The Star’s endorsements for Kansas and Missouri Aug. 4 primary elections
Voters in Kansas and Missouri have many important races and ballot questions to consider in the Aug. 4 primary elections. The links below are our recommendations in selected races.
Members of The Kansas City Star Editorial Board conduct in-depth research on the proposals voters will decide. We also invite candidates to interviews, where they can answer questions about how they would do their job if elected. Watch the full, unedited videos of those conversations below. Candidates who decline to speak with us are not considered for endorsement.
Members of the board discuss the races and arrive at a consensus opinion. One writer then composes the endorsement on behalf of the group. We offer our informed recommendations in the hopes of fostering thoughtful discourse, and we hope they will be helpful to voters in their decision-making process.
There is no candidate on the ballot Aug. 4 that most Kansans would recognize as a mainstream Republican: someone who believes in open markets, a small but efficient government that protects people in need, the importance of science and education, federalism, low budget deficits and high personal standards. We can endorse none of those in the race.
The race to take on Rep. Sharice Davids in Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District has a crowded field of candidates. Each is strongly conservative with a unique background. But two stand out, and one has the edge.
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins is facing three indictments for three felonies and one misdemeanor over alleged election fraud. Two other Republicans are taking him on in the primary.
From the Democratic side, there are two hopefuls looking to unseat Watkins. Only one agreed to speak with The Star’s editorial board.
The policy differences between District 11 Kansas state Senate incumbent John Skubal and his challenger, state Rep. Kellie Warren, are not subtle. Skubal, a solid, moderate voice in the Kansas Senate, deserves your support.
The Kansas Legislature needs independent voices, and GOP incumbent Rep. Jan Kessinger of House District 20 certainly checks that box. In District 28, Republican veterinarian Fred Lehman will bring a moderate and thoughtful perspective to Topeka.
From budgets to criminal justice to health care and more, Kansas state Rep. Tom Cox is quite simply more informed and insightful than his challenger, incumbent state Sen. Mike Thompson.
Expanding Medicaid is the right thing to do under any circumstances. In the middle of an historic pandemic, it’s a moral imperative.
Former Jackson County Sheriff Mike Sharp wants his old job back. But Darryl Forté, the current sheriff, is a disciplined lawman running on a reform platform. He deserves your vote.
Greg Razer has a solid legislative record and a first-rate reputation as a two-term member of the Missouri House of Representatives.
A former reporter and now an attorney, Missouri state Rep. Barbara Anne Washington is prepared to hit the ground running in the Republican-controlled Missouri General Assembly, where the ability to compromise and broker deals is a must.
Voters will find two promising candidates on the ballot in this Democratic primary. While Mark Sharp brings deep knowledge of the district to the race, Laura Loyacono’s public policy experience and temperament earn her The Star’s endorsement in a close call.
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.
This story was originally published July 27, 2020 at 5:15 AM.