BROWNBACK INTRODUCES SURGEON DEDICATED
TO HUMANITARIAN WORK AS LT. GOVERNOR SELECTION

 

Overland Park - Kansas U.S. Senator Sam Brownback introduced State Senator Dr. Jeff Colyer as his selection for Lieutenant Governor to an overflow crowd in attendance in Overland Park as well as a wide audience online.

"Jeff is a man of tremendous character. He has distinguished himself in business and public service and is a true humanitarian. I have been blessed to call him my friend for more than 20 years," Sen. Brownback told supporters. "He shares our vision of getting our state's economy growing again as well as improving education and protecting families. I am honored he has agreed to be a part of our team. He will be a true partner in governance"

A fifth generation Kansan, Dr. Colyer's medical career as a craniofacial surgeon and a leader in plastic and reconstructive surgery has focused on making a difference in people's lives on the local, national and international level.

In the last 20 years Dr. Colyer has volunteered through the International Medical Corps across the globe in numerous warzones including Iraq, Rwanda, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan. His work has been featured on 60 Minutes, PBS and in People magazine which described him as "from Kansas, driven by a conscience."

"Through these experiences, I know how important it is to have a strong healthcare system in place and to make it affordable for Americans," Dr. Colyer said.

Elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 2006 and the Kansas Senate in 2008, leadership in public policy is Dr. Colyer's personal commitment to service. As a freshman legislator, the House Speaker selected him to serve as Chairman of the 2007 Legislative Health Reform Task Force. He also has authored major health reforms including expansion of S-CHIP premium assistance, extending COBRA insurance for the unemployed and a plan to control health insurance costs.

Dr. Colyer concluded with a strong commitment to Kansas voters, "Together, we will grow the economy. We will improve education for our children. And we will protect Kansas families. I'm thrilled to be a part of the team to get Kansas back on track."

Dr. Colyer was a White House Fellow in the Reagan and first Bush Administrations. He married the former Ruth Gutierrez in 1992 and they have three daughters, Alexandra, Serena and Dominique.

Senator Brownback has proudly dedicated his career serving the people of Kansas, first as Kansas Secretary of Agriculture and then as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He is serving his second full term in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Brownback announced last year he will honor his term limit pledge and not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2010.
 

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