Assessing the Republican field of candidates appears to be relatively easy, certainly from a philosophical point of view. You have three candidates: Kobach, Colyer, and Selzer, who are trying hard to paint over the Brownback connection, but in reality have the very same direction in mind for the state. Kobach’s Trump connections and more ferocious rhetoric on issues such as immigration have separated him a bit from the field, but the bottom line is that he, like the other two, are not going to invest in the key areas needed for the future of our state. Then, there is Jim Barnett, who I like. He is too sane and sensible for today’s Republican Party. Bottom line: that means, come Fall, the Republican nominee will be supporting a continuation of the disastrous policies of the Brownback-Colyer administration.
On the Democratic side, there are five candidates. One is too young to get to vote for himself but is having a positive impact and the four others each have their own unique strengths. I’ve been involved in Democratic politics since 1960, and this is by far the best total lineup for Governor we’ve ever had. In contrast to the Republican Party’s limited debates and forums, the Democrats have been at the other extreme of getting out to the public. I’ve lost track of exactly how many events have been held and/or streamed online, but it is safe to say Democrats have had many opportunities to hear from and evaluate the candidates. In my opinion, there are two who could win the primary on August 7th.
As I said earlier, coming out of the Republican Primary will be a candidate, whether he admits it or not, who will, if elected, extend the disastrous positions that seriously damaged our education system, infrastructure, civil service system, and almost all agencies assigned responsibility of doing any good for the people of Kansas. It is time we stop being the butt of nationwide jokes and start turning things around.
It’s not only the few differences the Democratic candidates have that should impact your vote. Consider who can win in November. Support the candidate you think has the best chance of winning. Give it serious thought. Our Kansas future is at stake. We can’t prosper under four more years of the same failed ideology. As I’ve said before, at some point, we risk digging ourselves so deep that recovery is next to impossible.