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Voter law really about suppression
Our Kansas secretary of state can shuck and jive all he wants about the new “voter security law.” But no matter what you call it, it’s still a Jim Crow law designed to prevent poor, elderly, young and minority citizens from voting.
At least some Republicans are honest. Pennsylvania Republican state Rep. Mike Turzai recently bragged how his state’s new voter-ID law would ensure victory for Mitt Romney. It is estimated about 750,000 legitimate citizens will not be able to vote in Pennsylvania because of the new law.
Kris Kobach has demonized potential Latino voters and convinced some lawmakers that “illegals” are about to stampede the voting booths. But this is really about denying the right to vote to selected groups of citizens, just as poll taxes and literacy tests were.
Many people do not have an official birth certificate. Many do not own a car, belong to a gun club or have a passport. But they are supposed to somehow find a way to get to the driver’s license bureau, with documents proving their poverty, then fill out all the forms, and wait in line for hours to try to get their “free” ID.
Shame on Kansas lawmakers and Kobach for passing this law to avoid nonexistent voter fraud in Kansas.
PAT LEHMAN
Wichita
Need Schodorf
Republican voters in Kansas Senate District 25 should carefully consider the wise exercise of their vote in the Aug. 7 primary. Sen. Jean Schodorf, R-Wichita, is very deserving of re-election.
Schodorf has consistently represented her constituents by thoughtfully and compassionately governing in the best interests of the common good for all Kansans. We should all champion our moderate Kansas senators who have voted for fiscally responsible budget measures and who also have maintained the public trust to do what is right and good for the most vulnerable and least advantaged among us.
The specter of a state House and Senate, along with a governor’s administration, that is singularly controlled by ultraconservative, moneyed special-interest groups unwilling to compromise should be cause for great concern among the entire Kansas electorate this August. We need thoughtful, considerate moderate voices of any party in the Kansas Senate such as Schodorf and Sens. Carolyn McGinn, R-Sedgwick, and Dick Kelsey, R-Goddard. Their individual and combined distinguished voting records reflect common sense, moderation and willingness to compromise in the best interest of all Kansans.
CHARLES F. SQUIRE
Wichita
Dahl respected
We have been given an excellent opportunity to put a man of great experience and integrity on the bench in Sedgwick County. After practicing law for 35 years, Dave Dahl is running for District Court judge, Division 2.
During my 23 years of practice, I have developed a great respect for Dahl as an experienced lawyer who is highly regarded by his colleagues for his honesty, hard work and legal expertise. Dahl has tried cases, helped people create businesses and helped clients solve problems. He has used his legal expertise in voluntarily advising youth entrepreneurs, churches and nonprofit organizations.
When parties or lawyers appear in a courtroom, they need and expect their judge to understand the law and the intricacies of making sure that the law is fairly applied to everyone who appears in court. Citizens of Sedgwick County are entitled to the best judge the candidates offer. In this race, the choice is clear.
Please join me in casting your vote for Dave Dahl.
RACHAEL K. PIRNER
Wichita
Ternes devoted
I urge citizens of Sedgwick County to vote for Stephen Ternes for District Court judge, Division 20. I know him as a man of principles who is totally devoted to his family, God and our country. He will prayerfully consider all cases before him as a judge and will serve with the integrity and transparency so needed today in our society.
RICHARD T. BEEBE
Wichita
Calvert fair, just
I urge you to support David Calvert for Sedgwick County District Court judge, Division 23. Not only does he have excellent legal credentials and experience, he has an exceptional legal mind and temperament. He spends time both in and outside the courtroom helping others. He is a special advocate for people with disabilities.
I have known Calvert for years and seen him in action. He is fair and just. He is a scholar of the law and its application. He will preserve our rights and protect from harm the most vulnerable among us. Calvert should receive our vote.
DOUGLAS HORBELT
Wichita
Elect Longwell
I urge voters to elect Jeff Longwell to the Sedgwick County Commission for District 3. Longwell is a good steward of the taxpayers’ money and has exhibited strong leadership, both on the Maize school board and the Wichita City Council. He has good ideas for improving our community and providing the environment for businesses to grow and prosper.
Having known Longwell for more than 35 years, I know that he is a person of integrity and common sense. He would be an excellent commissioner.
JEFF SPAHN
Wichita
Letters deadline
Letters to the editor about the Aug. 7 primary candidates must be received by 4 p.m. Thursday to be considered for publication.
