Former governor Dr. Jeff Colyer may not be running for US Senate, but he’s encouraging a current Senate candidate to run for another federal office currently held by a fellow Republican. And that candidate, Kansas Treasurer Jake LaTurner, says he’s listening to that request.
Colyer was considered as a candidate for US Senate with longtime Senator Pat Roberts retiring at the end of his current term next year. Colyer announced his intentions to stay out of that race Monday — only to encourage LaTurner to challenge US Second District Representative Steve Watkins for the Republican nomination Tuesday.
Watkins has been the subject of recent rumors he would resign his post. He emphatically hit back against those rumors last week.
LaTurner, meanwhile, is among several Republican candidates for Roberts’ seat, including current Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle and former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. LaTurner says he will consider a switch, and the Wichita Eagle says he could shift his Senate fundraising to a House campaign if he decides to change his focus.
Colyer spent most of two full terms as Sam Brownback’s lieutenant governor, then ascended to governor early last year after Brownback accepted a position in President Donald Trump’s administration. Kobach edged Colyer for the Republican nomination but lost to Democrat Laura Kelly.
