Letters to the Editor (July 30)
Lombard for U.S. House
Democrats have two good candidates running for the 4th District Congressional seat, but in my opinion, Laura Lombard is the better choice.
A fifth-generation Kansan, she is a new political star. She has an outstanding educational, international business and economics background that matches what Kansas needs in Congress. Her generally centrist views and collaborative approach to problems will help turn around the polarization and nastiness in politics.
Lombard takes a broader and more strategic view of issues and therefore truly represents a larger cross section of Kansans. She the better chance of winning in the general election.
Guy McCormick, Wichita
Kelly for governor
The primary in Kansas is upon us and Kansans need to vote. In the governor’s race, there are real consequences if the wrong candidate is elected.
On the Republican side, the leading candidates were both involved in Sam Brownback’s disastrous policies in almost bankrupting Kansas, and they want to resurrect those policies. Kansans can’t afford to go backward and risk bankruptcy again.
On the independent side, we have a candidate whose main interest seems to be keeping his name in play so that he can run against Sen. Pat Roberts again — with no real substance other than “don’t support either party.” So far, the only success he’s having is increasing the likelihood of a Republican win.
The leading candidates in the Democratic party look good, and if Kansas moves forward, one of them needs to win in November. Those voting now as Democrats need to choose the one with the most experience, the best reputation, the clearest strategy forward, and the best chance of winning. That’s Laura Kelly and Lynn Rogers.
Susan Osborne, Wichita
Security clearance
It seems to me that President Trump is right on to question the need for outgoing political and governmental officials to retain their security clearance once the newly elected and appointed administration is firmly installed and operational.
I was shocked to learn that was not standard protocol. Having a group of holdovers not involved in daily operations, who still retain clearance, just provides more opportunity for slip ups, misstatements, and downright disorganization.
If there is a need to retain a certain person with clearance, or if one needs to be recalled, that could be done. Otherwise, pull their clearance.
Dan Goble, Wichita
Keep Orman off ballot
When Greg Orman began his Don Quixote campaign, one which seemingly has only one goal, to elect Kris Kobach and ensure the wealthy Johnson County millionaire keeps his tax breaks, he promised a plan for the state. Months later, we have no plan.
Instead, 10 days after releasing the first document in “platform for Kansas,” all we know for sure about Orman is that he is OK with replacing Kansas primaries with caucus or district conventions, which would wipe out moderate participation in the statehouse out of petty spite.
America has been duped by petty, wealthy men who seek power as personal playthings before. Orman can prove himself to be a statesman by leaving the race. Or, he can go into history as a spoiler who put his own personal vanity and ego ahead of the needs of Kansans.
As someone with wealth and status, Orman will never face the harsh results he inflicts on the state of Kansas. And that insulation makes his petty campaign all the more sad.
You can remove your signature to include Orman on the November ballot by notifying your county elections office or the secretary of state.
Chris Reeves, Overland Park