The race for Kansas Senate 17th District took center stage on KVOE’s Candidate Forum on Thursday.
Republican incumbent Jeff Longbine and Democrat challenger Steve Vecchione spent part of the forum looking at the state’s coronavirus response from several angles, including separation of powers. Longbine says the Kansas Supreme Court has set the rule for Governor Laura Kelly needing permission from the State Finance Council to extend the disaster declaration for any length of time. He also says the plan to let local governments, either cities or counties, opt out of or modify the governor’s relief plan has worked well.
When asked if the governor is “overchecked” in the checks and balances system, Vecchione said yes and no.
On the overall response effort, Vecchione says there have been some highs and lows.
Longbine says both Governor Kelly and President Donald Trump have done well in responding to the virus and its impact. He says people need to realize the scope of the virus versus other issues.
The forum is the first of three we will have during the general election cycle on KVOE and KVOE.com. On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Lyon County Commission Second District candidates Democrat Ron McCoy and Republican Doug Peck will take questions. Next Thursday, Oct. 15, our guests are Kansas House 60th District incumbent Republican Mark Schreiber and challenger Democrat Todd Maddox.
Be sure to go online to KVOE.com for our #Vote2020 information page featuring information about upcoming deadlines, candidates, upcoming forums, voter registration, advance vote processes including mail ballots and polling places.
