Lisa Johnston isn’t taking a break. She isn’t going to quit working or campaigning. She know’s she has a long road ahead of her, but she is excited and ready for what’s in store.
Johnston, Baker University’s assistant dean of academic services, was elected the Democratic nominee for the United States Senate Tuesday.
Johnston received 31.3 percent of Douglas County votes Tuesday in the primary election and beat Kansas Sen. David Haley from Kansas City, Charles Schollenberger, a former newspaper editor from Prairie Village, Robert Conroy, a retired Shawnee railroad engineer and Patrick Wiesner, a Lawrence attorney and accountant.
“Well, it’s very exciting,” Johnston said. “I’m honored by the support of voters throughout the state.”
Johnston, who lives in Overland Park, will campaign against Republican nominee, Jerry Moran until the Nov. 2 election.
“He’s more well-known than I am,” she said. “We’re just planning out strategy and traveling plans. I just have to work on advertising and getting the message out there.”
If elected, Johnston would receive the honor of being the first female democratic senator for the state of Kansas.
“People are talking about that a lot,” Johnston said. “But, it can be a good thing. I think people are looking for a fresh perspective. You know, Jerry (Moran) has been in Congress a very long time. They are underestimating voters when they say that. (Voters) want a choice and they want to pick who is best for the job.”
While Johnston doesn’t have a background in politics, she is hoping her background in education will make her more appealing to voters.
“We are entering the dawn of a new era in politics,” she said. “One of the things about me is the fact that I have a background in education. The people I’ve talked to have all been pleased about that.”
While Johnston is taking some time off from her duties at Baker, she hopes to come back to the Baldwin City campus to see old friends and meet with students.
“I’ve gotten a lot of e-mails and well-wishes from people at Baker,” she said. “I want to come back to campus and visit folks. I hope this means good things for Baker.”
