Kansas Democrats today are remembering former party Chairman Lee Kinch, who passed away early Tuesday morning.
Kinch, a Derby attorney who led Kansas Democrats to new electoral successes, served as party chairman from 2015 to 2017.
He became chairman in 2015 after Larry Meeker resigned when he angered party loyalists and other leaders with discussions of rebranding the party.
“To know Lee Kinch was to love Lee Kinch,” tweeted Dakota Loomis, former communications director for the Kansas Democratic Party.
“The man was the epitome of decency and kindness; the type of person we should all aspire to be more like. This is a profound loss for Kansas and Lee will be deeply missed.”
Kinch had been a Democratic activist since the 1970s, and served as party chairman in Sedgwick County and in the 4th Congressional District.
He served eight years on the Democratic National Committee and completed four years as party vice chairman.
When Kinch took the helm of the party in 2015, Democrats hadn’t won a statewide or congressional race in Kansas since 2008. The party held eight of 40 state Senate seats and 28 of 125 state House seats.
Democrats gained 12 seats in the Kansas House and one in the Kansas Senate after the 2016 elections under Kinch’s leadership.
At the time he became party chair in 2015, Kinch made it clear he didn’t think that Kansas Democrats needed a new branding strategy.
“Democrats don’t believe the party needs to be rebranded,” he said in 2015. “We support the president. I don’t think that’s going to inhibit building coalitions with moderate Republicans.”
Party leaders expressed sorrow at Kinch’s passing Tuesday.
“Lee was a longtime activist and fierce advocate for the Democratic Party, and a personal friend. He left a tremendous legacy and will be missed,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a post on Twitter.
House Minority Lawyer Tom Sawyer called Kinch a “pillar in our community and one of the best Democrats that there is.”
Kinch’s wife, Elizabeth, was Sawyer’s running mate in 1998 when he ran unsuccessfully for governor against Republican Bill Graves.
“Lee and I worked together on many causes and campaigns,” Sawyer said in a post. “Any Democrat who has run for office knows how generous Lee was with his time, money and advice.”
Democratic state Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau expressed similar sadness.
“My prayers and condolences go out to the family of attorney Lee Kinch and former chair of the Kansas Democratic Party. A great man and a great loss to the Wichita community and state of Kansas. RIP.”
Newly-elected Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple expressed his condolences as well.
“Mr. Kinch was the kind of leader who through his work and example, made leaders out of others. I’m forever grateful of the lessons he taught me and to so many others,” he posted on Facebook. “RIP my friend. You will be missed.”
Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers offered his condolences on Twitter.
“Lee was a true gentleman, a strong Democrat and a dear friend. He was always there to support me and lend advice throughout my political career. He will be greatly missed,” Rogers posted on Twitter.
When Kinch decided to step down as chairman in 2017, he said he wanted to make way for a younger generation of Democrats.
“One of the concerns of the young Democrats expressed in our strategic plan is the aging leaders and the need for a new face for our party. I take those concerns seriously. Moreover, others may also desire new leadership,” Kinch wrote.
Former party executive director Ethan Corson said he was deeply saddened by Kinch’s passing.
“Lee was kind, courteous, thoughtful, and big-hearted. That is why he will be missed by so many people,” Corson posted on Twitter. “Our party would not be where it is today without his leadership.”
