Biography

In his early professional career, Dannebohm served as Public Relations Director of the Old Town District in Wichita, Kansas during an exciting era that ushered in new branding, a neighborhood expansion, a world class museum, theater, and a film festival. He served as a consultant for several Wichita area economic development projects and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Some years later, he would return to the Air Capitol to assist in launching a mindfulness initiative.  

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Dannebohm later served in several high-profile public relations and marketing positions primarily within the newspaper, television, and radio industries in Kansas, Colorado, and California. He was a consultant to major companies and clients in Connecticut, Illinois, New York, Idaho, Ohio, Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, the Carolinas, and Virginia.

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In September 2012 Dannebohm was diagnosed with a serious neurological condition. Forced to step away from the corporate world, he left Northern California and returned to his home state of Kansas in 2013.

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​​​Upon returning to the Sunflower State, Dannebohm was an avid promoter of rural economic development. He wrote numerous profiles about rural residents, served on several economic development committees, facilitated workshops, conceptualized and oversaw several festivals across the state, and was a keynote speaker at events aimed at rural empowerment.

 

He served as Kansas Governor Sam Brownback’s appointee to the Kansas Commission for Disability Concerns and the Kansas Library Commission.

 

Dannebohm was honored to serve as the administrator of his hometown’s Chamber of Commerce. During his time at the helm, he launched a Christkindlmarket and facilitated the merging of two neighboring chambers. The hallmark of his tenure was reviving bygone traditions and making weekly visits to the State Capitol where he met regularly with elected officials and passionately lobbied for rural Kansas communities. 

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​​In 2014 Dannebohm was becoming a respected political consultant and civic leader. It wasn’t long until he was tapped to run for public office. After much hesitation, he eventually submitted and became the only non-incumbent candidate in Kansas to run unopposed during the 2014 election. He was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives for the 113th District which included his hometown. 

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On January 20th, 2015, Dannebohm was the lone House Republican to advocate for the legalization of medical cannabis. His support for the cause was as a result of the plea of a constituent whose son suffered from Dravet syndrome. Though the effort failed in Kansas, Dannebohm was proud to reach across party lines on behalf of a desperate parent. 

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During his brief legislative career, Representative Dannebohm introduced HB 2136, which reinstated the Homestead Tax Credit for renters. He also sponsored HB2041, the Parkinson's disease public awareness and education act. He co-sponsored HCR5010, making an application to the U.S. congress to call a convention of the states; and HR6009, designating February 10th, 2015 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day at the Capitol.

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He quickly discovered, however, that neurological illness and politics don't mix.

 

On February 24th, 2015, after serving only 42 days as a legislator, Representative Dannebohm resigned, citing health reasons.

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After resigning from office, Dannebohm focused on promoting Parkinson’s disease awareness. For three years he championed "Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month" in Kansas. He spoke nationally to numerous Parkinson’s support groups and caregivers, and at various awareness events. Dannebohm also organized a gala aimed at promoting Parkinson’s disease and the arts.

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In 2015, Dannebohm was invited to be an honored guest of the United States Congress twice: Once for the State of the Union Address, and another joint session wherein His Holiness, Pope Francis addressed the Congress during his visit to the United States. 

 

In July 2016, just 19 days after the mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub, Dannebohm opened his Kansas home to 125 members of the Heartland Men’s Chorus. The social and dinner was intended as an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and to erase the stigmas resulting from partisan politics that are often associated with such causes. He was invited to speak at the organization's Dinner of Note black-tie gala later that year. 

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Dannebohm has long promoted the writings of L. Frank Baum and their impact on his home state of Kansas. He was a keynote speaker for a statewide commemoration of the author’s birthday celebration. In 2017 Dannebohm hosted a birthday celebration at his residence welcoming family members of some of the cast of The Wizard of Oz motion picture. Later that year he welcomed two of Oz lyricist Yip Harburg’s great-grandsons and Oz historian Ryan Jay to his home for a concert and presentation. He was interviewed for an Oz documentary.

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​Though he left behind a career in politics, Representative-Emeritus Dannebohm observed that the political divide was increasing at an alarming rate. In an effort to understand both sides, he acquainted himself with various causes and concerns - both secular and religious.

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​Based on first-hand experience and thorough research, Dannebohm found himself growing increasingly concerned that a dangerously self-serving and self-righteous storm was wreaking havoc on institutions that were once held sacred. He felt that society was rife with a blatant disregard for basic human dignity, a denial of rudimentary truths, an abandonment of kindness and charity, an increase in violence, persecution, divisiveness, confusion, and despair. For society to continue on this path, he resolved, would inevitably lead to senseless civil wars and tragically misguided crusades.

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He concluded that while there exists a major divide in society, "both the left wing and the right wing are part of the same bird."

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Aware of his limitations, dismayed by false accusations, personal attacks, "gotcha" journalism, and the "circular firing squads" that exist both in politics and religion, Dannebohm stepped away from public service. However, he knew that voices of reason were few and far between at a time when they were most crucial. This inspired him to re-launch his official website as an outlet from which he could offer commentary rooted in the firm belief that calm minds and sound doctrine will always prevail. 

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Mr. Dannebohm's commentaries have been published in all fifty states and internationally. He has been a registered Independent since August 2015. ​

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