Unmasked again: Kansas Rep. Roger Marshall campaigning dangerously in Wyandotte County

U.S. Senate candidate Roger Marshall recently tweeted a picture of himself at an indoor campaign event in eastern Kansas.

“Great to be back in Wyandotte County to discuss our plans for the general election,” the Kansas congressman wrote Sunday. The picture posted with the tweet shows roughly two dozen people in the audience.

Marshall isn’t wearing a protective mask. In fact, only two people in the audience appear to be wearing masks. Many of the chairs are close together as well.

The people in the room appear to have violated the order, adopted by the county’s Unified Government, that generally requires the use of masks indoors. Rules aside, it is profoundly foolish for Marshall, or event organizers, to hold an unprotected meeting in a COVID-19 hot zone such as Wyandotte County.

Marshall has been criticized this summer for not wearing a mask at campaign events in rural Kansas. He has claimed that the number of coronavirus cases is relatively low in those areas, so masks aren’t always needed.

“I think there’s a time and place for a mask,” he has said. “I encourage everyone to wear them when they’re in public places. … But I think when you’re outside in a private setting, we let our guard down a little bit.”

The Wyandotte County event wasn’t outside. Worse, the county has reported more than 5,700 COVID-19 cases to date, with 111 deaths. On a per-capita basis, it’s among the most dangerous counties in Kansas.

Wyandotte County is not a place where you can let your guard down — even a little bit.

Masks are essential in the county, to prevent spread of the disease. Marshall ignored that fact and disregarded the safety of those who live in Wyandotte County.

On Tuesday, the Republican candidate met with supporters indoors in Overland Park. Photos show more masks, but some unmasked attendees as well. A quick glance at Marshall’s Facebook page shows pictures from several events where masks are not fully in use.

The campaign did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

During campaign season, all candidates and their supporters should be mindful of mask requirements. Masks not only protect the wearer, but protect the general public, too.

Barbara Bollier, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat and Marshall’s opponent, has pledged to require masks at campaign events. “If you see me out on the #kssen trail in the coming days,” she tweeted Aug. 19, “you’ll notice I’m not shaking hands or bringing supporters together in crowded rooms without masks.”

Photos taken last week at a Bollier event in Wyandotte County appear to show compliance with the pledge.

These aren’t “gotcha” concerns. It’s possible Bollier will hold a meeting with some unmasked supporters, and it’s possible some people are wearing masks at Marshall events. We haven’t seen every picture or attended every meeting.

The issue is commitment to public health: Who believes masks are important, and who doesn’t? Bollier, a doctor, knows masks can reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Marshall, also a doctor, surely knows better. If this is an attempt to play to the Republican base, it’s both disappointing and cynical.

Marshall also thinks hydroxychloroquine is an effective COVID-19 treatment that can prevent those who use it from becoming infected — despite such claims being debunked by leading health officials. He’s been telling audiences that a coronavirus vaccine should be available in November. Most experts believe that’s overly optimistic.

COVID-19 continues to disrupt our lives. Schools, businesses and private organizations have taken action to make the community safer, at great inconvenience to everyone.

Roger Marshall should get the message.

No one should get sick because they came to see him speak.