri Secretary of State - Jay Ashcroft - (573) 751-2301 or email at elections@sos.mo.gov
State Senator:
State Representatives:
Read more
Posted by Loree Voigt · April 25, 2020 4:42 PM
In Missouri, we select 1,226 state delegates who represent the voters in our precincts, wards, and counties. Here in Cass County, we elect 19 delegates.
These delegates have been split proportionately between Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden based on the vote in Missouri's 4th Congressional District. We will be electing 13 delegates for Joe Biden and 6 Delegates for Bernie Sanders.
Please consider becoming a state delegate for Cass County. As a state delegate, you will vote on the 4th District delegates to the national convention, vote for the automatic delegates to the DNC, vote for the Missouri electors and also any other business as it arises at the Missouri State Convention. After reviewing CDC projections and following CDC guidelines, the Missouri Democratic Party has decided to make the 2020 Missouri Democratic Party State Convention a virtual event. We will pass along the information about the state convention as it becomes available.
In addition, if you plan on running to be a District-Level delegate, PLEO delegate or At-Large Delegate to the Democratic Convention in August, you will 1st need to run to be a state delegate.
This link should be used to run to become a State Delegate, District Delegate, At-Large Delegate or PLEO Delegate. You can also request an application be mailed to you that you can return via US Mail. The deadline for this application to be turned is APRIL 30TH. If you are unable to submit this form on your own, please contact the Missouri Democratic Party at 573-777-1364 or conventions@missouridems.org for assistance. https://secure.ngpvan.com/XqHeI6yIuUmc4hDvXV-02A2
If you voted in the March 10th primary, even if you don't want to be a State, District, PLEO or At-Large Delegate, you should request a ballot to choose the delegates to represent Cass County! AND, of course, if you are running to be a delegate you will want a ballot to vote for yourself and the other delegates! You have until May 2nd at 5:00pm to request your ballot at: https://secure.ngpvan.com/5xpqRjv_A0ur8SHe-kTepg2
Read more
Posted by Loree Voigt · April 22, 2020 8:40 PM
As many of you know, before we had to postpone our Back to Blue fundraiser, Nicole Galloway was scheduled to be our keynote speaker. So you can see why we are very excited to have her with us next week as part of her Virtual Town Hall Tour! Join us Thursday night, April 30th at 6:30pm.
Nicole wants to hear from you too, so please submit your questions in advance so we have the best chance to get to them! Zoom call information will be sent after you sign up to attend at this link -
https://www.mobilize.us/galloway/event/269196/
See you all Thursday, April 30th!
Posted by Loree Voigt · April 12, 2020 3:01 PM
Called to Serve
Click the video link above to learn why Lindsey is running for Congress
Meet Lindsey Simmons
Lindsey is a seventh-generation Missourian. Her family settled in Howard County a few years before Missouri earned its statehood. As her family grew, they settled across Saline, Morgan, and Cooper counties, where most of her family remains to this day.
After graduating from Central Methodist College (now University), Lindsey’s mom and dad moved to Marshall, where Lindsey attended Marshall Public Schools and graduated from Marshall High School. Her mother has dedicated her life to helping those with intellectual disabilities as a unit director for the Missouri Department of Mental Health, and her father runs a small insurance business while managing his own working farm just outside of Dixon, Missouri.
With such demanding jobs, Lindsey and her siblings spent many weekends with her grandparents helping out on the farm—her favorite chore was snapping beans with Grammie on Saturday nights while watching WSM’s Grand Ole Opry.
After high school, Lindsey attended Missouri Valley College in Marshall where she was elected Student Body President and designated History Scholar for her graduating class. With the economy in a downturn, Lindsey pursued a Master’s degree in English, hoping to become an educator but when her grandparents faced increased medical bills, complicated social security forms, and cumbersome Medicaid paperwork, Lindsey knew her family needed a lawyer. She applied to law school using fee waivers and crossed her fingers hoping to get in—she never dreamed she’d be accepted to Harvard Law School.
There’s a lot about leaving rural Missouri for the East Coast that’s different—but Lindsey quickly saw that people in Boston faced the same challenges as her own family. So, she joined Harvard Defenders which enabled her to represent indigent defendants in show cause hearings—giving a voice to people who simply needed—and deserved—a lawyer. Upon her graduation, she was recognized for committing more than 1,000 hours to pro bono service while in law school and she carried that commitment to public service as she began her legal career at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton.
Go to her website to learn more! lindseysimmons.com
Posted by Loree Voigt · March 20, 2020 8:14 AM
There will not be an in-person meeting for the Cass County Democratic Central Committee this month and most likely not in April. The Missouri Democratic Party has asked that all meetings be canceled until the end of April. We are looking at other options to get together in other ways.
There will not be a Mass Meeting on April 6 for delegate selection. Anyone who wishes to be a delegate to the State Convention must come to the 4th Congressional District Convention on May 30. We are working on a location and time. When I have more information, I will provide that to you.
The most important thing for us all is to act for our common good. Stay home if you are sick. If you can work from home, do so. Support our local businesses as best as you can. Order take out from the local restaurants. Check on your neighbors. Take food and supplies to someone you know is homebound. We are all in this together.
Posted by Loree Voigt · February 22, 2020 1:21 PM
Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 6 PM – 9 PM
ElDorado Mexican Restaurant, 404 W. Pine St, Raymore, MO
Lots of dates with democracy are coming up. Whether you are running for office, running to be a candidate delegate or using your power to vote, we'll be here to support you every step of the way!
Come and join us, we'll give you all the necessary tools to participate as a voter, a volunteer or a candidate during 2020!
See you on Thursday, February 27th.
Posted by Loree Voigt · January 19, 2020 8:41 AM
UPDATED DUE TO CHANGES MADE ON MARCH 15TH and 31st DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On March 10th we went to the polls here in Cass County to elect our next Democratic candidate for President. The APRIL 6th MASS MEETINGS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. Between now and May 30th, based on the vote in the 4th Congressional District, we will elect delegates by email or mail, to the 4th District and Missouri State Conventions from Cass County.
In Missouri, we select 1,226 state delegates who represent the voters in our precincts, wards, and counties. Here in Cass County, we elect 19 of those State Delegates.
These delegates will be split proportionately between Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden based on the vote in Missouri's 4th Congressional District. That looks to be around a 12-7 Biden/Sanders split (exact numbers available whenever Ashcroft gets around to certifying the election!)
Please consider becoming a State Delegate for Cass County. As a State Delegate, you will
-Vote on the 4th District Delegates to the national convention
-Vote for the Automatic Delegates to the DNC (formerly known as Super Delegates)
-Vote for the Missouri Electors
-Vote on any other business as it arises at the Missouri State Convention which is currently scheduled to be held in person on June 13th at the Columbia Convention Center (this is subject to CDC guidelines and may need to be held virtually too). In addition, if you plan on running to be a District-Level delegate, PLEO delegate or At-Large Delegate to the Democratic Convention in August, you will 1st need to run to be a State Delegate.
The link at the bottom of this paragraph should be used if you want to run to become a State Delegate, District Delegate, At-Large Delegate or PLEO Delegate. You can also request an application be mailed to you that you can return via US Mail. The deadline for this application to be turned is APRIL 30TH. If you are unable to submit this form on your own, please contact the Missouri Democratic Party at 573-777-1364 or conventions@missouridems.org for assistance. https://secure.ngpvan.com/XqHeI6yIuUmc4hDvXV-02A2
If you voted in the March 10th primary, even if you don't want to be a State, District, PLEO or At-Large Delegate, you should request a ballot to choose the delegates to represent Cass County! AND, of course, if you are running to be a delegate you will want a ballot to vote for yourself and the other delegates! You have until May 2nd at 5:00pm to request your ballot at: https://secure.ngpvan.com/5xpqRjv_A0ur8SHe-kTepg2
On May 7th the Sanders and Biden campaigns will be provided a list of district-level and at-large delegate candidates from the Missouri Democratic Party.
On May 9th the ballots will be e-mailed/mailed out to those who requested ballots to vote for your county State Level Delegates. Those must be returned NLT May 18th. If you requested a mail ballot you should probably return NLT 3:00pm on May 15th in order to be in by May 18th.
On May 19th State Level Delegate results will be tabulated.
On May 20th State Delegates will receive their ballots to vote for the District Level Delegates. The 4th Dist. will be electing 5 delegates to the national convention, 2 females and 3 males. These ballots must be returned by May 30th.
PLEO delegates (Party Leader Elected Official) will be voted on by the state committee on June 6th.
June 13th is the Missouri State Democratic Convention at the Columbia Convention Center. Again, this could be changed based on the recommendation of the CDC.
August 17-20 is the Democratic National Convention currently scheduled to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
If you have any questions, ASK! You can comment on this event or contact the Missouri Democratic Party directly at 573-777-1364 or conventions@missosuridems.org
You can also find more information at missouridemocrats.org/2020
Posted by Loree Voigt · January 12, 2020 3:10 PM
It's going to take each and every one of us working together to take back our county, state and country. Start the new year with us and help us get organized to elect Democrats here in Cass County.
We start at 6:00pm with a $10 buffet and good conversation. Meeting starts at 7:00pm. This month our Special Guest is Lindsey Simmons. Lindsey is running to replace Vicki Hartzler here in MO 4th Congressional Dist. To learn more about Lindsey you can visit her website at https://lindseysimmons.com/ and then come meet her in person on Thursday, January 23rd.
We'll kick off the night with a short presentation from the Cass County Clerk pertaining to upcoming elections and a representative from Elizabeth Warren's Missouri campaign staff will be at the meeting to talk to anyone interested in volunteering for Warren for Missouri.
Note: The Cass County Central Committee does not endorse any candidate in the primary. We welcome any Democratic candidates or their staff, to share information about their local activities. We also will help you connect with any Democratic campaigns in our area.
