A Kline rewind?

Political observers wonder whether Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline will seek a full term; Congress fights over the farm bill and war funding; Karl Rove raises funds for the Republican Party in Wichita; and, sorry students (and parents) — tuition is likely to increase again. Supporters urging Kline to run (Kansas City Star) Will he or won’t he? Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline announced eight months ago that he would not be a candidate for the post this year. But with the June 10 filing deadline looming, some supporters are urging him to run. And Kline refuses to rule it out.Tuition increases proposed (Lawrence Journal-World) The cost of going to Kansas University is likely going up. KU has requested an 8.4 percent increase to its compact tuition rate — the rate paid by the incoming freshmen class — and a 6 percent increase to all noncompact tuition rates, which are paid by juniors, seniors, transfer students and graduate students. That would bring tuition and required fees next year to at least $7,000 for every student. The Kansas Board of Regents will act on the request at its June meeting.Farm bill headed to Bush (The Associated Press) Better to get a half-loaf than none at all. Especially when it comes to the farm bill. That was the reasoning used by both Kansas senators when voting for the farm bill, despite cuts they say will hurt the state’s farmers. The Senate passed the $290 billion measure with a 81-15 vote, a day after the House approved it on a 318-106 vote. Both margins are more than enough to override a threatened veto from President Bush. The White House says the bill sends too much money to wealthy farmers at a time of soaring crop prices.Fort Riley funding adopted (The Associated Press) Fort Riley would get new medical facilities under a $404 million appropriation approved by the U.S. House. But President Bush is vowing a veto unless the House provides his request for additional funds to fight the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.Rove visit sparks protest (Wichita Eagle) A Wichita appearance by former White House political aide Karl Rove touched off a little street theater, with protesters masquerading as millionaires lampooning the man known as “the Architect” of President Bush’s electoral victories. increase proposed senators back farm bill funds approved