Date set for first Republican governor’s debate

The Republican candidates for Kansas governor will face off for the first time in February.

The Kansas Republican Party announced the party’s first sanctioned debate will be held Feb. 17 in Wichita. It will coincide with the annual state party convention.

"We are excited to host the inaugural Republican Gubernatorial debate in conjunction with our state party convention. Our debate schedule will visit all four congressional districts to make sure Republican voters all across Kansas have the opportunity to hear from the candidates for Governor," party chairman Kelly Arnold said in a statement.

It wasn’t immediately clear which candidates will participate. Some have expressed opposition to proposed debate rules that have been circulated by the party.

An Oct. 25 draft copy of debate rules limits debates to 90 minutes, doesn’t allow questions that cannot be asked of all candidates and says that questions should be geared toward issues and not specific candidates.

Jim Barnett, a former state senator, has said he won’t sign the rules. Ed O’Malley, an entrepreneur, has also said he has serious concerns.

"The proposed Kansas GOP debate agreement goes against everything we as Republicans stand for. We should be encouraging a competition of ideas – not limiting them – so that voters can see they have a real choice when it comes to electing the next Governor," O’Malley said.

In a statement, Helen Van Etten, the party’s national committeewoman, said developing a sound debate process allows candidates to bring their ideas and visions to Kansans across the state.

"This intentional process ensures candidates will have a vigorous discussion while also allowing them to focus their time engaging with voters. We are confident the debate process will enable all candidates to communicate their ideas," Van Etten said.

This story was originally published November 9, 2017 at 10:45 AM with the headline "Date set for first Republican governor’s debate."