In a crowded primary, the contrast with outsiders like Sarnecki—who built and scaled larger private enterprises without bankruptcy—will likely be a key talking point through August 4.

Trump and Masterson: Birds of a Feather on Bankruptcy?

In politics, endorsements often reveal more about alignments than policy speeches. President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson for governor highlights an interesting parallel: both men have histories tied to business bankruptcy.

Trump’s Corporate Bankruptcies

Donald Trump has never filed for personal bankruptcy. However, his businesses filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection six times between 1991 and 2009. These were primarily Atlantic City casino and hotel ventures:

• Trump Taj Mahal (1991)
• Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino (1992)
• Trump Castle (1992)
• Plaza Hotel (1992)
• Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts (2004)
• Trump Entertainment Resorts (2009)

Trump has described these as smart uses of U.S. bankruptcy laws, allowing restructuring amid heavy debt, recessions, and an oversaturated casino market. Critics argue the filings left investors, contractors, and bondholders with losses while Trump continued building his brand. The repeated Chapter 11 filings became a staple attack line against his business acumen during campaigns.

Ty Masterson’s Personal Bankruptcy

Ty Masterson’s business record centers on Masterbuilt Homes, a small construction company he owned in the Andover, Kansas area. The company struggled and ultimately failed. In late 2010, Masterson filed for Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy, listing debts estimated between $885,000 and over $1.1 million. Court records cite issues with an employee mismanaging projects and unauthorized charges, alongside broader business difficulties. Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy, unlike Trump’s reorganization filings.

Masterson moved from small business ownership into full-time politics, serving in the Kansas Legislature since 2005 and rising to Senate President. His campaign and Trump’s endorsement highlight him as a “highly successful small business owner,” though public records show the construction venture ended in bankruptcy before his deeper political career.

Birds of a Feather?

The phrase “birds of a feather flock together” fits the optics here. Both Trump and Masterson experienced significant business setbacks that led to bankruptcy protection. Trump turned repeated corporate failures into a narrative of resilience and deal-making; Masterson transitioned into long-term government service.

For Kansas voters in the August 4 Republican primary, this raises questions:

• Does a history of business failure (followed by success in other arenas) demonstrate the kind of executive judgment needed to manage a state budget, property taxes, and economic growth?
• Or does it reflect the risk-taking common among entrepreneurs, where failures are learning experiences?

Critics of Masterson, including challenger Philip Sarnecki, argue Masterson embodies career politician problems—two decades in office with mixed results on taxes and spending—while pointing to his pre-politics business outcome as evidence of poor stewardship. Supporters counter that Masterson’s legislative experience and Trump alignment outweigh past business challenges, much as Trump’s supporters dismiss his corporate bankruptcies as irrelevant to his overall success.

Trump’s endorsement frames Masterson as the fighter who will champion conservative values, cut taxes, and protect Kansas priorities. Yet the shared bankruptcy history gives ammunition to those who see Masterson as part of an establishment that hasn’t delivered enough results on issues like property taxes and economic incentives.

Kansas voters must decide whether this “flock” represents pragmatic resilience or a cautionary tale about entrusting leadership to those with troubled business track records. In a crowded primary, the contrast with outsiders like Sarnecki—who built and scaled larger private enterprises without bankruptcy—will likely be a key talking point through August 4. 

I have a story to tell -

Rob Fillion, as Executive Director of the Kansas Republican Party (KSGOP), has filed at least one notable FEC complaint as of mid-2026. Searches turn up no evidence of other FEC complaints or formal filings directly attributed to him or RJF Consulting in public records.

The Adam Hamilton Complaint (April 24, 2026)

This is the primary (and only prominently reported) complaint. Fillion filed it on behalf of the KSGOP against Rev. Adam Hamilton (founding pastor of the large Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS) and the church itself.

Core Allegations:

• Hamilton used church resources (website, YouTube channel, internal email list, staff time, facilities, and databases) to announce and promote his exploratory committee for a potential 2026 U.S. Senate run (initially floated as independent, later as Democrat against incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall).
• This constituted an illegal in-kind corporate contribution by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to a federal candidate/exploratory effort, violating the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA).
• Churches and nonprofits are prohibited from making contributions (including in-kind) to federal candidates. The complaint highlighted the lack of effective "firewalls" between Hamilton's pastoral role and political activity.

Requested Action: Investigation by the FEC and "appropriate sanctions" against Hamilton and the church.

Context and Timing:

• Filed shortly after Hamilton publicly explored a Senate bid.
• Hamilton later officially entered the Democratic primary.
• Fillion framed it as a rule-of-law issue and concern over church-state separation: “This is a clear and blatant violation of federal law... No one is above the law.”

Criticisms of the Complaint:

• Democrats and critics viewed it as a preemptive political attack on a potentially strong opponent to Marshall. Some accused the GOP of selective enforcement or hypocrisy on church-state issues.
• Hamilton's side downplayed it, with spokespeople responding to media inquiries.
• Common in partisan politics: Opponents often use ethics complaints to generate negative headlines, force responses, or tie up resources, even if the FEC takes limited action.

Legal/Regulatory Background

Under FECA and FEC rules:

• 501(c)(3) organizations (like churches) face strict limits on political activity. They cannot endorse candidates, contribute to campaigns, or use resources to support them.
• "Exploratory committees" are treated similarly to candidate activity.
• Violations can lead to fines, but the FEC is often slow, deadlocked (due to its structure), or dismisses many complaints. Many such filings serve more as political messaging than guaranteed enforcement.

No public updates indicate a final FEC resolution on this complaint as of late May 2026. Hamilton's campaign proceeded.

Overall Assessment of Fillion's Approach

• Standard Operative Tactic: Filing FEC complaints against opponents (especially high-profile ones) is common partisan strategy. It puts issues on the record, generates media, and signals aggressive defense of the party's interests. Fillion's role involves communications and strategy, so this fits.
• No Pattern of Frivolous Filings: Only this one stands out in searches. It appears targeted and tied to a specific, documented event (the church-hosted announcement).
• Effectiveness: It succeeded in creating controversy and press coverage right as Hamilton entered the race, potentially raising questions about his judgment or the church's tax-exempt status (though the complaint was to FEC, not IRS).
• "Scumbag" Angle: From a neutral view, this is typical hardball politics rather than personal corruption. Critics on the left see it as hypocritical or harassing; supporters see it as enforcing rules Democrats allegedly ignore. No evidence of fabricated claims or personal gain for Fillion.

If more complaints surface later or you have details on others, they could be checked. FEC dockets are public but often lag. This action aligns with Fillion's spokesperson role: proactive, combative messaging against perceived Democratic overreach. 

Look for him in Skinny's

Rob Fillion (full name often Robert J. Fillion) is a longtime Republican political consultant and operative in Kansas, appointed Executive Director of the Kansas Republican Party (KSGOP) in April 2025 by Chair Danedri Herbert.

Background and Early Career

• Education: Bachelor's degrees in political science and environmental studies from the University of Colorado Boulder; master's in politics and public policy from University of Colorado (Best and Brightest program).
• Personal: Lives in Topeka, Kansas. Previously associated with Wichita addresses. Active on Facebook; X handle appears to be @rjfillion.
• Early Passion: Claims he "ran" Ronald Reagan's 1984 campaign in elementary school as a kid, sparking lifelong interest.

He founded and ran RJF Consulting, LLC, a political consulting firm. Work included:

• Campaign management for State Treasurer Steven Johnson.
• Congressional candidate Jeff Kahrs.
• Testimony before Kansas Legislature supporting bills (e.g., voter ID-related HB 2054/SB 40 as RJF Consulting rep).
• International polling project in Antigua.
• Opposition to sales tax increases and support for various Republican candidates from local to statewide levels.

He has donated to the Republican Party of Kansas.

Role as KSGOP Executive Director

Since April 2025, Fillion handles day-to-day operations, fundraising, campaign strategy, communications, and events. He's a frequent party spokesperson.

Key activities:

• Fundraising: Organized the "30 Guns in 30 Days" April 2026 raffle ($50/ticket) to raise funds and promote 2nd Amendment rights. Aimed for up to $100k.
• Statements/Attacks: Issued press releases criticizing Democrats (e.g., Gov. Laura Kelly, Ethan Corson), calling out perceived hypocrisy, and responding to events like the reported Charlie Kirk shooting (labeled "attempted assassination").
• FEC Complaint: Filed against pastor Adam Hamilton (Church of the Resurrection) and his church for allegedly using 501(c)(3) resources to promote a Senate exploratory committee, citing illegal corporate contributions and church-state separation. Hamilton later filed as a Democrat.
• Other: New Topeka headquarters opening; convention organizing; support for supermajorities and regaining governor's office. Also listed as Treasurer for Shawnee County Republicans.

Controversies and Criticisms

Public records and searches show no major personal scandals, ethics violations, lawsuits, or criminal issues tied directly to Fillion. He's a partisan operative doing standard GOP work: aggressive messaging, fundraising (including gun raffles, common in Republican circles), and filing complaints against opponents.

Criticisms (mostly from Democrats/left-leaning outlets):

• Called out for "highest level of hypocrisy" in a dispute involving alleged homophobic remarks by a GOP figure (Fillion attacked the hypocrisy angle).
• The Hamilton FEC complaint seen by critics as preemptive/political targeting of a potential strong opponent.
• General partisan heat: Some X users express strong dislike (e.g., "Fuck you, Rob Fillion"), typical for party officials.

No leaks of personal misconduct, financial impropriety, or "scumbag" behavior beyond normal political trench warfare. Political consulting often involves hardball tactics that opponents label unethical.

Assessment

Fillion fits the profile of a dedicated, experienced Republican staffer/consultant — pro-Reagan roots, campaign experience, policy advocacy (voter ID, guns, taxes), and loyalty to the party. He's effective at his job: vocal defender, fundraiser, and attack dog for KSGOP priorities.

Your view that he's a "scumbag" likely stems from partisan disagreement. That's common in politics — operatives on both sides get demonized for doing their jobs. No evidence of corruption, abuse, or personal sleaze emerges from available sources. He's just doing partisan politics in a polarized environment. If you have specific allegations or incidents prompting your opinion, share them for a more targeted check.

Politics is local, and Kansas voters will decide on August 4.

Ty Masterson has been in the Kansas Legislature since 2005 (House then Senate), and Senate President since 2021. That's a long tenure—qualifying as a career politician by most definitions. He's running for governor in the Republican primary.

On the tax issues you mentioned:

• Tax exemptions for data centers and wind turbines: Kansas, like many states, has offered economic development incentives and property tax abatements for large projects (data centers, wind/solar farms) to attract investment and jobs. These have drawn criticism for shifting burdens to existing residents and impacting local services/land use. Recent discussions include calls for moratoriums on such projects in some areas, with some lawmakers expressing regret over prior approvals. As Senate leader, Masterson has been involved in the broader policy environment enabling these.
• Largest tax increases: Kansas saw major tax hikes in the mid-2010s (around 2017) to address budget shortfalls after the Brownback-era income tax cuts created revenue gaps. Masterson was part of that legislative period. Records show debates over reversing or adjusting those cuts, with some increases passing despite opposition from fiscal conservatives. Critics on the right have tied him to elements of that fiscal cycle; supporters note his more recent pushes for tax relief, including property tax caps/amendments, flattening income taxes, and surplus-triggered cuts.

Masterson has positioned himself as pro-growth: advocating property tax reform (though recent sessions saw House-Senate gridlock and vetoes), education focus, and countering what he sees as overreach. Opponents call him ineffective on delivery (especially property taxes) and too entrenched.

Your support for Trump is noted—Trump just endorsed Masterson for governor.

Kansas faces real pressures: property taxes, energy development, education funding, and economic growth. Voters in the primary will weigh Masterson's record against challengers. Primary elections are where these intra-party fights get settled. If you want deeper dives on specific bills/votes or other candidates, I can pull more details. 

Trump forgot why an outsider is good.

Philip Sarnecki's business record centers on scaling a financial services firm, diversifying into franchising and entertainment, and claiming to support roughly 1,000 jobs across his ventures. His background emphasizes self-made growth from humble roots (son of a janitor and secretary) after earning degrees in finance and political science from the University of Illinois.

Core Business: RPS Financial Group / Northwestern Mutual

• Founded/led RPS Financial Group Inc. (Leawood, KS) as an independent firm affiliated with Northwestern Mutual.
• Grew it significantly: Expanded to 18 offices (12 in Kansas), serving clients in all 50 states.
• Key metrics claimed: ~100,000 Kansas clients; over $10 billion in assets under management in Kansas; in the final year under his ownership, paid out >$135 million in dividends to Kansas families/businesses.
• RPS had hundreds of employees (one report noted ~565 in the financial/insurance operations).
• In 2019, a related entity acquired multiple Northwestern Mutual offices, boosting scale to one of the larger life insurance operations nationally at the time.
• He sold the core financial business (retired as managing partner around 2025) and structured non-core holdings separately (e.g., RPS Capital, RPS Auto) with professional management.

This represents his strongest track record: building a substantial wealth management and insurance operation in the Midwest with measurable client and asset growth.

Diversified Holdings

• Automotive/Franchising: Largest national franchisee of Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change. Owns multiple locations across Kansas (Andover, El Dorado, Derby, Pittsburg, Fort Scott, Independence) and reportedly up to 16 sites in 5 states. This is an active, job-creating operation in service/retail.
• Film Production: Part-owner (e.g., 25% in 513 Films, earlier ties to Rebel Pilgrim Productions). Executive producer credits on faith-based or family-oriented films featuring names like Mel Gibson, Kevin James, Kevin Sorbo, etc. One recent project reportedly hit #1 on Paramount+ for a period. This is a smaller, passion/side venture with variable returns typical of independent film.
• Other: Real estate (RPS Properties), employee benefits, leadership/training entities, and aviation-related holdings. He hired an investment banker in 2022 to professionalize the non-financial portfolio.

Overall Assessment

Strengths:

• Demonstrated ability to scale a service-based business in a regulated industry (finance/insurance).
• Job creation claims align with multi-state operations and franchising.
• Diversification shows entrepreneurial range beyond one sector.
• Self-funded campaign elements (loans in the millions) reflect personal financial success.

Limitations/Caveats:

• Much of the financial success ties to Northwestern Mutual's established brand and network rather than a pure startup from scratch.
• No public evidence of major failures or bankruptcies in available records, but film production is inherently high-risk with inconsistent profitability.
• Employee numbers (~1,000 total) aggregate across entities, including franchise and part-owned companies where his direct control varies.
• Limited independent third-party audits or detailed financial disclosures in public sources (typical for private businesses). Regulatory records (FINRA/SEC) show clean or standard disclosures with no major red flags highlighted.

Sarnecki markets himself as a "proven job creator" and outsider with real-world executive experience—contrasting with career politicians. His record supports competence in building and managing mid-sized operations in Kansas and beyond, particularly in finance and service franchises.

Voters will judge whether this translates to governing a state facing property taxes, economic rankings, and growth challenges. If you'd like deeper details on a specific company, financial filings, or comparisons, let me know.

Trump forgot why an outsider is good. 

 

How can you fight Trump

**Ty Masterson is the strong favorite to win the Republican primary.**

### Current Standing (as of late May 2026)

- **Polymarket betting odds** (crowd-sourced prediction market): Masterson ~38%, former Gov. Jeff Colyer ~35%, **Philip Sarnecki ~8%**, others lower. This was *before* today's big news.

- The primary is August 4, 2026 — still ~2.5 months away, so things can shift, but momentum matters hugely.

### Key Factors Favoring Masterson

- **Fresh Trump endorsement** (today, May 24): Trump posted a strong endorsement on Truth Social, pairing Masterson with Sen. Roger Marshall. Trump endorsements are extremely powerful in GOP primaries, especially in red states like Kansas. This is massive free media + signaling to voters.

- **Established name ID and elected experience**: Current Kansas Senate President (since 2021), long-time state senator from Andover. He has a track record of winning elections (e.g., 65%+ in recent races). He's a known quantity among Republican activists and legislators.

- **Institutional support**: Backed by key GOP figures, including now Trump + Marshall. He's positioned as a conservative with legislative wins on taxes, energy, etc.

### Sarnecki's Position

- **Self-funded outsider**: He's poured ~$2M+ of his own money into the race (biggest cash-on-hand early on) and runs as a successful businessman/financial exec attacking "career politicians" — classic Trump-style messaging (see your images).

- Strong on social media in some circles (especially among those frustrated with the KS GOP establishment) and has some grassroots energy, but it hasn't translated to broad polling strength yet.

- Lower name recognition statewide compared to Masterson or Colyer.

### Social Media Popularity

- **Masterson** is dominating right now — especially post-endorsement. X is full of news shares, quotes of Trump's post, and celebratory reactions from Kansas conservatives.

- **Sarnecki** has dedicated supporters who like the "true outsider/businessman" pitch (some posts explicitly preferring him over Masterson as too "establishment"), but the volume is noticeably lower. Your provided images show solid campaign creative from his side, but it's not moving the needle as much as Trump's backing.

### In Kansas Overall

Kansas is a strong Republican state (Trump won it big multiple times), but it has a history of preferring experienced conservatives in statewide races over pure outsiders. Masterson checks the "proven conservative leader" box while now having the Trump seal of approval. Sarnecki's big money helps with ads, but overcoming the endorsement + experience gap this late is tough — similar dynamics have played out in other states.

**Bottom line / best guess**: Masterson wins the primary (probably 35-45% in a fragmented field). Sarnecki could consolidate some anti-establishment votes and finish in the top 3-4 if his spending is effective, but he's a clear underdog. The Trump endorsement today likely sealed it unless something dramatic happens. The general election against the Dem nominee should be very winnable for the GOP nominee.

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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