Kansas Sen. Roberts Touts GOP Ties in First Debate
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Republican Senator Pat Roberts touted his experience and his party ties during his first debate with a surprisingly strong independent campaign challenger for his seat. Roberts went on the offensive against 45-year-old businessman Greg Orman from the outset of yesterday's (SAT) debate at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. The race has become surprisingly competitive and could affect the broader fight for control of the Senate. The 78-year-old three-term senator said he's the only candidate with proven experience and the only one working against Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Orman said he'll focus on solving problems, not partisan politics. Orman has promised to caucus with whatever party holds the majority. Roberts has overhauled his campaign and the race was roiled this week by the Democrat's attempted withdrawal.
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Kansas Senate Hopefuls Spar Over Trips to Dodge City
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Independent challenger Greg Orman had what sounded like a good line in his first debate with Kansas Republican Senator Pat Roberts, but the incumbent warded it off. The two squared off yesterday (SAT) at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. One question touched on how Roberts owns a Washington-area home but claims rented space in the Dodge City home of supporters as his official residence. Orman told Roberts that he suspected he's been to Dodge City more times this year than Roberts has. Orman says he's visited four times. Roberts told Orman that he's been to Dodge City "about seven times" this year. The 45-year-old Orman then suggested he's lived more of his adult life in Kansas than the 78-year-old Roberts. The senator noted he was born and educated in Kansas.
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Kansas Senate Candidates Debate Gun Restrictions
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Republican Senator Pat Roberts and independent challenger Greg Orman disagree about whether federally mandated background checks for gun sales should be expanded. Orman said during their first debate yesterday (SAT) at the Kansas State Fair that he supports reasonable restrictions on gun sales, particularly to ensure that background checks are done on buyers at gun shows. But Orman says he owns two guns and supports the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, protecting gun ownership rights. Roberts mocked Orman for saying he supports Second Amendment rights while backing restrictions. The senator says he won't "mess with" anyone's gun rights. He has the backing of the Kansas State Rifle Association. But Orman says, "We don't want people with bazookas. We don't want people with automatic weapons."
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Duffy Out After 1 pitch Because of Sore Shoulder
NEW YORK (AP) — Kansas City starter Danny Duffy lasted just one pitch against the New York Yankees yesterday (SAT), leaving because of left shoulder soreness. Duffy threw a ball to Jacoby Ellsbury and walked around the mound in discomfort, causing catcher Salvador Perez to motion toward Kansas City's dugout. Manager Ned Yost went to the mound with training staff. After a brief discussion, Duffy handed the ball to Yost and walked off the field. Duffy was relieved by Liam Hendriks, who retired Ellsbury and Derek Jeter, then allowed Martin Prado's double and Mark Teixeira's RBI single. The Yankees went on to win it 6-2 in the Bronx. Duffy is 8-11 and third in the AL with a 2.42 ERA in 22 starts and six relief appearances.
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Finnegan 1st From 2014 Draft to Reach Majors
NEW YORK (AP) — As if reaching the major leagues wasn't enough, Brandon Finnegan struck out Derek Jeter in his very first inning. The 21-year-old left-hander became the first player from the 2014 amateur draft to make his big league debut, pitching two perfect innings yesterday (SAT) in the Kansas City Royals' 6-2 loss to the New York Yankees. Selected in the first round from Texas Christian with the 17th pick overall, Finnegan signed for a bonus of $2,200,600. He relieved with Kansas City trailing 6-1 and retired John Ryan Murphy on a flyout to center with his first pitch, a 92 mile per hour fastball. Finnegan struck out Jacoby Ellsbury on a changeup and Jeter on a 94 mile per hour fastball. Finnegan was 2 years old when Jeter made his major league debut in 1995.