Boyda strikes independent tone during first term in U.S. House2008

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Oct 12, 2008 by JAMES CARLSON / THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

But national Republican groups called her remarks "disrespectful," and in a July primary debate with Ryun, Jenkins said the incident was "one of the saddest days of (her) life."

"They call it a hearing for a reason," Jenkins said. "You're supposed to listen."

Bailout

Boyda stresses how she is beholden to no one in Washington -- only to Kansans. The recent talk of bailing out the nation's financial system gave her another chance to show that.

With leaders crying about a market Armageddon if the $700 billion rescue plan didn't pass, Boyda joined the majority of House members to sink the first proposal. Jenkins, too, said before the vote that she would oppose the measure.

Boyda said she'd heard from her district -- 2,400 voters e- mailed railing against it. When the second version returned from to the House, tens of representatives switched, but Boyda maintained her position.

"A year from now do we stand a better chance with this bailout or without?" she asked during a radio interview. "Well, it's hands down. If it doesn't work, we're down $700 billion, and that is going to put us at a disadvantage."