Kevin Roberts: “my colleagues, first, I thank the leadership on both sides for this opportunity to give a Pat Roberts ``adios, amigos''…”

“my colleagues, first, I thank the leadership on both sides for this opportunity to give a Pat Roberts ``adios, amigos'' speech. The story of how I got into politics is a pretty straight family path. As a fourth-generation Kansan, my great-grandfathers on both sides of the Roberts-Patrick family were pioneer newspaper editors who came to Kansas as crusading abolitionists. To say I bleed fourth- generation printer's ink would be very close to the truth. However, the main influence that drew me to public service was my dad, Wes Roberts, who was a newspaper man. And soon journalism led to politics. He served as chief of staff and adviser for several Kansas Governors, becoming then the State Republican chairman. In 1952, my dad was asked to head up the Citizens for Ike campaign, which was a genuine army of volunteers made up of legions of veterans, women's groups, and mostly Republicans who wanted a candidate who could win. Plus, they really liked Ike. At 16, in my dad's tow, I was the sergeant at arms at the 1952 convention, back when conventions actually chose the nominee for President. I vividly remember two lasting experiences: The renowned Senator from Illinois, Everett Dirksen, was a key leader in the Bob Taft campaign.…”