A crowd gathered at the south steps of the Kansas Statehouse on Saturday, as conservative candidates spoke about their values and the focus of their campaigns.
Mike Brown, a candidate for Secretary of State, is a small business owner. He said he will ensure Kansas has safe and secure elections. He is also pro-life and a Second Amendment defender.
Lance Neely, a candidate for Kansas Representative in District 42, spoke about the danger of Red Flag laws.
Neely also spoke in support of Derek Schmidt, candidate for Governor. He shared some personal anecdotes about the current Attorney General. He also mentioned what an excellent staff Schmidt has. Neely’s wife also spoke in support of Schmidt, and how they had been urging him to run for governor for some time. They both stressed Schmidt’s Kansas roots and his extensive experience. Schmidt’s Second Amendment support was noted, as well as his conservative values.
Neely also mentioned how he and Schmidt agree that men should not be allowed to play in women’s sports.
Candidate for Attorney General Kris Kobach stressed his experience arguing cases in court, and his support of the Second Amendment. Kobach, former Kansas Secretary of State, said he wants to help stop Joe Biden’s liberal agenda. He told how he helped stop the OSHA rule that would have cost workers $7000 annually for testing if they refused the vaccinations, and how other cases are pending.
Another lawsuit he is involved in concerns freedom of religion in the military, as hundreds of pilots are in danger of being kicked out of service, at a time when the military is facing shortages.
Phillip Cosby of the American Family Association spoke about his support of Derek Schmidt and other conservative candidates in his fight for family values and against pornography, critical race theory and human trafficking.
Bruce Williamson, candidate for Kansas Representative in District 53, appeared with his wife and grandchildren and stressed that he is the only pro-life candidate in his primary race. He is a small business owner, not a politician, he stated. He talked about fighting for economic freedom so that small businesses can survive and thrive.
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Cheryl Reynolds spoke as a representative of State Treasurer candidate Caryn Tyson, and stressed Tyson’s record on tax reform and fighting tax increases.
Felita Kahrs spoke about CRT being taught in schools.
Other speakers included Eric Smith, John Seibel, Todd Staerkel and Scott Hill. All are candidates for State Representative in their respective districts.
Some speakers also spoke out in favor of the Value Them Both amendment. The amendment would clarify that the Kansas Constitution doesn’t confer the right to an abortion, a response to a 2019 state Supreme Court decision.
“We have been amazed by the outpouring of support, help, assistance, and also donations that have come in from everyday Kansans who believe that Kansas must protect our ability to keep our life saving laws in place,” Danielle Underwood, a spokesperson for Kansans for Life, said on a conference call with reporters.
“It’s critical for folks to ‘vote yes’ to get our voice back and to have a say in this public policy issue,” Jeanne Gawdun, Executive Director of Kansans for Life, said in an interview.
Eddie Eheart, an organizer for The People’s Movement Kansas, said he agrees that voters should have a say.
“Our legislature cannot pass anything without the citizens of Kansas’ approval. That’s what it boils down to,” Eheart said.
Organizers urged attendees to come out against the campaign of Sen. Dennis Pyle, who is mounting an independent campaign for governor, which could boost incumbent Gov. Laura Kelly.
–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice
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