Politics

Key political issues were on the minds of attendees at a League of Women Voters membership drive in downtown Wichita Saturday. Some candidates were invited to share what they see as priorities during this election season.

Seated at round tables with white linen tablecloths and steaming cups of coffee, League members and guests wait for three politicians take to the podium in Larkspur's banquet room. Kenya Cox is running for State Senate district 29. Cox says generating jobs is essential.

Six outgoing Kansas Republican state senators have endorsed the chamber's Democratic leader in his bid for re-election.

All six of those announcing their support Friday for Minority Leader Anthony Hensley are considered GOP moderates.

They include Senate Vice President John Vratil, who decided against running for re-election this year, and five who lost their primary races to Republican conservatives. Those five are Dwayne Umbarger, Jean Schodorf, Pete Brungardt, Roger Reitz and Ruth Teichman.

A Topeka resident formally launched an effort Wednesday to recall Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, but state law creates large hurdles to force an election.

Sonny Scroggins contends Kobach has been “derelict in his duties,” partly because of Kobach’s work on immigration issues outside the state. Scroggins submitted a $100 application fee and a copy of his proposed recall petition to the office of Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer, who will determine the validity of a recall petition.

State Senator Steve Abrams of Arkansas City says he plans to run for president of the Kansas Senate.

Abrams, a Republican who has represented the 32nd District since 2008, says he would champion conservative principles if he is chosen Senate president. He promised to insist on civility while working with Gov. Sam Brownback and the House to promote a conservative agenda.

State Senator Susan Wagle, a Republican from Wichita, also plans to run for Senate president, if she defeats Democrat Patrick Cantwell, also from Wichita, in the November 6 general election.

Supporters and opponents of tax-cutting legislation continue to talk about the plan, even going on the road to do it.

Members of the governor’s administration toured the state last month, and some Democrats are making stops this week. The cut will reduce personal income tax rates and completely eliminate income taxes for around 200,000 businesses in Kansas.