Print edition: 
May be more fraud than we realize
I read The Eagle editorial board's endorsements for Kansas secretary of state and the front-page article about GOP candidate Kris Kobach and voting-fraud cases in Kansas (July 24 Eagle).
During the most recent election season, I saw voter-registration tables at two street corners accompanied by signs that said "register to vote" and "felons can vote." The last sign caught me eye, as I did not think felons could vote. So I stopped and asked whether that was correct. Individuals at one station said they thought so; at the other, I was told felons could vote.
This really bothered me, so my precinct committeewoman and I went to the election office the next day. We found out felons can vote upon completion of a supervised release. They cannot vote if they are incarcerated, on parole or on probation.
Anyone can take a stack of voter-registration requests and have people register to vote. This was late enough before voting that I wondered how the election office had time to check the addresses, citizenship and whatever else it checks, even using a computerized database.
I believe Kobach is right. What do we really know?
BETTY HATTAN
Wichita
Phony issue
GOP candidate Elizabeth Ensley should be elected Kansas secretary of state. Fellow candidate Kris Kobach has raised a phony issue of voter fraud in Kansas and has even injected race and ethnicity into his campaign by saying someone saw people being registered in western Kansas and packing plants are known to hire illegal aliens.
We don't need a demagogue who appeals to emotion and prejudice in order to get votes.
ROBERT T. STEPHAN
Overland Park
The real danger
The article "Few voting-fraud cases found in state" (July 24 Eagle) correctly pointed out how few cases of such fraud take place in Kansas. A far greater danger to fair elections is the use of electronic voting machines in counting the votes, particularly the touch screens.
In every serious scientific study of the machines — including a recent test of the ES&S iVotronic, the same model used in Sedgwick County — they have proved highly vulnerable to fraudulent programming and manipulation. And because votes cast using these machines either cannot be audited (no paper) or are not routinely audited, there's no way to know whether the results match the voters' intent.
Worries about the handful of votes that are fraudulently cast divert attention from the enormous danger posed by unverified electronic voting.
STEVE CARTER
Wichita
Tiahrt pro-gun
I was thrilled to learn that Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard, was endorsed by the Kansas State Rifle Association in the U.S. Senate race. I was then horrified to hear that Patricia Stoneking, the association's president, said she received a threatening phone call from the campaign manager of Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Hays.
How dare Moran's campaign manager threaten the head of an organization that fights for my Second Amendment rights? Who does he think he is?
Maybe this is why Paul Moore, a former campaign manager for Moran, is now endorsing Tiahrt. Moore stated that Moran winced at the frequent use of the words "conservative" or "pro-life" to portray himself, out of fear he might offend moderate or pro-choice voters.
I support Tiahrt, because he represents my values.
CLAUDIA KUCHAREK
Wichita
Moran pro-gun
Over the past week or so, I have noticed that a number of pro-Second Amendment organizations have either endorsed or rated Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard, over Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Hays. I would like to offer my personal insight.
I have known Moran for more than 40 years. He was one of the first Kansas legislators to support concealed-carry in Kansas. Since that time, he consistently has supported and voted a very strong pro-Second Amendment agenda.
I sincerely believe that Moran has a better moral compass for the Second Amendment than any other candidate. After many conversations on this subject with him, I believe he truly understands our Founding Fathers' original concept of the Second Amendment and fully supports the original intentions of it.
ROBERT HANEKE
Sylvia
Are they nuts?
Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch once said that if you agreed with him on every issue, you should see a psychiatrist. Reps. Jerry Moran, R-Hays, and Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard, have voted in support of the Republican agenda more than 90 percent of the time. Are they nuts?
An astute Opinion Line contributor said that if you believe the political ads, then both candidates are bad. But one is going to be our next U.S. senator.
Both have chapped my hide. They failed to enforce what I consider to be the basic tenet of this country: Everyone gets a chance. Neither candidate has stood up for the "little" guy — fellow GOP candidate Tom Little. He has been excluded from some of the public debates. If they can't stand up for the little guy, will they stand up for us?
TOM OYLER
Wichita
The smart vote
Republicans, listen up. Mike Pompeo has endorsements from every major industry, prominent business leaders and community leaders. Look them up on his website. He has more than a thousand boots on the ground in his volunteer effort. None of the other 4th Congressional District candidates will be strong competition for Democrat Raj Goyle. A vote for anyone but Pompeo in the GOP primary is a vote for Goyle. Don't vote with your heart alone — use your brain.
CAROL KRANTZ WEBB
Wichita
Schodorf excellent
I spent 23 years in Wichita, where I worked for Boeing as an engineer. I was a Republican precinct committeeman for 10 years and ran for local school board once.
Boeing transferred me six years ago to Albuquerque, N.M., where I worked until I retired in April. I came back to Wichita to visit some friends and was shocked at the television and radio commercials.
GOP 4th Congressional District candidates Mike Pompeo and Wink Hartman are mudslinging and accusing each other of all sorts of character and moral flaws, in language I wouldn't want my grandchildren to hear. I was even more shocked to find out that both candidates profess to be good Christian family men.
I looked to see who else was running and saw that Jean Schodorf was in the race. I've known Schodorf since before she ever ran for the Kansas Senate. It's nice to hear that people in Wichita have one excellent candidate to choose — Jean Schodorf.
GEORGE WHITAKER
Albuquerque, N.M.
The real deal
While the front-runners in the 4th Congressional District are busy with their negative ads, take a close look at candidate Jim Anderson. He's the real deal.
Anderson has it all right: Reduce the size and scope of government. Repeal Obamacare. Champion the Second and Tenth amendments. Strictly adhere to the Constitution.
His brightest star is his support of the Fair Tax. After it is implemented, our country will become a tax haven for every company in the world, because there will be no tax on capital or labor. The Fair Tax is the ultimate solution to take away power from the elite rulers (of both political parties) in Washington, D.C., and return it to the people as intended in the Constitution.
If you love freedom, vote for Jim Anderson.
LARRY L. McKEE
Clearwater
Thanks to Finney
I am writing to thank state Rep. Gail Finney, D-Wichita, for her support during the 2010 legislative session. Finney was among the Democratic leaders and moderate Republican legislators who joined forces to create sources of additional state revenue and roll back dramatic funding cuts to disability providers.
As a freshman legislator, Finney recognized the importance of the community developmental disability service system in our state and the benefits to Kansans who receive such support.
Thank you to Finney and her colleagues in the Legislature for ensuring that citizens with disabilities live and work in their home communities, where they have the best opportunities to thrive.
JAMIE OPAT
Wichita
Letters deadline
Letters about the Tuesday primary must be received by The Eagle by 5 p.m. today to be considered for publication.
