Here are The Star’s endorsements for Kansas candidates in the Aug. 4 primary elections
Voters in Kansas have a number of important choices to make in the Aug. 4 primary elections. The members of The Kansas City Star editorial Board spoke with candidates and researched the issues in depth. Here are our recommendations in select races Kansans will find on the ballot.
After losing its grip on the 3rd District seat in 2018, the GOP fielded multiple compelling primary contenders this year. The five voters will choose from share a number of similar positions on policies and priorities. The two leading candidates both oppose additional unemployment benefits in Congress’ COVID-19 next relief bill, and both would vote to overturn the Affordable Care Act. But one stands apart because of her biography and background.
Democratic voters in Kansas’ 2nd Congressional District also have an easy choice in the Aug. 4 primary that features first-term Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla and graduate teaching assistant James Windholz. One candidate declined to meet with members of The Star Editorial Board.
Kansas’ incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins was recently charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor for using a Topeka UPS store as his voter registration address in a 2019 municipal election and then allegedly lying to investigators about it. That may make Dennis Taylor and Jake LaTurner’s job of taking his spot in the GOP primary easier. Two candidates declined our invitation for an interview. Voters’ choice in this race should be easy.
Kansas state Rep. Tom Cox is more serious, knowledgeable and thoughtful than his opponent, incumbent state Sen. Mike Thompson, whom many Kansans know from his time as a television meteorologist. From budgets to criminal justice to health care and more, Cox is quite simply more informed and insightful.
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.
The policy differences between District 11 Kansas state Senate incumbent John Skubal and his challenger, state Rep. Kellie Warren, are not subtle. But the starkest contrast between them is in how they see COVID-19, and what they think we should do about it. And that contrast shows why it’s Skubal, a solid, moderate voice in the Kansas Senate, who deserves your support.
Incumbent state Rep. Jan Kessinger certainly has been a thoughtful member of the House Republican caucus, backing leadership on some issues but pursuing compromise with Democrats when possible. He’s the right choice for District 20. In District 28’s open seat, veterinarian Fred Lehmanwill bring a moderate and thoughtful perspective to Topeka, and he earns The Star’s endorsement.
This story was originally published July 30, 2020 at 2:27 PM.