The Star endorses Lehman and Kessinger in critical Kansas House Republican primaries
Republicans in south Overland Park and Leawood will make important choices Aug. 4 in two competitive primaries for the Kansas House of Representatives.
In House District 20, incumbent Jan Kessinger is opposed by Jane Dirks, a GOP precinct committeewoman. Republicans should vote for Kessinger in the GOP primary.
The Kansas Legislature needs independent voices, and Jan Kessinger certainly checks that box. He has been a thoughtful member of the House Republican caucus, backing leadership on some issues but pursuing compromise with Democrats when possible.
In the last session, Kessinger was one of four key House members who refused to support an August vote on the so-called “Value Them Both” constitutional amendment, which would have increased lawmakers’ ability to restrict abortion.
He opposed the measure, he said, because it called for a vote in the August primary, when fewer voters are expected at the polls. He said he would have “probably” voted to put the amendment on the November ballot, which is the option we preferred.
Dirks said she wanted a vote in August or November, because the Legislature should regulate abortion, not the courts. The courts must play a role in protecting the rights of citizens.
Kessinger, a business consultant, supports Medicaid expansion, calling it “right for Kansans.” Dirks does not.
Expanded Medicaid would help preserve health care and jobs at many Kansas rural hospitals. Dirks, though, said smaller communities should rely on “urgent care” facilities, then travel to big cities for specialized care.
“If you have facilities that can meet their basic needs, and then they would have to go to a major hospital like Kansas City or Hutchinson … I think that might be a better option,” Dirks said.
Rural Kansans should not settle for inferior care when Medicaid expansion can help preserve hospitals — and hospital jobs — in their communities.
Jan Kessinger has been an effective, independent voice in Topeka, and he deserves Republican support in the primary. The winner will face Democrat Mari-Lynn Poskin in the general election.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWho decides the endorsements?
Members of The Kansas City Star Editorial Board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is comprised of seasoned opinion journalists and is separate from The Star’s newsroom. The board’s members are editorial writers Toriano Porter and Mara’ Rose Williams — all veteran journalists with decades of experience. Editors Derek Donovan is also a member, and editor David Tarrant, while not a member of the board, reads and often improves each editorial we publish. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Star Editorial Board invites candidates in each race to meet with the board in an on-the-record discussion, the purpose of which is more fully understand what distinguishes one candidate from another. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates. The editorial board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous..
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We do weigh heavily their stances on issues we consider basic tests of judgment and candor, such as whether they even acknowledge climate change as real, or if they continue to deny the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. We weigh these factors against many others, and state clearly what our conclusions are. Primarily, we evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats, making recommendations about who the best-qualified candidate for each job is.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of The Star’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
Kansas House District 28 is an open seat. The Republican candidates are Fred Lehman, a veterinarian, and Carl Turner, a financial and project management professional.
Lehman is the better choice. Like Kessinger, he supports Medicaid expansion — he calls it “overdue” and a “no-brainer.” That view will be essential in the House.
Turner says he leans against expansion of an “inefficient government program,” preferring a competitive approach. He is not specific enough on how the private sector might provide affordable coverage for the working poor.
Both candidates say the state’s budget will be a difficult challenge in 2021. Lehman, though, called former Gov. Sam Brownback’s business tax cuts “a disaster,” which they certainly were. Opposing massive income tax cuts will be essential when lawmakers convene next year.
Lehman says ending gridlock in Topeka is an important goal. We agree wholeheartedly.
Lehman would not say whether he will vote for President Donald Trump in November, showing a lack of forthrightness we found disappointing. Turner says he will definitely vote for Trump.
But Fred Lehman will bring a moderate and thoughtful perspective to Topeka, and he earns The Star’s endorsement. If he prevails Aug. 4, he’ll face Democrat Sally Jercha in November.