Democratic lawmakers seek inquiry into KanCare contract ethics

Two Democratic lawmakers are calling for a special investigation into whether KanCare contracts were handed out ethically.

Sen. Laura Kelly, D-Topeka, and Rep. Jim Ward, D-Wichita, submitted a formal request to legislative leaders to authorize an investigation into possible “pay to play” corruption in the doling out of contracts when the state privatized Medicaid services in 2013.

The request is based on an April report in the Topeka Capital-Journal revealing that the FBI was scrutinizing the governor’s former chief of staff, David Kensinger, for possible influence peddling. The report stated that KanCare, one of Brownback’s signature policies, was at the center of the investigation.

The FBI has neither confirmed nor denied the investigation. No indictment has come down since the initial news reports.

“The FBI is focused on the narrow area of criminal behavior,” Ward said when asked why the Legislature should conduct its own investigation. “What we’re seeking is a broader question of ethical conduct in Kansas. Have you violated the rules of ethical conduct for officials in Kansas?”

Ward referred to Kensinger as “the governor’s brain.”

Kensinger, who stepped down as Gov. Sam Brownback’s chief of staff in 2012 to forge a career as a lobbyist, serves as unofficial adviser to Brownback’s re-election campaign. He could not be reached Monday.

Republicans accused Kelly and Ward of engaging in political theater about a month before the election.

House Speaker Ray Merrick, R-Stillwell, said that the Democrats had “wonderful, perfect timing.”

Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, who along with Merrick sits on the committee that would have to approve the request, called it “a pathetic attempt to distort the truth and deceive voters in an election year.”

The governor’s office said that neither Kelly nor Ward raised the issue at the meeting of the KanCare Oversight Committee last month and that the documents related to the contract bidding process are already public.

“Even the losing bidders have stated the process was open and fair,” said Brianna Landon, the governor’s spokeswoman.

This story was originally published September 29, 2014 at 6:42 PM with the headline "Democratic lawmakers seek inquiry into KanCare contract ethics."