Kansas Democrats stir speculation about retired U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom

Former U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom announces charges in a money laundering case involving a Lawrence business owner in this file photo from March 19, 2015. Grissom announced April 11, 2016 that he planned to step down as U.S. attorney for Kansas.

An email sent out Thursday from the Kansas Democratic Party is sparking more speculation about the political future of retired U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

The announcement was about an upcoming gala in Overland Park at which Grissom will receive a service award from the party, where former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and 2014 gubernatorial candidate Paul Davis will also be special guests.

“Barry Grissom is retiring from his post as Kansas U.S. Attorney, noting that he has higher political aspirations in the future (though not this cycle),” the email stated.

Grissom, 62, was the Obama administration’s top federal prosecutor in Kansas from 2010 until April, when he retired and took a private-sector job with the Polsinelli law firm in Kansas City.

Polsinelli is an 800-plus attorney firm with 19 offices around the country, including Kansas City, Mo., and Overland Park. It also has a major presence at the Kansas Statehouse with lobbyists representing health insurance companies, the Kansas University Hospital Authority, the Kansas Speedway Corp. and a variety of other interests.

The fact that he’s announcing his political ambitions, but not for the current cycle, likely indicates that he’s planning to spend two years building an organization and lining up contributors, which is about how long it takes now to mount a solid run for a congressional or statewide office.

Republicans say they’ve been keeping an eye on him as well, noting that his six years as a federal prosecutor make him a credible figure. And the fact that he’s relatively new to state politics — not connected to the Kathleen Sebelius-John Carlin old guard — would help put a fresh face on a party that desperately needs to reverse its fortunes.

Democrats in Kansas haven’t won a single statewide or congressional race since 2008, the last year Dennis Moore was elected to the 3rd District in Congress.

One high-ranking Republican said the immediate speculation has been on the 2018 governor’s race, which will be an open race, or possibly the 3rd District congressional seat, where national Democrats think incumbent Republican Kevin Yoder may be vulnerable.

But Grissom’s credentials from the U.S. attorney’s office also make him an obvious contender for attorney general, and there continues to be much speculation that incumbent Republican Derek Schmidt, along with Secretary of State Kris Kobach, have their eyes on the governor’s office.

The most likely scenario right now, Republicans think, is that Grissom is waiting to see how all of the 2018 races develop over the next several months before deciding which one offers the best opportunity for Democrats.

The event is Saturday, July 16, at the Overland Park Convention Center. Ticket prices range from $50 for Young Democrats who may be seated in the back, to $5,000 for those who want to sit at the front table.

Also being honored at the “First Annual Awards Gala” will be Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, of Topeka, and House Minority Leader Tom Burroughs, of Kansas City.