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Role Of Democratic Party Unclear For KS Senate Race

Democrats no longer have a candidate for a U.S Senate race in Kansas after Chad Taylor dropped out. Now, it's not clear what role, if any, the state Democratic Party will take in the campaign. Stephen Koranda reports.

There's no love lost between Republican Senator Pat Roberts and the leaders in the Kansas Democratic party. But that doesn't mean top-ranking Democrats are throwing their support behind independent candidate Greg Orman. Joan Wagnon is the chair of the Kansas Democratic Party.

"I'm not sure that Mr. Orman wants our endorsement," says Wagnon, "and I'm not sure that I want to give him my endorsement."

Wagnon says she has received calls from local Democratic parties wondering if they can invite Orman to their events.

Wagnon says Orman has not asked for support from the state party and she's currently not offering any.

Republican incumbent Senator Pat Roberts' campaign has said Orman is really Democrat. Orman says he has supported both Republicans and Democrats in the past and he's been disappointed in both parties. He says that's why he's running as an independent.

Stephen Koranda is the managing editor of the Kansas News Service, based at KCUR. He has nearly 20 years of experience in public media as a reporter and editor.