Kevin Yoder and Jay Sidie tout endorsements from well-known Kansas pols

With just a few weeks to go before election day, both candidates for the 3rd congressional district in Kansas publicized endorsements Friday of well-known Kansas leaders from their respective political parties.

Former Sen. Bob Dole, the 1996 GOP nominee for president, appeared at the Johnson County Republican party headquarters with Rep. Kevin Yoder.

The 93-year-old said he relished the opportunity to come back to his home state and try to help Yoder get re-elected.

“I think I’ve got a good successor coming along with Kevin Yoder,” Dole said. “I think he’s the same kind of guy who likes people, who listens and (doesn’t) talk all the time.”

In an email blast, Yoder’s Democratic challenger Jay Sidie was praised by former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Neither of the endorsements came as a surprise. Dole has long been vocal on Republican issues, while Sebelius is one of the more prominent Democratic leaders in recent Kansas history.

“I am fully confident in Jay’s ability, integrity, and commitment to fight for the 3rd District, the state of Kansas, and our country,” Sebelius said in a statement.

The race for the congressional seat has tightened in recent weeks, with polls showing Sidie down four points to Yoder.

This story was originally published October 21, 2016 at 5:28 PM with the headline "Kevin Yoder and Jay Sidie tout endorsements from well-known Kansas pols."