The popularity, or unpopularity, of some well-known politicians could have an impact on Kansas Statehouse elections. That’s according to Patrick Miller, a political science professor at the University of Kansas.
Polls are showing Governor Sam Brownback with a low approval rating. Miller says opinions of the governor can impact votes for Statehouse candidates.
“For better or worse, as voters we blame and give credit to them for what’s going well and not going well in the state. What we think of those incumbents weighs pretty heavily oftentimes on how we vote down ballot,” says Miller.
Miller says that phenomenon can affect both parties. While it might hurt some Republican candidates in the August primary, Kansas Democrats might feel an impact in the fall election based on the popularity of nominee Hillary Clinton.