IE pell Checker is a real good little utility for all who want a free spell checker that works with any browser with the IE engine.
Minimum system requirements:

Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP
Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
7 MB of free disk space (More if you install the optional language packs)


Installation instructions:

Click on the download link above.
Choose "Open this file from its current location" and click on the "OK" button when prompted.
When the installation has completed, restart your browser (if its open) and you should find a new menu item called "ieSpell" under the "Tools" menu, as well as a new icon on your toolbar. Note that the toolbar icon will only appear if you have not customized your toolbar before. If you have customized your toolbar before, you will have to manually select the icon in the "Customize Toolbar" dialog.
For existing users, you do not have to uninstall the previous version before installing the new one.


Usage instructions:

If you are using Internet Explorer, you can access ieSpell in one of the following three ways:
Under the "Tools" menu, click on "ieSpell" item to start the spelling check or click on the "ieSpell Options" to configure ieSpell.
Click on the ieSpell toolbar button (if enabled) to activate the spelling check.
Right click after you highlight the word and in the menu that appears, click on the "ieSpell" item to start the spelling check or click on the "ieSpell Options" to configure ieSpell.


If you are using a browser based on the IE engine (e.g. AOL, MSN, NetCaptor, NeoPlanet, etc), then only the last option (i.e. using the right-click menu) is available to you.
ieSpell - Download

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

lol, I sent it and then re-sent an edited version. I don't think they are going to print it though. They require a telephone number so that they can call and verify that you sent the letter. I have not received a phone call.

__________________
Neither am I the means to any end others may wish to accomplish. I am not a tool for their use. I am not a servant of their needs. I am not a bandage for their wounds. I am not a sacrifice on their altars. ... I owe nothing to my brothers, nor do I gather debts from them. I ask no one to live for me, nor do I live for others. I covet no mans soul, nor is my soul theirs to covet.

Ayn Rand, Anthem.

Mostly for this kind of op ed they need to be able to re-write some of it so it will fit the space left in the paper the day they choose to print it. So it is wise to keep it a sshort as possible and directed to the issue without perrsonel remarks if it can be helped. lol

They re-wrote some of mine. Go back to page 1 and see it again. But they left in the points I wanted to make. I got the call by the way.

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

This covers the ongoing battle by the city council and city manager over their desire to have a police chopper unit. When paid consultant's (and the newer city way of operating has hired quite a few) and never follow the advise. Our streets pot holed everywhere our parks need help so the city council provided a new baseball diamond and club house over peoples protests. And if this unit was gone we would have 5 slots for more police officers who provide 24/7 watch and protection. The spare chopper crashed last week. As the main one a little over a year ago killing one pilot. Politic want and want at all levels of our govt. and just don't use their heads or listen to the people.
Comments are included so you feel the voice of the people.

Judge gives Hecht power to subpoena Bonaparte
With limits, D.A. can subpoena in possible run-up to officials' ouster
By Tim Hrenchir
The Capital-Journal
Published Friday, April 11, 2008
A Shawnee County district judge has ruled District Attorney Robert Hecht may use subpoena power to question city manager Norton Bonaparte and three other city employees — but only to determine if grounds exist for the ouster of public officials.

In a ruling issued Wednesday, Judge Larry Hendricks prohibited Hecht from using information gathered in any depositions of Bonaparte and the three other employees as part of a civil suit Hecht is pursuing over the city's potential purchase of a police helicopter.

"The plaintiff is admonished that no information in any fashion, no matter how significant or insignificant, will be allowed as evidence in the current action," Hendricks wrote. (( WHAT?))

He referred to a lawsuit Hecht filed Feb. 29 to void the city council's 5-3 vote on Dec. 4 to approve the purchase of a police helicopter. Hecht contends the transaction was illegal because Mayor Bill Bunten was denied his legal rights to vote on the purchase and veto it.

Hecht sought on March 4 to use his subpoena power to ask questions during depositions of Bonaparte, city council office employees Ginny Burghart and Keya Downing, and city manager's office employee Marcia Steinbock.

Tom Haney, an attorney representing the city, subsequently filed a motion seeking to quash the subpoenas. The city argued that Hecht, in gathering information for his suit, should be required to follow the discovery process, which allows both sides to question a witness and a court record to be created.

Hecht filed a response March 24, asking that Haney's motion be overruled and denied.

Hecht said Haney's motion was flawed because Haney reached an erroneous conclusion as to what Hecht was seeking to investigate through his subpoenas. Hecht said they were targeted at finding out whether council members who approved the helicopter purchase knowingly violated the Kansas cash basis law, which could make them subject to misdemeanor prosecution and removal from office.

In Wednesday's ruling, Hendricks wrote that it would be "inherently unfair" to allow Hecht to issue subpoenas and use his inquisitional authority after he had filed a civil action. ((WHAT? IF HE FINDS PROOF HE CAN'T USE IT? HOW STUPID AND UNFAIR, BUT IF I CHECK THE BACKGROUND AS I WILL I WILL FIND THE GOP CONNECTION))

Hendricks indicated state law would allow a county attorney inquisitional power only when investigating potential grounds for the ouster of a public official.

He concluded Hecht has the legal authority to subpoena Bonaparte, Burghart, Downing and Steinbock to look into whether grounds for a separate case involving ouster proceedings exist over possible violations of the cash basis law.

Interim city attorney Braxton Copley recently suggested the council reauthorize its purchases of the helicopter and an enterprise resource planning software system because the documents involved failed to meet requirements of the cash basis law. (( SEE THEY LOSE ONE WAY SO TRY ANOTHER))

While council members last week voted 5-4 to approve resolutions reauthorizing both purchases, the council currently appears to be short of mustering the seven votes necessary to override Mayor Bill Bunten's veto Friday of both measures.

Hecht said Thursday he planned to reissue subpoenas to Bonaparte and the three other city employees and allow for them to be deposed.

Hecht said he interpreted Wednesday's ruling as saying the district attorney's office was legally entitled to issue the subpoenas and Hendricks has no authority or jurisdiction to grant the city's motion to quash them because they aren't part of the case before him.

Hecht said he filed a motion Thursday seeking to alter that portion of Hendricks' ruling that would prohibit using information gathered during the subpoena process in his civil case. Hecht said he pointed out in Thursday's motion that the city's motion to quash the subpoenas didn't raise the admissibility of the evidence in the case.

No one in the city's legal department was available for comment. (( BECAUSE HECHT IS RIGHT AND THESE CLOWNS HAVE AGAIN WASTED CITY MONEY AND BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO LOOK INTO OTHER PC SOFTWARE IT COST THE CITY EACH DAY $ and the last quote given was $187,000 so far!))

Tim Hrenchir can be reached at (785) 295-1184 or tim.hrenchir@cjonline.com.

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Reader Comments
Posted by: kappasig1209 at Apr 11, 2008 at 08:33:13 AM
How much are we paying for this?

Posted by: bob421 at Apr 11, 2008 at 08:39:22 AM
This is one tax payers bill I won't worry about, as long as Hecht cleans house and gets rid of this crappy city council!!!!!

-2 Rating Posted by: kencon at Apr 11, 2008 at 09:49:25 AM
It is really sad {People} have to use things like this to tr to make political {points} to get elected. The price of the helicopter will be wrapped up in fees soon and nothing gained. Get the CHOPPER, get it flying and let the opposiion GET A LIFE!

Posted by: KLorenz at Apr 11, 2008 at 10:31:07 AM
I have a life. If the helicopter(s) equipped with FLIR are patrolling the night skies over Topeka for 10-14 hrs/day they would be worth the expenditure. If multiple patrol units were actively circulating throughout their respective areas providing a deterring presence 24/7 it would be worth even further expenditure.
Unfortunately, at present this is not the case. I'd rather law enforcement prevent crimes by providing a presence than WAIT for them to happen (on tarmacs OR in parking lots)equipped with the exorbitant tools of apprehension.

Posted by: paladin2all at Apr 11, 2008 at 11:08:06 AM
Glad to hear this go Hecht. Clean house, have felt that a good old boys club has been created and that the needs of this groip are being met. Not the needs of a city. I have to agree with above comments. More equipment doesn't keep you safe. The equipment can't operate itself. It has always taken Officers doing their jobs and more officers with better pay would be the right way to go.

Posted by: T-TownTracker at Apr 11, 2008 at 11:30:26 AM
KenCon, I know that noisy helicopter has been institutionalized in Topeka, but that doesn't make it necessary. FLIR is unnecessary in a city full of lights and when you have the K-9 unit. I have invited anyone who reads CJOnline to provide to us helicopter opponents any statistics or other data that support a helicopter program. I'm still waiting.

Posted by: T-TownTracker at Apr 11, 2008 at 11:39:22 AM
Here, I'll go proactive on the stats. Here's a link to comparision between Topeka, Kansas and Lincoln, NE. Lincoln is kinda like Topeka and Lawrence put together. It's a capital and a major college town of 225,000. They don't have a police helicopter. Crime Rate Comparison: Lincoln Vs. Topeka

Posted by: jamey at Apr 11, 2008 at 12:05:00 PM
Are we forgetting what just took place a couple of days ago...HELLO!!! ANOTHER Topeka Police helicopter went down. This time, fortunately no one was killed, but now would be a good time to wake up and finally scrap the whole unit once and for all.

Posted by: yardman at Apr 11, 2008 at 03:45:14 PM
Recall Blackburn, Preisner, Swank, Woelfel, and Kennedy.
And keep the fish eye on Bonaparte, as he is not getting our streets repaired. Is he not The City Manager?

Posted by: jswift at Apr 11, 2008 at 04:11:48 PM
I'm waiting for the city to put together a cost/benefit study of the helicopter unit. There are emotional points to be made on either side, but the primary concern the city government should have is whether the cost is justified by quantifiable results; and whether or not there are more cost effective ways to achieve similar results.

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CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Judge gives Hecht power to subpoena Bonaparte

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

Darn it this was written and deleted by something? Anyone else have this problem? Anyway I wrote to Mr. Johnston and his reply was of value, what to watch for. He addresses this same situation in his book FREE LUNCH.

shows no parking places. Hummmmmmm! plus we are a city of 140,000 sure a lot of water bills which all this is based upon 5,200 of the total. Does it sound like some business deals to be made, good old boy govt. involvement? And I wounder what th eowners get from the taxpayers for starting a baseball team. Whom are partners and the truth. Businesses use govt. at all levels to make sh*it happen, and always in their favor. And always the loser is the taxpayers, this I will prove in the future. Al will be reveled by laws that require statements etc., etc. You just have to have your eyes open.

PIX at the site of the project so far.

Believe me is going to show what David Cay Johnston shows in his book FREE LUNCH, and he explaines the process and enlightens us the Warren Buffet, Gov. G.W. Bush made 100 million $. And others like the owners of the N.Y. Mets and Yankeed, if I have the correct teams, who owners get 1.? million or billions from the US Treasury each year. I can't believe it is happening right here in my city. Great... Awww now to live long enough to see it all happen.

City takes swing at stadium
By Mike Hall
The Capital-Journal
Published Saturday, April 12, 2008
Although little is known about a proposed minor league baseball stadium for Topeka — such as where it might be built — planning is moving forward.

Local governmental officials and community leaders Friday morning unveiled drawings of what a stadium might look like. Consultants put the design together based on community forums and a survey of what Topekans would like to see in such a facility.

CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - City takes swing at stadium

This is an artist's rendering of what a stadium in Topeka could look like. Initial ideas foresee seating for 2,500 people. A big unknown is where the stadium would be located. Community involvement is being sought.
GETTING INVOLVED

To sign up to work on one of the six committees associated with the proposed minor league baseball stadium in Topeka, call Monique Glaudé at (785) 368-4470 or e-mail her at mglaude@topeka.org.
Although no site was being recommended, speakers indicated a downtown location would have a number of advantages and fit in with what the public wants.

Deputy city manager Randy Speaker said the survey was conducted through the city's Web site and with a form distributed to Topekans with their water bills.

The fact that more than 5,200 people filled out the survey form was a sign of the enthusiasm for the project, Speaker said. It is a much greater response than the city has received to past surveys.

Some of the answers on the survey are providing momentum for the project, too. Sixty-five percent of respondents said they would attend a game.

The tentative design was described by Bob Carlson, principal of DLR Group, which has designed more than 20 stadiums around the country, and Doug Stewart, former vice president/general manager of the Omaha Royals minor league team and now president of his own consulting firm.

Speaker said Topekans want a stadium that is in a visible location and easy to reach. They want it to be family-friendly and with a design unique to Topeka.

The proposed design would incorporate limestone to fit the history and architecture of Topeka. There would be a playground for children that is protected from foul balls by a screen, two picnic areas and a beer garden that is expected to attract young professionals.

The stadium would provide 2,500 seats. Lower-priced tickets would be available to people willing to sit on a grassy berm, and some suites would be available at extra cost.

Speaker said ticket prices in other similar stadiums are in the $6 to $8 range.

Topekans also expressed strong support for retail and other recreational facilities near the stadium. The drawing unveiled Friday showed two- and three-story buildings surrounding the stadium.

However, it showed no parking areas. When asked about that, Speaker and the consultants said the amount of additional space needed for parking would depend on the location. If it were built in an area with existing parking facilities or even on-street parking spaces, little additional parking would be needed specifically for the stadium.

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

matter.
Awww it never stops. Now prisons which Kansas doesn't need (lucky us) yet. But someone is pushing for more jail time etc. just to get one built in his area and being a Senate majority leader (and a GOPer) he will prevail I bet.

CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Prison plan far from locked up

Prison plan far from locked up
Treatment facility in Yates Center would aid economy; foes call it pork
By James Carlson
The Capital-Journal
Published Sunday, April 13, 2008

Some House members are pledging when they reconvene April 30 to revisit the issue of $39.5 million in bonding authority for prison projects, one of which in southeast Kansas they label as pork barrel spending.

The proposed drug and alcohol treatment center in Yates Center, in the district of Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, threatened to derail the budget's passage before the Legislature broke for first adjournment. Some still say they will fight against the prison project when lawmakers return to Topeka.

Rep. Mike O'Neal

Sen. Derek Schmidt

Click Thumbnails to View
"It will definitely be a subject of negotiation," said Rep. Mike O'Neal, R-Hutchinson.

But supporters say the plans are necessary and that opponents are playing politics by throwing out the word "earmark." (( sounds like an excuse to me))

"It's like watching our own little Washington, D.C., here," said Gwendolyn Martin, a commissioner for Woodson County, where Yates Center is located. (( if it were then you would have the darn thing built already))

Yates Center, a town of about 1,500, has sought a prison for more than 20 years to help lift the area's sagging economy.

Then in 2007, the Legislature passed a bill for $39.5 million in bonds for four prison facilities around the state — one of them a 240-bed drug and alcohol treatment center in Yates Center that would receive $11.5 million of that funding. The State Finance Council, made up of legislative leaders, had to give final permission for issuance of bonds.

"We had a good-faith belief that the council would authorize the bonds only if prison space was needed," said Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Overland Park.

Roger Werholtz, secretary of the Kansas Department of Corrections, also said at the time that the state would wait until the prison population grew before building any new facilities.

But in October, without any significant signs of a need for new prison space, the council approved the issuance of the bonds, and the fight began.

The bonds could go to four projects providing 668 new beds, including the Yates Center project. The others were two new cell houses at the state's maximum-security prison outside El Dorado and expansions of state prisons in Ellsworth and Stockton.

The finance council's authorization of the bonds quickly drew fire from House members who pointed to testimony this year from the Kansas Sentencing Commission on prison bed space needs.

"There is no evidence we need to build prisons, not only this year, not only next year, but not for another eight to 10 years," O'Neal said.

Rep. Sharon Schwartz, R-Washington, the House's budget committee chairwoman, was one of three members of the finance council who voted against authorizing the bonds. House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, and House Majority Leader Ray Merrick, R-Stilwell, were the other two.

"There just isn't a justification for extra bed space," she said.

In a show of their frustration, House members early in the session passed bill 104-17 that would repeal the bonding authority. It never gained traction in the Senate.

Schmidt, R-Independence, also a member of the council, voted for the bonds.

Schmidt, whose district includes Yates Center, said the need for prison bed space is down, but the need for drug and alcohol abuse treatment exists.

"Most Kansans think people with multiple DUIs ought to do prison time and ought to get treatment while they're at it," he said.

Schmidt sponsored a bill this session that would have required those convicted of any three felonies to serve prison time, which he said most people support.

"There are categories of offenders most Kansans believe should be off the street," he said.

Yoder questioned Schmidt's motives for the bill.

"It's interesting that those pushing for new prisons to be built are also pushing for new criminal policy that would create the need for prisons," he said.

Yoder and others have said supporters of the prison project are pushing it to stimulate economic development.

Martin, the Woodson County commissioner, said her area has the state's worst economic health and that the new facility would help bring down local property taxes by "kick-starting the economy."

But that doesn't mean it is the sole reason for the prison, she said.

"There is a lot of speculation this is a pet project," she said. "(Schmidt) is definitely behind this, but I think he's doing it because he understands there is a need for this."

So far, the Department of Corrections has spent more than $1 million in planning and has acquired land for the Yates Center treatment facility. Schmidt points out that Werholtz has said the state won't begin building until the space is needed.

"We're just getting ready for when the need is apparent," Schmidt said.

Schwartz, the House budget committee chairwoman, said when the Legislature returns later this month her chamber would look at the prison space needs created by new criminal code laws passed this year. After that, House members could again push for repealing the bonding authority, though that type of proposal still faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

James Carlson can be reached at (785) 233-7470 or james.carlson@cjonline.com.

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

Hummmmm the county wants to be th eowners? Gotta watch this one too.

Daily Dose: Ten Questions for Topeka Ice
Published Sunday, April 13, 2008
Topeka Ice isn't melting.

The organization is continuing its fundraising campaign to build an ice rink, an effort that traces back four years.

CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Daily Dose: Ten Questions for Topeka Ice

Jason Hunter / The Capital-Journal
Where does the effort stand? To find out, Daily Dose checked in with Mike Eichten, Topeka Ice president, who responded to questions by e-mail.

What is the status of Topeka Ice?

We continue to operate as a 501c3 in an effort to raise the balance of funds needed to fund a year-round ice rink. Our primary mission and purpose have remained the same from the beginning. There are several proposals in the works for a major sponsor that will raise significant funds.

What is the vision for the project? Is it largely unchanged since the project was conceived, or has it evolved, and if so, how?

Our basic vision hasn't changed. We still believe there is a need for a year-round ice facility that people of all ages can enjoy. The only significant change since the project was conceived is that Shawnee County has agreed to help fund the project and desires to be the owner and operator of the facility. That doesn't change the vision of Topeka Ice but rather should add stability and additional resources to ensure the long-term success of the facility. Topeka Ice is interested in continued participation with the operation of the facility and programs and welcomes Shawnee County's involvement.

How has the presence — and competitive and commercial success — of the Topeka RoadRunners affected the visibility of ice sports and of Topeka Ice?

The success of the Roadrunners has definitely increased the exposure and interest in year-round ice, hockey and skating. Several "learn to skate" and youth hockey players signed up to participate in programs offered through Shawnee County Parks and Recreation. The first-ever Capital City Figure Skating Association was formed, and during its first year, the "learn to skate" program was a huge success.

Last summer, the Shawnee County Commission unanimously approved a resolution to contribute $1.5 million to the project, or half of the fundraising goal. Did that contribution jump-start the project? Why or why not?

Overall, the resolution had a positive impact, and the additional funding of $1.5 million was a huge boost. However, there have been some donors who are concerned that Topeka Ice will lose control. Also, it seems that some people may be holding back in hopes the county will make up the shortfall. I am hopeful that we can communicate the need to raise the additional funds and assure donors that Topeka Ice will continue to play a key role.

Is your fundraising goal still $3 million? How much have you raised?

The goal remains $3 million. The total raised to date excluding the county is $900,000.

The Topeka City Council's decision in 2004 to transfer to Topeka Ice the property at S.E. 8th and Madison at no cost if the organization completed construction of an ice rink there by Oct. 30, 2008. That deadline is less than seven months away. Is Topeka Ice in danger of losing the property?

Topeka Ice has been in contact with the city and there is a meeting scheduled for Monday to discuss extending the deadline. Initial conversations indicate a willingness to offer and extension.

Are there contingency plans should the organization lose the property?

Not at this time.

What are your current goals and timetable for the Topeka Ice?

Our No. 1 priority is to raise the additional $600,000. In addition we will work with the city to extend the deadline and Shawnee County to create an operating agreement between Shawnee County and Topeka Ice. We believe this to be in the best interest of both parties and should help erase any doubts and/or concerns our donors might have.

Why should I donate money to Topeka Ice?

Consider the joy of a child learning a new skill, or the benefits of keeping young adults engaged in a safe activity. A year round ice rink will be an asset to the community and will be used by people of all ages.

How can I learn more about Topeka Ice?

For information, visit topekaice.com.

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

The Buffalo News: Home: Meddling detailed at City Honors and the continuing saga The Buffalo News: Home: Flap over City Honors School stirs call that 2 step down


More on Local 71 The Buffalo News: Opinion: Union crosses a line

On teacher tenure The Buffalo News: Opinion: Placing test scores off limits hurts education

On the so-called "recession" The Buffalo News: Eastern Suburbs: Some WNY families are living the recession

__________________
A panda walks into a cafe. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and fires two shots in the air.

"Why?" asks the confused waiter, as the panda makes toward the exit. The panda produces a badly punctuated wildlife manual and tosses it over his shoulder.

"I'm a panda," he says at the door. "Look it up."

The waiter turns to the relevant entry and, sure enough, finds an explanation.

"Panda. Large black-and-white bear-like mammal, native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves."

Well they shot the hell out of the immgration bill. The power og the 2 parties is alive and well. This thread is to show that one thing and add your local news. We need more people to join in because this isn't just happening here in KS. or Washington. It happens in your towns and cities too.

CJOnline Page Not Found

Analysis: No simple solution in works
Immigration debate could end without the passing of a bill
By Carl Manning
The Associated Press
Published Monday, April 14, 2008
A strong push to deal with illegal immigration has been blunted, diverted and slowed so much that it could end in little more than a muddled mess.

Sensing that their constituents were angry about illegal immigrants and facing an election year, legislators began their session with many of them demanding change.

But talking, of course, is easier than doing.

"Immigration to many is simply we need to stop illegal immigrants in Kansas and one way is to make sure they don't get hired. This is a problem that seems to have a simple solution but it really doesn't," said Bob Beatty, Washburn University political science professor.

That was fairly obvious in the House, where an unusual coalition of conservative Republicans and Democrats stopped an immigration bill dead in its tracks on a procedural vote. They felt the bill had been watered down to the point of being meaningless.

Supporters argue the bill drafted by House and Senate negotiators isn't some sham to placate the business community. They point to its penalties for using false documents to get hired, human trafficking and coercing employees.

But conservatives complained about removing a proposal for mandatory use of the federal E-Verify system to check on workers. Also gone is language to revoke the business licenses of employers hiring illegal workers.

When business groups complained, those sections were replaced with civil penalties, including fines and the possibility of going to jail for contempt of court for employers. Rep. Lance Kinzer, an attorney, says that is contrary to what federal law allows.

"The bill wouldn't withstand a court challenge and would do more harm to the cause of immigration reform," said Kinzer, who helped draft the original House bill.

The Olathe Republican said he isn't giving up, but conceded, "It's going to be an uphill battle to get something that will pass."

Democrats locked arms after negotiators removed criminal penalties for illegally misclassifying any employee as an independent contractor, something unions have pushed for years.

There's no signs of any cracks in that resolve.

"We have wide support for the one tool the attorney general said would help prosecute the worst offenders," said House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, a Greensburg Democrat. "Most of our members want to pass a bill but one that is meaningful and effective and not window dressing."

As for the politically potent business community, if no bill passes, few tears would be shed.

"We didn't have immigration on our agenda, so the short answer is, yes, we would rather see no bill than a bill that unfairly penalizes businesses," said the Kansas Chamber's Jeff Glendening.

When legislators return April 30 from their spring break, the House again can consider a procedural question, and the outcome could sink the immigration bill.

The Legislature's rules require all negotiators to agree on a compromise before either chamber can take an up-or-down vote on it. However, if a negotiator objects — as is the case with the immigration bill — both chambers can vote to suspend that rule.

"Politically, what you are getting is the Democrats saying if we are going to address this problem, it is not going to be just what the Republicans want," Beatty said.

The House refused to suspend the rule before the break. But if it changes its mind, it can vote on the compromise bill, which presumably would pass. Then the compromise would go to the Senate, which is expected to approve it and send it to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

But that happens only if someone — Democrats or conservative Republicans — breaks ranks.

Otherwise, the compromise goes back to the negotiators. The Senate controls the committee and decides when or if there will be further talks.

"I thought they had a good agreement and there should be a vote on that by the House before going to Plan B. If it fails on its merits, it would be proper to look at alternatives," said Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, an Independence Republican.

And there's no guarantee that if negotiators met again a different bill would emerge.

Misclassification is a deal-breaker for Senate Republicans. Not including it turns off House Democrats. Neither position is likely to change.

Conservatives like Kinzer want to hear more than platitudes before getting behind the bill.

"I have to be able to tell my constituents that we passed immigration reform that is meaningful," he said. "It would be inappropriate to pass something for the sake of passing something."

Changes in the political climate also may be working against backers of the immigration bill. Increasingly, the focus is on the nation's troubled economy and how it will affect Kansans.

"That is what legislators are going to hear when they go back home, and it's going to trump immigration during this break," Beatty said.

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Reader Comments
Posted by: RHAB at Apr 14, 2008 at 05:09:29 AM
LOOK SOUTH TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT. REX

+ 1 Rating Posted by: r2mcmullen at Apr 14, 2008 at 05:52:32 AM
It is Simple. You forget who is Republican and who is Democrat and you pass a bill that stops the illegal immigration. How hard is that? This legislature is like a bunch of school kids fighting over the swingset. Get over it. While you bicker more companies our hiring illegal immigrants to steal jobs away from Americans. Sure they have passed all these feel good bills that cover up the fact this government has done nothing. NOTHING! I don't understand what the **** RHAAB means by look south. The south is what is F***ing us. If you think Mexico is where America should be looking than go to Mexico! Maybe a legal American could get your job than. How many illegal immigrant do you think is here in Topeka? More than you think. How many legal American in Topeka are out of a job because of this? More than you think. If you think this is where we need to look, than maybe you need to run for a seat in the Kansas legislature. You would fit right in. America needs to step up and fight this infestation. These people are killing the American way of life. Send them back to Mexica until they go thru the proper procedures to be legal immigrants.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: NUMBER1EAGLE at Apr 14, 2008 at 10:32:19 AM
One real problem here Mr. Manning is that you and too many others are worried about "unfairly penalizing employers", quit that nonsence and listen to the people not the businesses. They(BUSINESS)are only interested in making money. When we break the law we suffer the consequences, and so should they. THEY ARE NOT ABOVE THE LAW. We need immigration reform now, not later.

Posted by: mlurp at Apr 14, 2008 at 10:47:57 PM
Just both the GOP & DNC doing their power plays and getting what they want over the voice and desires of the people. Be it in Washington or here in Topeka. Each has far to much power if they effect the local city and state
government. Vote all who made this bill fail out of office.
Make our voices count. Just a thought but we have two GOP
Representatives that are far out of touch with the people of KS., and have been in office long enough! We need more like Mrs. Boyda.

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__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

Shooting forces lockdown of school.... Topeka has to many illegally owmed firearms... See site for complete story on the first news report.
Shots hit several vehicles near Avondale East Elementary School
By Tim Hrenchir: CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Shooting forces lockdown
The Capital-Journal
Published Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Gunshots fired Monday afternoon in southeast Topeka's Hi-Crest area struck several vehicles and caused an elementary school to be temporarily locked down, Topeka police said.

Police spokeswoman Kristi Pankratz said detectives were investigating but had made no arrests in connection with the shots fired shortly after 3 p.m. in the 3300 block of S.E. Fremont, which is five blocks west of S.E. Adams Street. No injuries were reported.

Avondale East Elementary, which houses kindergartners through fifth graders, also was locked down because of gunfire on May 29, 1998. Three youths were arrested that day after rifle shots fired from about 120 feet northeast of the school in the 3100 block of S.E. Emerson struck a house in the 3100 block of S.E. DuPont, wounding a 13-year-old girl who was inside.

Emerson is four blocks west of S.E. Adams and DuPont is three blocks west of S.E. Adams.

Tim Hrenchir can be reached at (785) 295-1184 or tim.hrenchir@cjonline.com.

Also to do with shootings...CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Police name shooting suspect


Police name shooting suspect
Timothy Arterberry, 17, arrested after incident at Mahogany Lounge
By Phil Anderson
The Capital-Journal
Published Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Topeka police Monday identified the teenager arrested over the weekend in connection with the city's third homicide of 2008 as Timothy D. Arterberry.

Police spokeswoman Kristi Pankratz said Arterberry, 17, of Topeka, was arrested shortly after 2:15 a.m. Saturday when officers responded to a shooting at the Mahogany Lounge, 1307 S.W. Huntoon.

The victim was identified as Albert L. Conley, 30. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police officers in the area heard gunshots and gave chase before they took Arterberry into custody.

Arterberry was arrested in connection with murder and weapons violation. He was booked into the Shawnee County Juvenile Detention Center.

Conley was the city's third homicide victim this year:

The other victims were:

• Shawn Koss, 37, of Topeka, who was shot to death Jan. 23 in a garage behind a residence at 417 N.E. Lake. Police investigated if the shooter acted in self-defense.

• Michael Holley, 24, of Topeka, who was shot to death Feb. 23 in his car in the parking lot of the Deep Pockets pool hall, 4310 S.W. 21st. No one has been arrested.

Phil Anderson can be reached at (785) 295-1195 or phil.anderson@cjonline.com.

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”