Posted on Fri, May. 15, 2009

In a move that gives the state a lieutenant governor but leaves the Democratic Party lacking a gubernatorial candidate in 2010, the governor on Thursday named his chief of staff, Troy Findley, to be his second in command.

Gov. Mark Parkinson, a Democrat, said Findley fit his two top criteria for lieutenant governor: someone who would be a good partner and someone who could quickly step in as governor if needed.

"We are at a very turbulent economic time," Parkinson said. "We are at a time where this selection could not involve a person that needed on-the-job training. We need someone who could hit the ground running from day one, and that is exactly what Troy Findley will do."

In addition to serving as lieutenant governor, Findley -- a former state legislator -- said he will continue to act as Parkinson's chief of staff, a position he also held with former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

"In that capacity I will continue to work full-time and help the governor manage and oversee the daily operations of state government," said Findley, who is scheduled to be sworn in at 11 a.m. today.

Looking ahead to 2010

Findley, 44, quickly squelched speculation that he would run for governor in 2010.

"I have no intention of being a candidate for any elective office in 2010," he said.

The appointment of Findley maintains a political landscape that is seen to favor Republicans retaking the governorship in 2010.

"I would think that maybe he (Parkinson) would have wanted to put someone in there who may have wanted to run for governor," said Mel Kahn, a Democrat and professor of political science at Wichita State University.

A stint as lieutenant governor could have helped build name recognition for a Democratic candidate, he said.

"You get a certain amount of recognition coming just from the announcement," Kahn said.

U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback and Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh have announced plans to seek the office on the Republican side.

Parkinson, a former state Republican chairman who switched parties to run on Sebelius' ticket, has already announced that he will not seek a full term in the office.

He was elevated to governor on April 28 when Sebelius resigned to accept the position of Health and Human Services secretary in the Obama administration.

Rep. Jim Ward, D-Wichita and the House assistant minority leader, acknowledged that the statewide office could have offered a podium for a potential candidate to explain his or her values and policy positions to voters.

But he added that he's confident "we will have a very strong candidate for governor."

Parkinson said he thinks his position as governor is strengthened because neither he nor Findley are running for office. He said party leaders on both sides will be more likely to work with them.

House Democratic Leader Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, who represents Findley's former House district, agreed.

"I don't think it was necessary for him to pick somebody to be put into his place in order to run for governor in 2010," Davis said. "Whether it is Ron Thornburgh or Sam Brownback (as the GOP candidate), there will be a very strong Democratic candidate."

Praise from both sides

Republican leaders in the House of Representatives were among the first to congratulate Findley on his appointment.

"Lt. Gov. Findley is bringing experience and insight that will be critical as we come together to find the best solutions to make Kansas a better place to live and work," said the statement from the GOP House leadership.

Democrats praised his qualifications.

"His political and policy expertise and longstanding commitment to the people of Kansas make him a natural fit to fill this important role; a role in which I am confident he will thrive," said Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka.

Kansas Democratic Party chairman Larry Gates lauded Findley's experiences as a legislator and in executive office, saying he was "uniquely positioned to continue finding the best solutions for Kansas."

"I have the utmost faith in this team and this administration to lead our state," he said in a written statement.

Rep. Raj Goyle, D-Wichita, said Findley "has the right background to help Gov. Parkinson advance the bipartisan, common-sense solutions that Kansans want.

"I am also glad that Lt. Gov. Findley will be declining the extra pay he is entitled to, given the sacrifices all Kansans are making during this difficult economic time."

Findley will retain his chief-of-staff pay, $91,225 this fiscal year, according to the Kansas Department of Legislative Research. That will save the state the paying him the additional lieutenant governor's salary of about $31,000.

A former banker from Lawrence, Findley was first elected to the Kansas House in 1994 and became Sebelius' legislative liaison in 2003.

Findley holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Kansas.

He and his wife, Jennifer, have a 2-year-old son, Zachary.

Findley said his parental responsibilities played a part in his decision not to run for statewide office.

Reach Jeannine Koranda at 785-296-3006 or jkoranda@wichitaeagle.com.