The KC Star’s endorsements for key races in Tuesday’s Kansas primary election
Here are The Star’s endorsements in key Kansas primaries Tuesday.
U.S. Senate Republican primary: No endorsement
There are 11 candidates seeking the GOP nomination to replace retiring Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts.
Not one is a traditional Republican who believes in open markets, an efficient government that protects people in need, low budget deficits and high personal standards.
One front-runner, Kris Kobach, is nationally known for misguided crusades against immigrants and voting rights. Another contender, U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, has offered misguided COVID-19 advice and has failed to protect Kansas farmers.
Bob Hamilton should not be allowed to buy the seat. Dave Lindstrom would bring a business sense to Washington, but his campaign has been short on specifics.
The other candidates — Lance Berland, John Berman, John Miller, Derek Ellis, Brian Matlock, Steve Roberts and Gabriel Robles — failed to gain any traction in their campaigns.
We wanted to endorse a mainstream Republican in this race. We couldn’t find one.
Kansas 2nd Congressional District Republican primary: Dennis Taylor
Most of the attention in this race has focused on incumbent Rep. Steve Watkins, a disastrous congressman facing credible accusations of election fraud. Jake LaTurner, the state treasurer, has run an impressive race and is a better option than Watkins.
But the third alternative, Dennis Taylor, should be the Republicans’ choice. He has served Kansas with coolheaded, issues-driven leadership for decades. His vast experience, his laser focus on what’s important, and his old-fashioned, statesmanlike demeanor would serve the district well.
Kansas 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary: Michelle De La Isla
The Topeka mayor is the obvious pick for Democrats in the 2nd District. Michelle De La Isla supports free COVID-19 testing and Medicaid expansion. A cancer survivor, she has pledged to protect the Affordable Care Act, as well as federal funding for Medicaid while still providing private insurance options.
In political experience and in her life story, De La Isla is far preferable to James Windholz, who declined to take questions from The Star Editorial Board.
Kansas 3rd Congressional District Republican primary: Adrienne Vallejo Foster
Republicans are lucky to have three highly-qualified women in this primary: Adrienne Vallejo Foster, Amanda Adkins and Sara Weir. Foster, the former mayor of Roeland Park, is the best choice in this competitive race.
Adkins is polished and impressive, but Foster’s experience and her energetic efforts to build a base of support that spans the entire 3rd District will make her a more formidable force in November against incumbent Rep. Sharice Davids.
Weir leans heavily on her biography, and offers fewer details and less clarity about what she would do in office.
Tom Love and Mike Beehler are also candidates in the race.
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 Senate District 11 Republican primary : John Skubal
John Skubal is a moderate voice in Topeka who almost always reflects the needs of his district. His approach reveals a deeper knowledge of policy and a willingness to evaluate issues on the merits.
Opponent Kellie Warren has been on the wrong side of too many issues important to Kansans, including her opposition to expanded Medicaid.
Kansas Senate District 10 Republican primary : Tom Cox
Tom Cox is the obvious, easy choice over Mike Thompson, who was appointed to this seat. A four-year member of the Kansas House, Cox is serious, knowledgeable, thoughtful and well-spoken. From budgets to criminal justice to health care, Cox is quite simply more informed.
During our interview, Thompson said getting Black people “back into the churches” is the way to achieve racial equality. His comments were bizarre and missed the point.
Cox would represent his district with intelligence and compassion.
Kansas House District 20 Republican primary : Jan Kessinger
The Kansas Legislature needs independent voices, and Jan Kessinger checks that box. He has been a thoughtful member of the House Republican caucus, pursuing compromise with Democrats when possible.
Opponent Jane Dirks told us she opposes Medicaid expansion. When hospitals in rural areas close, she said, Kansans should rely on urgent care facilities. That’s the wrong answer.
Kansas House District 28 Republican primary : Fred Lehman
Fred Lehman is another moderate voice in Johnson County. He 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.
Opponent Carl Turner was less specific on important issues such as Medicaid and the budget. Lehman is the better option for Republican voters.
This story was originally published August 3, 2020 at 5:00 AM.