Rep. Clay Aurand, R-Courtland, bounces into the committee meeting as if he has had the best night’s sleep of his life. A legislator comments that two hours of sleep seems to benefit Aurand, while other tired committee members saw away with plastic knives at their cinnamon buns. Aurand laughs and continues to greet each committee member with his Cary Grant grin. Two men enter the back of the room and catch Aurand’s eye, Kansas Speaker of the House Melvin Neufeld, and House Majority Leader Ray Merrick. Aurand visibly takes a deep breath, straightens his favorite pale yellow tie and nods at the two Kansas House leaders. Rep. Aurand doesn’t hold grudges.
A grudge is the last thing Rep. Aurand needs right now. On Thursday, March 29, 2007 the Kansas Legislature passed a historic bill to increase expanded gaming. The bill will create four casinos and thousands of slot machines at racetracks across the state. Gaming has been a timeless issue and has created a large divide between the conservative and moderate Republicans of the well-known “three-party” system in Kansas. Rep. Clay Aurand organized the legislation in hopes of fixing the problem of deferred maintenance of Regent schools. Leading the bill hasn’t been easy though; Aurand has faced personal attacks on his values from within his own party.
“If anyone could handle the emotional issues that come along with this legislation it would be Clay,” Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Overland Park said. “Clay doesn’t let things get under his skin, and really, you can’t get mad at the guy.”
Rep. Aurand and Rep. Yoder were asked by Gov. Sebelius in January to lead a coalition to work on the gaming bill. The Kansas lottery bill had to be renewed this year and Gov. Sebelius saw an opportunity to work on expanded gaming. Rep. Aurand has been a longtime gaming proponent and didn’t have any leadership responsibilities this session.
“Clay felt he had the time to take a leadership role.” Yoder said. “He was chair of education this year, but I don’t think it was enough of a challenge for him. Clay likes to be busy.”
Aurand has had an interest in government for as long as he can remember. Growing up in rural Courtland, Kan., 100 yards from where he lives today, Aurand knew he wanted to be an elected official someday. Aurand helped his parents with the farming operation, but truly enjoyed getting caught up in history books and his favorite magazine, Newsweek.
“My fondest memories growing up were political discussions with my grandfather,” Aurand said. “I knew I wanted to help make decisions that would affect the public.”
Clay attended two years at nearby Cloud County Community College and majored in agriculture. He then attended Kansas State University for two and a half years to earn a political science degree.
“If I could do it over again, it would be philosophy,” Aurand said. “Political science is about the structure, but I love the ideas and knowing what man is about.”
Aurand’s wife of 13 years, Gina Aurand, agrees her husband has always been very thoughtful, but believes it was his kindness that won her over. Gina had moved to Courtland for a job and Aurand was on the board that interviewed and hired her.
“I couldn’t be objective,” Aurand said. “She was gorgeous and nailed the interview.”
Gina had a boyfriend at the time, but became fast friends with the outgoing farmer who helped her get to know the area.
“He took me to the Pizza Hut one night and we had a huge political discussion,” Gina said. “I had the best time and realized how much I looked forward to seeing him.”
Clay and Gina Aurand were married almost a year to the day of the Pizza Hut rendezvous. Four months later Aurand ran in his first primary for the Kansas House of Representatives.
“I think the first few years were harder for me than Clay,” Gina said. “I hated hearing negative things about my husband.”
The 2007 session has been full of unflattering comments about Aurand. When Aurand carried the gaming bill in the House, the majority of his caucus was not pleased. Major opponents of the bill were House leaders: Speaker Melvin Neufeld, Majority Leader Ray Merrick and Speaker Pro-Tem Don Dahl.
“This bill was formed out of greed and didn’t form out of a normal legislative process,” Speaker Pro-Tem Dahl said. “I opposed this bill because of the social issues, but also because it was done in an underhanded way.”
During the Republican caucus, conservative members of Aurand’s party attacked him with personal questions about the effects of casinos and family values. Aurand exhibited poise and answered the questions to the best of his ability.
“They kept asking, ‘what about your children, Clay?’” Yoder said. “ ‘Don’t you care about them?’”
Aurand stayed confident as the bill made its way to the Senate. The Senate rejected a casino bill in the 2006 session.
“Clay looks at the world through rose-colored glasses,” Chief of Staff Michelle Butler said. Michelle works for Speaker of the House Melvin Neufeld and has witnessed the high emotions in this debate.
“There are Republicans who didn’t support the bill, but still respect Clay for the way he handled the situation.”
The bill was presented to the Senate Wednesday, March 28. Aurand knew the bill needed 21 votes to pass. He walked in the Senate chamber knowing there were 19 votes, but the final two would take a while to get. After twelve long hours of filibuster and debate Aurand got the votes.
“It got eerily quiet,” Aurand said. “Then I heard the twenty-first vote and I smacked my hand on the railing and just felt good. I turned and saw the press running towards me.”
Aurand estimates state revenue will increase more than $200 million a year. The bill will now go to Gov. Sebelius to be signed into law.
“I wish those that accused him of not being a family man knew him as I do,” Secretary Janet Henning said. “I have a deep respect for the way he treats his family.”
Aurand looks forward to returning to his wife, daughters; Lexia, 12; Lanessa, nine; Lassandra, six; and son, Blake, three. Summer will be filled with solitary days on the tractor “where he can think,” checking on the cattle, softball games and sending Lexia off to space camp. Others may disagree, but Aurand considers his family the number one priority.
“My biggest fault? I don’t visit my constituents like I should,” Aurand said. “I’m a homebody. When noon comes I make a sandwich and stay in my kitchen.”
Aurand leans back in his office chair with his arms behind his head. The wall behind him is covered with professional photos of his children.
“When I get home, I just realize life is pretty darn good.”