Glover considers himself a moderate and says he will have an easier time controlling government spending and balancing the budget from the Democratic side of the fence because Democrats are the majority party in the state.
“In Kansas I was part of the minority party, and as a part of the minority you really have little or no influence on legislation,” Glover said.
Healthcare policy is an important issue for Glover, who defends companies from workers’ compensation lawsuits, and he thinks his experience on the business end of the issue will help him draft healthcare laws that work for individuals and businesses.
Friends and co-workers describe Glover as a guy who loves to have fun, but when it comes down to business, he is a hard worker. They say he is an outspoken advocate of causes he believes in, and someone who does not mince words.
Rick Pesota, a former employer and conservative Republican, says Glover is an honest man to whom he contracts business despite their political differences.
“I don’t hold it against him that he’s a Democrat,” Pesota said. “I tell him to his face all the time he’s delusional. As long as he’s not delusional handling my business — which he’s not — then I’m OK with it.”
Coast Community College District board member Jim Moreno is on the other side of the political spectrum, having met Glover at a Democratic Party event a while back, but he says Glover would be good at working across the aisle. Moreno, like Pesota, describes Glover as a friendly guy who’s easy to get along with.
“He works well with Democrats and Republicans, and he’s just really trying to make a difference in the Assembly,” Moreno said.
MIKE GLOVER
Age: 60
Party: Democrat
District: 70th
Family: Two kids and one grandkid
Occupation: Attorney specializing in workers’ compensation claims
Past elected experience: 8 years in the Kansas Legislature
ALAN BLANK may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at alan.blank@latimes.com.
