Former Republican Congressman Todd Tiahrt is among several people who have expressed interest in replacing U.S. congressional Rep. Mike Pompeo, who has been appointed as the next CIA director in the Trump administration, pending Senate approval.
State GOP Chairman Kelly Arnold says people are already lining up to fill the possible vacancy left by the 4th District congressman. In addition to Tiahrt, state Treasurer Ron Estes, former radio host Joseph Ashby and former Trump campaign worker Alan Cobb have all started to solicit support.
"It's kinda one of these things, if you have a good relationship with the delegates, you are going to have a better shot at winning this versus somebody who has not been part of the Republican Party's activities, [and] that haven’t worked with as many of the delegates," Arnold says. "[It] makes it a little more of a challenge."
The 126 delegates from the 4th District will hold a congressional convention to select their nominee for Pompeo's successor--if the Senate confirms him as CIA director.
Democrats will also select a nominee to fill the congressional vacancy. Gov. Brownback will then call a special election. Arnold says it may be mid-March to early April when the general public will be able to vote.
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Carla Eckels is assistant news director and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels.
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