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Voting offers choice only if candidates file

By Staff | Jun 19, 2002

During the 2002 session of the Legislature, constituents from across Kansas watched with fascination and concern.

And now, as the state’s fiscal problems continue to mount, Kansans hear legislators say the 2003 session could be even more difficult, even more contentious. The budget problems aren’t expected to be solved anytime soon, these legislators say. Revenues will be lower than estimated, drastically affecting how state government can do the citizens’ business.

During this year’s session, some constituents vowed they would vote in November for anyone who is not an incumbent. A “throw the bums out” sentiment spread in some circles.

But now, just a few days from the June 24 deadline for filing for legislative seats, it doesn’t appear those disgruntled voters will be afford the opportunity to make a choice.

More than half of the members of the Kansas House of Representatives will not face challengers.

A check last Friday on candidate filings at the Kansas Secretary of State’s office revealed that 67 House members are unopposed so far. That represents nearly 54 percent of the Kansas House.

Another 28 incumbents face challengers, while 24 incumbents have not filed for re-election. So it is possible that almost half of the House could turn over between now and January. But that is unlikely.

No area state representative faces any opposition either within their political party or from the other party.

In eight House districts, no one has filed for election.

It appears the “throw the bums out” sentiment has given way to the usual apathy among voters.

Kansans again will have an opportunity to speak their minds in the August primary and November general elections. And if Kansans don’t like their choices, they still have until noon Monday to file for election to a seat in the House of Representatives.