Govenor of Kansas

[Dee Gee]

Mark Parkinson

Party: Democrat; switched from Republican Party in 2006

Age: 51

Hometown: Olathe; born in Wichita

Education: Graduate of Heights High School in Wichita; Wichita State University, 1980; University of Kansas Law School, 1984

Career: Elected lieutenant governor in 2006 after becoming a Democrat; chairman, Kansas Republican Party, 1999-2003; developed assisted-living and nursing home business, 1996; served in Kansas Senate, 1992-96; served in Kansas House, 1990-92; formed his own law firm, 1986

Family: Wife, Stacy; three children, Alex, Sam and Kit