Lisa Benlon Changes Parties

Former Republican Files for Kansas House as Democrat
Lisa Benlon Seeks to Replace Sue Storm for 22nd District

OVERLAND PARK — Lisa Benlon, former Republican and State Representative from Shawnee, filed today to seek the Democratic nomination for the 22nd District in the Kansas House of Representatives following the retirement of Representative Sue Storm. The district includes a portion of Overland Park and Prairie Village in Johnson County.

“I am running again for the Kansas House because our state is at a critical juncture,” Benlon said. “Education, access to healthcare and economic development was important to me during my time in Topeka and they remain my priorities today. After being urged to run by Sue and talking to voters in the district, I would be honored to once again serve in the Kansas Legislature.”

Benlon served twelve years in the Kansas House before retiring in 2002 where she represented a portion of the 22nd District prior to reapportionment. During her tenure,
Benlon was instrumental in tightening up campaign finance and ethics legislation while keeping education as her top priority.

“I have known Lisa for a number of years and have been impressed with her dedication, leadership and knowledge on the issues that matter most to Johnson County,” retiring Representative Sue Storm said. “I look forward to seeing Lisa back in Topeka fighting for education and access to healthcare for all Kansans.”

Benlon currently serves as the Kansas Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization. She has been married to her husband, Randy, for 36 years. They have two sons, Ryan and Adam, two daughter-in-laws, Annalese and Emily, and one 10-month-old granddaughter, Delaney. The entire family is a product of Kansas public education, having received degrees from both Shawnee Mission Public Schools and Kansas universities.

Representative Sue Storm has filed for a District 2 Kansas State Board of Education seat.

The Primary Election will be held on August 5, 2008. The General Election will occur on November 4, 2008.