Local residents should wish Rep. Paul Davis well as he enters the race to become the minority leader of the Kansas House.

The minority leader’s position was left open Tuesday when Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed Rep. Dennis McKinney, D-Greensburg, as state treasurer to fill the vacancy left by the election of Lynn Jenkins to the U.S. House. Davis, a Lawrence attorney who was re-elected to the House on Nov. 4 without opposition, confirmed Tuesday that he would seek to replace McKinney as minority leader.

Several other House Democrats are expected to seek the leadership job, but Davis should be applauded for throwing his hat in the ring. During three terms representing Lawrence’s 46th District, he has served on some key House committees as well as serving as policy chairman for the Democratic caucus.

Lawrence legislators do their best to represent the community, but because many of them are in the minority party, their ability to rise to leadership positions is limited. Being the minority leader in the Kansas House is an important position not only because it leads the minority party but also because Democrats often form coalitions with moderate members of the Republican Party, which continues to suffer from philosophical splits.

Although the minority leader doesn’t set the agenda, he or she still can wield considerable influence on behalf of the party and the state. Having a representative in such a position also can benefit the district or community that legislator represents.

Davis is a thoughtful and able legislator who has the potential to serve well in the minority leader’s job.