OLATHE, KS -- "Kansas Kelly" Martin, popularly known as "Kansas Kelly" on the message forums, formally announced her candidacy for Hair Consultant in the upcoming April 2005 election in the chat room last week. An avid photographer and administrative assistant who frequenly visits Colorado, Kelly's campaign theme is: "Two of Steve's Closest Friends Fighting For Steve's Hair in 2005".

As an new "spin" to Hair Consultant campaigns, Kelly has chosen Bernie Doyle, Steve's long-time best friend from New Jersey as her "running mate" in the campaign, although official election rules only recognize Kansas Kelly as the actual candidate.

Expected to be a strong voter getter, Kansas Kelly touted her experience working with Steve's long hair (She even washed his hair!) and elaborated on the Friendship Board about how she would be the top leader and encourager of Steve's efforts to grow out his hair.

Kansas Kelly wrote:

"I suppose I am the only one of any of the other candidates that would actually be able to say that I have consulted you on the condition and well-being of your hair in the past. I have applied a hair treatment to your hair & shampoo'd it out ... AND more importantly, when you finished your bike across colorado without combing your hair the ENTIRE trip ... I was the one who gently combed out the massive tangles in your hair and helped to restore your hair without damaging it. Can anyone else claim to have had hands on experience with working with Steve's hair? I don't think so."

"I do remember that," recalled Steve, "Kelly actually did work through my hair pretty well."

Kansas Kelly has shared plenty more on the forums: "If I was Steve's hair consultant, I would have no tolerance for any of his crap. And I know from experience that he dishes out lots of it."

With many disillusioned about Steve's tendency to quickly fire Hair Consultants, rules have set up so that Steve is restricted to firing a Hair Consultant for only three reasons: 1) Saying Steve should cut his long hair, 2) Having no communication for over a month and 3) Acting like a drama queen on the forums.

"With those rules in effect, I feel comfortable becoming Steve's Hair Consultant, because I'm dedicated to helping him with his long hair. I will confront him in public when he doesn't follow my advice, and he won't be able to fire me like he has with others, because I'll stick with the guidelines of the job." wrote Kelly.

One policy Kansas Kelly has emphasized and spoken specifically about is the importance that Steve get his split-ends trimmed on a regular basis:

I happen to know that Steve's hair is prone to split end damage, which if gone untreated will result in unhealthy, ratty hair ... which could do serious damage to Steve's hair growth potential! Keep in mind that Steve resides in a very dry climate which plays havok on skin & hair! One most go to extra lengths to maintain skin & hair wellness in such dry conditions!! Steve does not need to sacrifice the over-all health of his hair in order to grow it out. If Steve continues to receive slight trims to maintain the health & beauty of his naturally curly lockes ... well then with patience & proper hair care practices ... he will achieve his long time goal of long beautiful hair. If he discontinues regular trims, not only will his hair suffer for it, but I am afraid we would be moving in the wrong direction." wrote Kelly.

Kansas Kelly has been an active forum visitor on this web site for the past two years, and has been quoted numerous times in Steve's news articles. She was photographed in a story publicizing Steve's sexy knees (see adjacent photo), and was featured in numerous pictorials from 2004 Coloradoguy Festival, including the Roadtrip to Aspen, Saturday's Adventures and Kelly Cleaning Steve's Kitchen. Also, Kansas Kelly one sent a large care package to Steve's Manitou Springs apartment, which was filled with groceries and assorted goodies (see adjacent photo).

Kansas Kelly and Bernie appear so ambitious about their run that they have purchased banner ads on this web site for the next three months, and are slowly gathering endorsements behind the scenes.

"(Kelly and Bernie) obviously know and love Steve... and their run for Hair Consultant is very serious." wrote Jobey G. of southern California (who visits the Politics Forum), "They want make Steve's natural inner charm, intelligence and puickish wit, glow through every strand of his glorious mane."

Everyone is welcome to vote in the upcoming election from April 13-16, 2005. Continue visiting this web site for specific details on how to vote.