Fall campaigns about to heat up
In addition to celebrating the labor movement and the economic achievements of workers, Labor Day is the traditional kickoff of the fall campaign season. So if you’re already tired of all the political ads on television, brace yourself; it’s going to get worse. Much worse.
Unlike some fall elections in Kansas, there could be close races in key offices this year. That means more mailers and mud-slinging than normal.
The tight race between Gov. Sam Brownback and House Minority Leader Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, is already attracting national media attention and spending by outside groups. Could a Republican incumbent really lose in ruby-red Kansas in what many predict will be a “GOP year”? The two candidates will face off in a debate Saturday morning at the Kansas State Fair.
The U.S. Senate race also is starting to get some national notice, as it potentially could determine which party controls the Senate next year. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., emerged weakened from a bruising primary battle, but he may benefit from the opposition vote being split between Democrat Chad Taylor and Independent Greg Orman, who has been gaining ground in the polls.
And Secretary of State Kris Kobach is always a lightning rod – often on issues that have nothing to do with his elected office. He is deadlocked with Democrat Jean Schodorf in the latest SurveyUSA poll.
Though control of the Legislature is unlikely to change, there are important issues at stake in those elections. How will the state deal with its projected budget shortfalls? Will it cut more spending, raise taxes or do a combination of both? Will it increase funding to public education, or will the shortfall cause more cutting? And what were lawmakers thinking when they voted for the state to assume control of Medicare?
If that weren’t enough, Wichitans will also vote on a 1-cent city sales tax. The five-year increase would help pay for a new water source, public transit, job development, and street maintenance and repair.
The Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently endorsed the measure, primarily because of the proposed jobs fund. A group called Yes Wichita has formed in support of the referendum, while a group called the Coalition for a Better Wichita, which has the backing of Koch Industries, opposes it.
It’s a great debate about whether Wichita needs incentives to compete with other cities and states for jobs and economic development.
Unfortunately, by the time Nov. 4 arrives, many Kansans likely will be sick of all the ads, mailers and robocalls. But more than most, these elections and races really matter and could have a significant impact on the direction of Wichita and the state.
And look on the positive side: The mailers can be recycled.
For the editorial board, Phillip Brownlee
This story was originally published August 30, 2014 at 7:06 PM with the headline "Fall campaigns about to heat up."