User:BrowningAM/sandbox

Phil LeVota
Philip Andrew LeVota was born in Independence, Missouri and is a trial attorney who has been involved in politics as well as a state prosecuting attorney in Jackson County, Missouri for over a decade, a radio and television talk show host, author, and runs a successful lobbying practice representing clients in the Missouri General Assembly and the United States Congress.

Private Practice and Community Involvement:
Phil’s law firm is also involved in lobbying and government relations in the state legislature and the U.S. Congress and handles several government relations contracts for clients like the cities of Independence, Sugar Creek, and North Kansas City among others.

LeVota is a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local # 42, the K.C. Metro Bar Association, American Mensa Association, Missouri & Kansas Bar Associations, UMKC Law School Mentor Program, ABA, and the American Trial Lawyers Association. Phil is a member of the Hope House Shelter for battered Woman and Children’s Community Council. Phil has received the Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his contribution to the ongoing fight against hatred and intolerance in America form the Southern P0verty Center. Phi has received Legacy of Leadership Appreciation Award from the Harry s. Truman Library Institute

Radio Talk Show Host, Television Talk Show Host, & Author:
Phil is also involved in the media business and has been the host of the critically acclaimed radio talk show, “Dialogue With Phil LeVota,” as well as hosting the award winning “The Power of Kansas City” television program showcasing our local area and was honored to receive an Emmy Award for his work on the program. Phil was elected to the Board of Governors to the Mid-America Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences. Phil is also a monthly columnist for Home in the Northland, Lifestyle, and North magazines with his award winning column, “The Last Word With Phil LeVota.” Phil also recently released his new novel, “His Name Was Murder – True KC Crime Stories From The Prosecutor” that has received excellent reviews.

Awards and Memberships:
Phil is a member of MENSA, the high IQ society, provides a forum for intellectual exchange among its members. There are members in more than 100 countries around the world. Activities include the exchange of ideas through lectures, discussions, journals, special-interest groups, and local, regional, national and international gatherings; the investigations of members' opinions and attitudes; and assistance to researchers, inside and outside Mensa, in projects dealing with intelligence or Mensa.

Politics:
Phil was elected to the Jackson County Democratic Committee in 1998 and since then elected to the Missouri Democratic Committee as a member of the Executive Committee. In 2006, Phil was elected as the Chairman of the Jackson County Democratic Committee and is regarded as an influence to the resurgence of the Missouri Democratic Party and the election of United States Senator Claire McCaskill. Phil’s younger brother, Paul LeVota has a long history in politics as an eight year member of the Missouri House of Representatives and serving in the Missouri Senate. Phil has been intimately involved in campaigns over the past thirty years form presidential races, gubernatorial races, congressional races, Missouri General Assembly races, county campaigns, city council, and mayoral campaigns.

Personal:
Phil lives on 10 acres in the heart of Jackson County and is an avid horse and dog owner. Phil was the proud owner of Big Red, a registered Thoroughbred horse and great, great grandson of Seabiscuit. Big Red started an annual fundraiser held at the Power and Light District in Kansas City, Missouri on the day of the running of the Kentucky Derby. Big Red (official Thoroughbred registry name Artless Encore) passed away in March of 2013.