U.S. Senate primary in Kansas, streetcar vote in KC top the ballots on Tuesday
Republicans in Kansas will weigh in today on whether the state is a harbor for tea party politics. In Kansas City, voters will decide if their streetcar project will chug beyond its center-city two-mile line.
Across Missouri, the state’s largest-ever tax increase — to pay for multi-billon-dollar transportation projects — hangs in the balance, along with ballot measures on guns, farming, lottery proceeds and electronic privacy.
In both states, the primary election will trim down sundry congressional and state legislative races to party nominees.
Polls in Missouri will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.. In Kansas, the voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Perhaps the highest-profile race in Kansas is the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate, where incumbent Pat Roberts takes on tea party challenger Milton Wolf. The contest has been marked by criticism leveled at Roberts over whether he is a true resident of the state and against Wolf, a radiologist, for posting gruesome X-rays on Facebook.
In Kansas City, Question A seeks voters’ approval to create a taxing district that could ultimately help pay for expanding the streetcar system beyond downtown. If voters approve the new streetcar district boundaries, a November election could decide specific sales and property tax increases to fund the streetcar route expansion.
Amendment 7, up for a statewide vote in Missouri, seeks voters’ approval to raise the state sales tax by three-fourths of a cent for 10 years to pay for transportation work. Along with bridges and roads — including a remake of Interstate 70 across much of the state — the measure also promises some funding for Kansas City’s streetcar system. Critics say a regressive sales tax is the wrong way to pay for the roads and such.
Amendment 1, known as the “right to farm,” would amend the Missouri Constitution to, as advocates say, protect existing agricultural practices. Critics say the wording is vague and could pose a threat to laws such as those governing puppy mills.
Amendment 5 would change the Missouri Constitution to “include a declaration that the right to keep and bear arms is an unalienable right.” Supporters argue the amendment is necessary to protect gun rights. Critics say it could clash with federal rules.
Amendment 8 would establish a special Missouri lottery ticket with proceeds going to programs for veterans. Critics say it could steer lottery revenue from schools.
Amendment 9 aims to establish privacy rights over electronic and other documents in Missouri.
In Kansas, the primary will trim down the choices for governor — where incumbent Republican Sam Brownback and Democrat Paul Davis are expected to win — and state insurance commissioner and secretary of state.
Johnson County Commission candidates also will face off.
Jackson County voters will choose their favorites for the county legislature, including a race that pits former Kansas City Royal Frank White against retired firefighter Sherwood Smith. County commission seats are also at stake in Platte and Clay counties.
Voters in Missouri and Kansas also will weigh in on their parties’ nominees for the U.S. House and various seats in their legislatures.
This story was originally published August 4, 2014 at 9:36 PM with the headline "U.S. Senate primary in Kansas, streetcar vote in KC top the ballots on Tuesday."