Former state senator Winter Winter Jr., the leader of a moderate Republican faction that backed Democrat Paul Davis in the governor’s race, checks his phone for election results while waiting to do an interview at Davis watch party. (Photo by Jim McLean/KHI News)Former State Senator Wint Winter Jr. of Lawrence, is the leader of a group of former Republican officeholders who backed Democrat Paul Davis in the gubernatorial race. Winter says voters gave Governor Sam Brownback a second term but also sent him a message.
“If I’m an incumbent governor and I outspent my competition 2-to1 and I didn’t get a majority of the vote, I would have to go to bed feeling very humble. I just hope the governor does have enough humility and enough strength of character to take that message and make adjustments.” Winter said.
Brownback won with about 50 percent of the vote. Davis and Libertarian Keen Umbehr split the other 50 percent. Winter says many voters want Brownback to moderate his tax-cut policies to prevent spending cuts to education and social programs. Recent shortfalls in tax collections have the state facing a projected budget deficit.