Democrat Laura Kelly named Lynn Rogers – a fellow state senator from Wichita – as her lieutenant governor running mate today (THUR). Kelly, who’s from Topeka, says she and Rogers have the experience needed to reverse what they see as damage caused by former Republican Governor Sam Brownback’s tax cuts.
Rogers is a former member of the Wichita school board. He says he’s seen first-hand how the state’s budget problems have affected schools.
Kelly’s announcement makes former Republican Senator Jim Barnett the only gubernatorial contender who hasn’t named a running mate. His campaign says he’ll make an announcement before the June 1st filing deadline.
The other major Democratic candidates are ex-Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer and former state Agriculture Secretary Joshua Svaty. The 38-year-old Svaty is running with 40-year-old ex-Army helicopter pilot Katrina Lewison. His campaign has described them as the ticket of the future. Senator Laura Kelly is 68 and Senator Lynn Rogers is 59.
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(AP version)
Senator Laura Kelly Picks State Lawmaker for Ticket in Kansas Governor's Race
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democrat Laura Kelly has picked a fellow state senator as her running mate in the Kansas governor's race. Kelly has announced that Senator Lynn Rogers of Wichita is her choice for lieutenant governor. Kelly is from Topeka and has served in the Senate since 2005. Rogers won his seat in 2016. Rogers is a former Wichita school board member. Kelly announced his selection outside Topeka High School to emphasize their support for public education. Kelly also stressed their experience in government. The other major Democratic candidates are ex-Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer and former state Agriculture Secretary Joshua Svaty. The 38-year-old Svaty is running with 40-year-old ex-Army helicopter pilot Katrina Lewison. His campaign has described them as the ticket of the future. Kelly is 68 and Rogers is 59.
