Liz Saville Roberts: “on Wednesday, Kansans paid their final respects to Governor Finney and I join with my colleague Senator Brownback in…”

“on Wednesday, Kansans paid their final respects to Governor Finney and I join with my colleague Senator Brownback in expressing our state's condolences to the Finney family. While Senate business kept me from attending her funeral in Topeka, I want to share with my colleagues her success in Kansas government and politics. Although Joan and I belonged to different political parties, she put those differences aside when it came to work together for the State of Kansas. Governor Finney was a straight shooter, never ducking behind guarded words. Some believe that her direct nature hurt her politically in the State Capitol, but Kansans appreciated this quality. In an interview with the Topeka Capital Journal she said, ``I believe the people should be supreme in all things . . . Even if you don't agree and the majority want a certain issue and believe in a certain issue, I accept that and I will stand by the people.'' Governor Finney is a key figure in Kansas' strong tradition of electing women to various offices. She served as State Treasurer for four consecutive terms and then was elected as the first female governor serving from 1991 to 1995. She will be remembered for her dedication and hardwork for all Kansans throughout her life.”