Thanks to all the people who gave me their support and their votes, I won my race to the Kansas Senate with 70 percent of the vote, one of the largest margins of the night. My place in the Kansas House, representing the 84th District, will be taken by Gail Finney.

As happy as we were about our victories, the highlight of our watch party came about 10 p.m., with the announcement that Barack Obama had been declared winner of the presidential election!

This is the big day

Election Day is here!

Whether you've already voted by mail-in ballot or at an advance-voting location, or waited until today to exercise your constitutional right to go to the polls, THANK YOU!

If you are one of the hundreds of people who showed your support by displaying an Oletha Faust-Goudeau yard sign, THANK YOU!

If you made a contribution to my campaign so that I could get the word out about why I'm seeking the District 29 State Senate seat, THANK YOU!

If you attended a community forum to learn more about my record, my priorities and what I stand for, THANK YOU!

If you took the time to say a word of encouragement and support, or tell me what issues are on your mind, THANK YOU!

If you endorsed me by writing a letter or shared your thoughts with friends, family and neighbors, THANK YOU!

Our community needs people like you who are motivated, informed and engaged in the political process.

Your vote is important!

New business jet - and jobs - on horizon

I am looking forward to helping Cessna Aircraft celebrate the start of construction of its new Citation Columbus plant on Wednesday.

It's a project I advocated for in the Legislature, voting for $33 million in bonds to help make it a reality, because it will result in 1,000 new Cessna jobs - and industry experts say another 3,000 jobs will be created indirectly as a result. Cessna also invests in our community through job-training programs and charitable contributions.

Wichitans need more good-paying jobs with benefits to support their families, and I will continue to champion this kind of job creation as a state senator.

I appreciate your vote!

One wall at a time

As a board member of Habitat for Humanity, I was thrilled to attend a ceremony this morning lifting the wall of the 100th home built for a family who will become first-time homeowners. Purchasing a home is one of the most important accomplishments one can achieve in one's lifetime. Habitat helps families, and helps stabilize neighborhoods, through a combination of community volunteering, sweat equity, donations and low-cost mortgages. The newest house is being built in a new neighborhood near 33rd Street North and Jackson.

Fast paced

Three weeks until Election Day and the pace is picking up! In the past few days, I've attended several candidate forums and talked to hundreds of voters. Usually we have only 3 to 5 minutes to explain who we are, what we've done and what we intend to do if elected. My legislative priorities are based on your concerns: Better-paying jobs, healthier families, quality education and safer communities. The campaign schedule can be a challenge — especially when events are back-to-back or at the same time! — but it's so rewarding to meet with people who've taken the time to attend. Important dates coming up:
— Advance ballots go out in the mail today, Oct. 15. (Don't forget to fill it out and mail it back!)
— The last day to register to vote is Oct. 20.
— Voting early in person at the Sedgwick County Elections Office starts Wednesday, Oct. 22 and runs through noon Nov. 3.
— Election Day is Nov. 4.

Thanks for your vote!

29th District is the heart of Wichita

It's nice to see Wichita's Old Town District recognized as one of America's Top 10 Neighborhoods!

Revitalized Old Town is in the 29th District - along with so many of the core neighborhoods that help give Wichita its unique character: from Downtown to Southeast High School, Midtown to Wichita State University and beyond. It is diverse and vibrant. Like the people who live here and the businesses that anchor it, this district faces challenges and deserves a senator who not only knows it well but has the legislative experience to get things done.

Vote Nov. 4 for Oletha Faust-Goudeau.

Just 2 weeks left to register to vote!

A story about voter registration drives in Monday's Wichita Eagle featured two men who have been working hard in the 29th District to help others exercise their civil rights. Former firefighter Chester Selmon has set up a card table at the corner of 13th and Grove to help people fill out registration forms. Drew Steadman, president of the WSU College Democrats, even went so far as to bring donkeys onto campus to draw students' attention to the signup booth.

Monday, Oct. 20 is the last day to register to vote for the general election. If you don't happen to be near Chester or Drew, you can click here for a downloadable / printable copy of the voter registration form. It's available in English and in Spanish. Once you have it filled out, return it to the Sedgwick County Election Office in the Historic County Courthouse, 510 N. Main #101, Wichita KS 67203 by 5 p.m. Oct. 20.

Please encourage your friends and neighbors to register, then vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4!