An important rule of thumb for social media success is this: Be part of the conversation. Kansas Governor Sam Brownback (or the person who tweets on his behalf) took that to heart on Wednesday.
The tweet was related to the news that the popular Alex Gordon had agreed to stay with the Royals.
Congrats, Alex Gordon! With your new contract, you'll save about $1.8M/year in taxes just by living in KS instead of CA. #GordoNation #ksleg
— Sam Brownback (@govsambrownback) January 7, 2016
Gordon’s deal with the Royals adds up to $72 million over four years--that's an average of $18 million a year.
For many, Brownback's tweet was confusing--even a total strikeout, according to the Wichita Eagle.
"...many Twitter users quickly pointed out that the Royals play in Missouri and Gordon resides in Nebraska – meaning that Kansas income tax policy probably has a minimal impact on the outfielder."
Others took offense for different reasons.
.@govsambrownback so glad that this is the last year my income tax pays your salary.
— Tanner Seidel (@tannerseidel) January 8, 2016
. @govsambrownback You are the worst
— Cupcakes (@cupcakesarenice) January 7, 2016
.@govsambrownback Sure hope he doesn't have to send a child to one your terribly-funded Kansas schools.
— Christian Stromgren (@ItsGwenoBaby) January 7, 2016
And there are lingering questions:
- What's up with the California reference? Gordon, a Nebraska native, is known to maintain a residence in his hometown of Lincoln.
- Was the governor trying to lure Gordon to Kansas or implying he already lives in Kansas?
- Does the governor know the Royals are based in Kansas City, Missouri?
We reached out to the governor's press office and asked Melika Willoughby, deputy communications director, about the intent behind the tweet.
"The tweet was might to highlight the advantages of Gov. Brownback's tax plan," Willoughby said. "If he were ever to live in Kansas."
Willoughby said the California reference was merely a comparison between Kansas and a state that has a burdensome tax system in place.
By the way, when asked if Gov. Brownback writes his own tweets, Willoughby responded, that tweets from @govsambrownback come "out of the governor's office."
MORE:
- Gov. says Alex Gordon saves by staying in Kansas; critics disagree (ESPN)
- Governor Sam Brownback tried to tweet about Alex Gordon and quickly found out everybody still hates him!(Dailyhaze.com)
