In a written statement, Graves made it clear he would accept an offer. What's most important is who would best serve President-elect Bush. As I have consistently said, if the president-elect calls, you take the call. If the president-elect asks you to serve, you serve. Two weeks ago, Graves told The Eagle he didn't expect or want the job.
Graves has long-standing ties to the trucking industry.
His family owned a trucking company until selling it in 1979, and trucking firms have been consistent political supporters. Sources close to the governor and the president-elect said the list of lobbyists included Kansas' aviation manufacturers, railroads and oil companies. Spokespeople for Cessna Aircraft Co. and Koch Industries Inc. said they did not know of any of endorsements being made for Graves by their firms but said it was possible that endorsements were being made without their knowledge. Raytheon Aircraft Co. officials denied that company officials had made any endorsements of Graves. But all were quick to praise the governor.