The Caucus, a blog by the New York Times, has an interesting post calling Sam Brownback the “Wilberforce Republican“

If you don’t know who he is, never fear—Hollywood is coming to the rescue with Friday’s release of “Amazing Grace.” The film details Mr. Wilberforce’s successful, 20-year effort as a British member of parliament to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. He was inspired by his evangelical Christian beliefs. And Mr. Brownback, a devout Catholic who was previously an evangelical Protestant, “is deeply inspired by William Wilberforce,” said Brian Hart, his campaign spokesman.
A March 2006 article in The Economist first named Mr. Brownback a “Wilberforce Republican,” referring to his faith-grounded efforts to end human trafficking, fight genocide and AIDS in Africa and to reform prisons.
The Kansas senator is running with the association. Two weeks ago, he introduced a bill to honor the British abolitionist, and today, he will participate in a panel discussion following a screening of “Amazing Grace” in Los Angeles.

“We must continue to follow Wilberforce’s example and fight for the dignity and freedom of every person,” Mr. Brownback said in a press release about the bill. “It is intolerable that 200 years after Britain banned its slave trade, there are still hundreds of thousands of victims of human trafficking who are used as bonded labors, sex slaves, and in other horrifying capacities.”

On February 15th, our church said goodbye to a group of 4 as they left on a mission trip to Sierra Leon. Larry Reeves, Kent McGahey, Nancy & Greg Vieau will be there until March 3. I just got an e-mail from Larry with the message below:

Yesterday we were at Kondi Farm, Sierra Leone, West Africa, where the Muslim Chief Kondi told us that he has accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, but that he had been afraid to tell anyone until yesterday. We were overjoyed and introduced him to one of the elders at the new Kondi Farm Church who along with Samuel Menyongar, will begin to meet with him each week in a discipling program. They will also encourage him to be baptised as a first step in becoming a growing disciple. Thanks to all of you who have prayed for the Chief. Larry

I was honored today to receive the “Friend of the Taxpayer” award at the annual luncheon of the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers. As revenues have increased, the General Assembly has continued to insist that this money is to be spent instead of returned to the taxpayers. Last year SC took in $1.1 billion of new money. I offered an amendment to return $250 million (less than a 1/4th). This amendment only got a handful of votes in a Republican controlled Senate! It is my pleasure to keep a keen eye on wasteful and unnecessary spending. We’ll keep pressing on!

Congratulations to Dan & Christine Sharp on their new baby girl, Elizabeth Kennedy. She was 6lbs, 19″ and born at 2:13am on February 21st.

Tonight at the Anderson County Republican Party my wife, Ann, presented me with a stack of contributions that she raised for my birthday. Below is the text from her letter sent to my donor list.

As you may know, Kevin turns the big 4-0 on February 19th. I wanted to include you in this special occasion. As we approach Kevin’s 40th birthday, I have been reflecting on how blessed we are to have your support as we serve you in the SC Senate. I’ve stood with my husband continually while he is your voice for fiscal responsibility and family values in Columbia. He has continued to remain passionate about the issues that you and I are committed to.

In Columbia, the more popular road is that of the same-ol’, same-ol’, but you and I know Kevin; he will not go in that direction (believe me, he can be stubborn). I’ve witnessed growing resistance to the ideas of change, but his persistence is moving our state forward. Because of his efforts, the hostile opposition is mounting to unseat us next year. For this reason, I am asking you to help me with an early birthday present. Would you consider a contribution toward our re-election efforts?

If you can help, please send your contributions to our home address. Kevin will be so surprised!

Again, thank you for your prayers and support. Thank you for joining us in this tremendous yet honorable journey.

Sincerely,
Ann