Real-World Expertise in Lobbying & Legislative Strategy
Our government affairs division is led by Blaine Finch and Fred Patton. Together, they have more than 50 years of experience in all aspects of government relations and public policy, including drafting and passing some of the most significant pieces of legislation in our state’s history, spearheading critical stakeholder negotiations, and testifying before every major committee in the Legislature.
Finch and Patton have both served in public office at the state and local level, bringing unmatched, real-world experience in legislative strategy, process and rules combined with the Statehouse and state agency relationships that are necessary to influence successful outcomes for their clients.
OUR lobbying team
A practicing attorney and managing partner of Harris Kelsey, Blaine first began serving in public office when he was 19 years old. At the local level, he was elected city commissioner and was the youngest mayor in Kansas history. At the state level, he served a decade in the Kansas Legislature (2013-2023), including four years in leadership as Speaker Pro Tem of the Kansas House of Representatives. Prior to leadership, he served as Chairman of the Judiciary, Utilities, and Rules committees, and was elected Chairman of the Republican Freshmen Caucus by his peers.
Blaine played a lead role in drafting such notable legislation as the Kansas Promise Act, the Eisenhower (IKE) Legacy Transportation Plan and critical amendments to the Hard 50 law. During his tenure he also drafted and passed significant legislation related to taxes, economic development, criminal law, adoption and juvenile justice.
A practicing attorney and small business owner, Fred has served in public office at the local and state level for nearly 25 years. Locally, he served 18 years on the USD 345 Seaman Board of Education. At the state level, he served almost a decade in the Kansas Legislature (2014-2023) where he held leadership roles as Chairman of the Judiciary, Rules, and K-12 Education Budget Committees.
Fred has extensive experience drafting and passing legislation related to business, criminal, civil, education, local government and tax law. He also serves as a voting member of the Kansas Judicial Council.
services offered
Lobbying
Relationship building with key decision-makers
Public policy strategy
Review, research & interpretation of legislation and its impact
Drafting & development of public policy solutions to address our clients’ concerns
Preparation & presentation of testimony before legislative committees
Advisement on business law, election law, governmental ethics requirements, and political action and 501(c)4 compliance
Bill monitoring and reporting
Coordination of lobbying, legal, public relations & media engagement to drive successful outcomes for our clients
OUR CLIENTS
Our clients have interests in the utilities, construction, education, insurance, sporting/gaming, and economic development sectors, including:
Charter Communications
Churchill Downs
CVS Health
ITC Holdings Corp.
Garver
Kansas Aggregate Producers Association
Kansas Board of Regents
Kansas Contractors Association
Kansas Electric Cooperatives
Kansas Ready-Mix Concrete Association
Make My Move
PrizePicks
Scoop and Score, Inc.