Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates in contested races address leading up to the Aug. 4 primary election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to residents across Johnson County.
Each day this week, we’ll publish the candidates’ responses to one question. So far, we’ve published responses on property taxes and cost of living, public schools, special education and vouchers, economic development and the Chiefs stadium deal, and data centers.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Readers are tired of “party bickering,” and several asked candidates to commit to working cooperatively across the aisle. Kansans in recent years have elected governors of both parties, while Republicans have held legislative supermajorities.
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- (For Democratic candidates): With Republicans able to override your vetoes, what is your realistic strategy to actually pass your agenda — where would you compromise, and where would you hold firm?
- (For Republican candidates): With your party in the majority, do you feel any obligation to work with Democratic legislators in the minority, and the Kansans they represent, or would you govern with your majority alone?
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Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:
Vicki Schmidt / Joe Newland (Republican)
I am a Bob Dole Republican. I’m not a culture warrior, but I am a fiscal hawk. As Insurance Commissioner, I have effectively served all Kansans – reducing the cost of doing business by over $96 million and returning over $206 million back to Kansas families. And I did that by working with all members of the Legislature. I am running for governor to make Kansas more efficient, more accessible and less costly and I’ll work with anyone who wants to help do that!
Scott Schwab / Ken Rahjes (Republican)
I pride myself on being someone who in the Kansas Legislature and in the Secretary of State’s Office, has sought to build consensus across party lines to create the best policy. There are certain issues on which we will agree to disagree with the other party but it’s important to try to control our rhetoric and hear each other out as best as we can.
Ty Masterson / Jeffrey Klemp (Republican)
You don’t accomplish anything unless you’re willing to work with those who will work with you, and by definition, anything the governor signs into law is bipartisan. We’ve passed historic housing legislation, tax relief, and fully funded schools that way.
But working together doesn’t mean abandoning your principles. When we’ve disagreed, I’ve disagreed respectfully, and I’ve overridden Governor Kelly’s vetoes when Kansas needed it. As governor, I’ll work with anyone who wants to move Kansas forward, and I’ll stand firm when they don’t.
Charlotte O’Hara / Michelle Dombrosky (Republican)
We have bi-partisanship with tax incentives. This is where Republicans and Democrats converge on issues. I will have open discussions with the minority party, but they will understand that I do and will continue to have a conservative viewpoint on expenditures of the people’s tax dollars and my conservative stances on social issues.
Nick Reinecker / Katy Reinecker (Republican)
Relationships and neighborliness are essential to a civil society and I cherish relationship much more than politics. I pledge to use humility and kindness and to do more listening than talking. As the only Republican candidate that will fight for cannabis/marijuana descheduling/legalization, I have a unique perspective of both receiving strife from Republicans and collaboration with Democrats. Our country was not meant to be a two party system where division tempts failure, however, regardless of the current situation, through tenderheartedness when we disagree and with a compassionate attitude we can give Kansas back to the people and our posterity.
Stacy Rogers / Michael Smith (Republican)
Yes, I think that working across the aisle makes sense. Throughout my campaign, I have been respected for my willingness to listen to anyone’s concerns and treat them with respect in the process, even when we do not agree. Being unable to do that just further divides and keeps us from having constructive conversations where we might be able to come to a place of common ground and find real solutions.
Philip Sarnecki / Joy Eakins (Republican)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Cindy Holscher / KC Ohaebosim (Democratic)
Kansans expect results, not political theater. Throughout my time in the Legislature, I’ve worked with colleagues from both parties whenever it meant improving people’s lives, and I’ll continue to do that as governor. I helped found the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, which ended the disastrous Brownback Experiment that defunded our public schools.
As the most successful Democrat in the Senate in regard to getting bills and initiatives implemented, I’ve been able to navigate the process to bring impactful change to Kansas. In fact, I am more successful than 90% of Senate Republicans. I know what it takes to bring people together to get things done – that’s why I’m going to win this race and its what I will do as governor.
Where there’s common ground – whether it’s lowering costs, supporting farmers, improving our roads, or supporting rural communities – I’ll work with anyone willing to put Kansas first. But I won’t compromise my values when it comes to corporate giveaways, attacks on public education, or policies that put billionaires and wealthy donors ahead of working families.
Curt Skoog / Jennifer Bacani McKenney (Democratic)
I entered this race the day Trump endorsed Ty Masterson, because I offer something different. I come from City Hall, where you cannot give a speech and go home; you build consensus and get things done. I believe most Independents and plenty of thinking Republicans are ready to end the supermajority’s grip on our Legislature.
I will not pretend I can veto my way past a supermajority. I will use the bully pulpit and a listening tour to put a few priorities, water and rural health, in front of Kansans in every county so the Legislature must engage, and I will name those who obstruct so an override carries a price back home. As Governor I will also work for reforms that restore fairness to our politics: ending the GOP Legislature’s gerrymandering so Kansans vote in fair districts, and exploring nonpartisan election administration and other ideas to ensure every Kansan is heard and represented. Where I will compromise: tax structure, economic development, and licensing, anywhere we can reach a deal that does not gut public services. Where I will hold firm: fully funding public schools and special education, expanding Medicaid to save rural hospitals, and protecting our water. Kansans have elected governors of both parties; they want a grown-up who gets things done.
Ethan Corson / Renee Duxler (Democratic)
My career has been defined by bringing people together, solving problems, and delivering results. I’ve traveled more than 26,000 miles across Kansas, sitting at kitchen tables, visiting rural hospitals, public schools, touring farms and small businesses, and listening directly to Kansans about the challenges they face. What I’ve found is a lot of common ground. Kansans want fully funded public schools, accessible healthcare, and responsible government that works for the people, not special interests. I’ll be focused on delivering on that as your next governor. In a legislature where Republicans hold a supermajority, working across the aisle is crucial to getting things done. I’ve worked with Republican senators on tax policy, budget discussions, and issues where there’s shared ground. Even when we’ve had real disagreements, I’ve focused on keeping those relationships professional and constructive rather than turning every debate into a dead end. That matters, because governing isn’t about scoring points, it’s about getting outcomes. Those relationships are what allow you to sit down in a room, negotiate differences, and actually move legislation forward instead of just talking past each other. I will never compromise my values while finding ways to deliver for Kansans. I promise to listen, lead with integrity, and fight for a brighter future for Kansas kids.
