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 8
Beneé Hudson (Republican)
Joe Biden is the elected President, for better or for worse. As his term comes to a close, it’s time to take a page from his Vice President’s campaign and find “A New Way Forward”.
All citizens have always had, and always will have, a serious obligation to ensure the integrity of our elections. There have always been, and unfortunately there will always be, bad actors who seek to influence the outcome of any election. If there are doubts in our elections coming from Kansans, I will work diligently to restore trust.
I encourage everyone who is able to vote, to sign up to be a poll watcher, a poll worker. It is important to understand the process and in order to have honest conversations, we must all participate.
Cindy Holscher (Democratic, incumbent)
Donald Trump has continued to claim the 2020 election was stolen from him. However, there is no proof to uphold those claims. All evidence shows Joe Biden won the presidential election fair and square.
I have confidence in the work of our Secretary of State as well as county election offices. Tours of the facilities have shown competent employees committed to ensuring elections are fair and secure.
Over the past four years, the Senate Fed and State Committee Chair, Johnson County Sen. Mike Thompson, has catered to election conspiracy theorists, granting NUMEROUS hearings for bills they brought forward. One of the frequent visitors to the State Capitol sharing testimony (laced with fictitious claims regarding elections) was Johnson County Sheriff Cal Hayden. Not only were Hayden and Thompson happy to spend taxpayer money and time regurgitating election conspiracy theories, they also seemed pleased to sow distrust regarding security of our elections.
In terms of potential legislation, I would support bills that make voting easier. Other states have adopted same day registration and/or automatic registration when residents obtain a new or renewed driver’s license or ID card. Sixteen states have automated their voter registration process while ensuring it remains secure; Kansas should follow suit.
