Photo by Stephen KorandaThe Kansas Supreme Court is considering whether Democrat Chad Taylor should be removed from the ballot as a candidate for the U.S. Senate. Taylor’s attorney told the justices yesterday (TUE) that Secretary of State Kris Kobach did not have the authority to reject Taylor’s request to withdraw from the race. The justices had pointed questions for both sides, but they had more questions for Kobach's attorney. KPR's Stephen Koranda reports.
Kobach’s attorney, Edward Greim (grime), told justices that Taylor’s letter didn’t specifically say he is incapable of serving in the office and that’s required by law.
The justices asked Greim repeatedly if a candidate needs to include certain wording to withdraw, or can declare in another way that they’re incapable of fulfilling the duties. Justice Lee Johnson pointed out that the law doesn’t say the candidate needs to declare in writing that they’re incapable of serving.
“To follow your interpretation, we have to add language. Declaration in writing to the secretary of state. We have to add that language to get to your interpretation,” says Johnson.
“Your honor, I respectfully disagree. I mean, if the declaration can be made at home to someone’s goldfish or something, then the statue is unenforceable. It means nothing,” says Greim.
A quick decision is expected. Ballot printing is scheduled to begin later this week.