Cigar speaker gets fired up

The Rev. H Setter, pastor of All Saints Catholic Church in Wichita, blistered members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee last week because of their support of a statewide smoking ban.

Setter, a cigar smoker who holds an annual charity fundraising dinner and cigar smoking event, said the committee’s action was arrogant, hypocritical and selfish.

Committee Chairman Dwayne Umbarger, R-Thayer, told Setter he put the fear of God in people. “I bet once you get through with your sermons, I’m sure you make people very uneasy. I’m about ready to convert,” he said.

What’s good for the goose …

Alan Cobb, director of the Kansas chapter of Americans for Prosperity, testified against the proposed smoking ban, saying it would infringe on the rights of private businesses.

That prompted state Sen. Laura Kelly, D-Topeka, to ask Cobb whether he opposed a bill by state Rep. Lance Kinzer, R-Olathe, that would essentially shut down strip bars, since it also would infringe on private businesses.

Cobb said he hadn’t heard of that bill.

Sebelius’ new photo op

Has Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ star power faded? It was just a couple of months ago, Sebelius was featured in Vogue magazine with a stylish photo of her posing in the Capitol and wearing an Oscar de la Renta dress. This month, she’s on the cover of the Topeka parks and recreation guide, sitting on a wooden horse at the Gage Park carousel.

Pass or get out of the way

A bill motoring through the Legislature would prohibit vehicles from driving in the far left lane except when passing another vehicle or preparing to make a left turn. The proposal would not be in effect within city limits.

Law enforcement officials say Senate 689 would improve the flow of traffic but if it gains legislative approval, they have asked that the bill include a one-year warning period to allow education of the public of the requirement.

Quote of the week:

This bill is a farce.”

– State Rep. Lance Kinzer, R-Olathe, on an illegal immigration bill approved by the House.

What’s next:

1 p.m. Tuesday: Legislative Post Audit Committee will review an audit on foster care contracts, Room 423-South, Capitol.

9 a.m. Wednesday: Senate Ways and Means review of omnibus appropriations bill.