Jackson County Legislature: Former Royals infielder Frank White has low-key challenger in Weldon Woodward

Frank White played up his past as a second baseman with the Kansas City Royals to win the Democratic primary decisively over a better-financed challenger.

Now in the upcoming general election contest for the 1st District at-large seat on the Jackson County Legislature, he’s even better fixed.

White not only has name recognition going for him, as well as history — no one other than a Democrat has ever won an at-large seat on the legislature. But he now also has the monetary advantage, as well.

His Republican opponent, Weldon Woodward, has vowed he won’t spend a dime on advertising or anything else to advance his campaign.

In fact, Woodward brags that he even relied on 10 of his buddies to cover the $50 filing fee that got his name on the ballot. So it’s safe to say that Woodward, who describes himself as “a very happy conservative” and “a Truman Republican,” is not planning a victory party.

But Woodward, who ran unopposed in the primary, doesn’t rule himself out, either.

“It’s like baseball, my friend,” he said. “You either win the game or lose the game.”

The candidates have not faced off in any debates or forums and are not likely to.

But for the record, White has no governmental experience and Woodward has served off and on as an alderman in Levasy over the years.

His key issue: stressing the importance of using country drug tax funds to combat the use of illegal methamphetamines, which he says plague parts of Jackson County.

White has also stressed the importance of fighting drugs, as well as improving the parks and the programs they offer.

The winner will replace Theresa Garza Ruiz, who is stepping down after two terms to run for Kansas City Council.

This story was originally published October 18, 2014 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Jackson County Legislature: Former Royals infielder Frank White has low-key challenger in Weldon Woodward."