Kobach opens huge lead over nearest rivals for U.S. Senate in Kansas

A new poll shows Kris Kobach has opened a wide lead in the Kansas Republican primary for U.S. Senate. The November election will replace retiring Senator Pat Roberts.

Kobach, who is the former Kansas Secretary of State, is running almost 50 percent ahead of his closest rival according to the poll conducted by McLaughlin & Associates.

The poll surveyed likely Republican voters and found 40 percent would vote for Kobach if the primary election were held today. Just 22.7 percent would vote for Roger Marshall who represents the First Congressional district encompassing western and north central Kansas.

After Kobach has faced regular drubbings in a hostile media environment, the poll also reveals that more than half of Republicans have a favorable opinion of him. More than 60 percent of self-described conservatives have a favorable view of Kobach.

Leading against the Democrat candidate

This poll follows a general election poll released last week that had Kobach leading the presumptive Democratic nominee Barbara Bollier, 47 percent to 37 percent.

Bollier switched her party affiliation from Republican to Democrat in 2018. She had been criticized by the Republican Party for her ultra liberal stances on many key conservative issues. Johnson County Republican Party Chair Dave Myres told the Shawnee Post at the time, “After her recent endorsements of Democrats in both the primary and general elections, as well as a voting record more liberal than many Democrats…”

The strong showing for Kobach is a surprise to many after several years in which he was attacked by media outlets across the state and CNN for his strong conservative values.

“I’m pleased that Kansas Republicans are supporting my campaign in such high numbers,” Kobach said. “The fact that I stood beside President Trump for the past four years, that I will fight to secure our border,

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.

and that I have always been a consistent conservative is resonating with Kansans. We will continue to run hard, and we will win in November.”

Kobach won the Republican primary for Governor in 2018 but lost to Democrat Laura Kelly.

Kobach is best known for his efforts to strengthen protections for Kansas elections through voter IDs and his work in securing the nation’s southern border with Mexico.

–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice