Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
The top issue for many Post readers remains candidates’ stances on the 2020 election, which former President Trump continues to claim without evidence was stolen from him. That has played out in Johnson County with a years-long and ultimately fruitless investigation by the current sheriff into local election procedures. Many of our readers express concern that that investigation has sown distrust in local elections. Do you believe President Biden won the 2020 election fair and square? Do you trust and have confidence in county and state election systems? If elected, would you support legislation that, in any way, would modify or place new restrictions on voting in Kansas?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:
District 25
Rui Xu (Democratic, incumbent)
Yes, President Biden won the 2020 election fair and square. Multiple courts, election officials, and even members of President Trump’s administration have confirmed the election’s legitimacy. Claims of widespread fraud have been thoroughly debunked, including the investigation in Johnson County, which only served to sow distrust in our democratic process without any evidence of wrongdoing.
Yes, I trust in our county and state election systems. Our election officials work diligently to ensure that our elections are fair, secure, and accessible. Attempts to undermine these systems damage the very foundation of our democracy by eroding trust in free and fair elections.
And I oppose any legislation that places new restrictions on voting in Kansas. We should focus on making it easier for eligible Kansans to vote, not making it more difficult.
Greg Schoofs (Republican)
I have the utmost faith in our local election officials to deliver a fair election with accurate and timely results. This should not be a political issue as it is in all candidates’ and voters’ best interests at all levels of government to have fair elections. Elections are hard fought, expensive and at times emotional and I trust our local officials to fulfill their duties per current law. If there is credible evidence of fraud (again at any level) then there are mechanisms in place to pursue such claims.
With respect to the 2020 election, my recollection is that the claims of fraud were pursued at the legal level and none was deemed to have sufficient merit to overturn any state’s electoral results. In these cases the courts are there to adjudicate such disputes in a fair and open process and their decisions must be respected consistent with the rule of law. Clearly Joe Biden won the election.
