Running for governor are incumbent Kathleen Sebelius, Democrat; Jim Barnett, Emporia Republican; Carl Kramer, Wichita Libertarian; and Richard Ranzau, Wichita Reform.

In the attorney general’s race, incumbent Phill Kline, Republican, is being challenged by Paul Morrison, Lenexa Democrat.

And in the running for the 2nd District’s U.S. House of Representative seat are incumbent Jim Ryun, Lawrence Republican; Nancy Boyda, Topeka Democrat; and Roger Tucker, Ottawa Reform.

Other state races include:

• State insurance commissioner: Bonnie Sharp, Kansas City Democrat, Patrick Wilbur, Lawrence Libertarian, and Sandy Praeger, Lawrence Republican.
• Secretary of state: David Haley, Kansas City Democrat; Rob Hodgkinson, Stilwell Libertarian; Joseph Martin, St. Marys Reform, and Ron Thornburgh, Topeka Republican.
• State treasurer: Larry Wilson, Topeka Democrat; and Lynn Jenkins, Topeka Republican.
• State House, 42nd District, Kenny Wilk, Lansing Republican, is running unopposed.
• State Board of Education, First District, Janet Waugh, Kansas City Democrat, is running unopposed.

¢ Republican 15,580

¢ Democrat 12,280

¢ Unaffiliated 12,620

¢ Libertarian 247

¢ Reform 28

¢ Total 40,755

— Source: Leavenworth County Clerk’s office

And in nearby McLouth, the hot election topic is liquor.

Voters will head to the polls to decide whether to allow the sale of retail packaged liquor in the city.

And if McLouth residents aren’t sure how to vote on the question, there are plenty of political signs around town to remind them.

In short, a “yes” vote will be a vote against a liquor store, and a “no” vote will be a vote in favor of a liquor store.

Here’s how the question is worded on the ballot: “No retailer’s license shall be issued for premises within the city of McLouth, Kansas for the sale at retail of alcoholic liquor in the original package.”

If the “yes” votes carry and the city is voted dry, Charles Karmann, owner of Karmann’s Liquor, will have 90 days to close shop. If the “no” votes prevail on Tuesday, Karmann can keep his liquor store open.

According to the Jefferson County clerk’s office, McLouth has about 650 voters. It will take a simple majority to decide whether liquor — or prohibition — rules.

Commissioners race

In Leavenworth County, voters in the first district will vote on a replacement for Commissioner Don Navinsky, who is retiring.

Two county residents — Ed Sass, an Easton Democrat, and J.C. Tellefson, a Leavenworth Republican, are vying for the seat. The first district covers the northern tier of the county, from the Atchison County line south to Leavenworth.

Growing numbers

On a countywide basis, the number of registered voters has grown since the last gubernatorial election, according to the county clerk’s office.

On Tuesday, according to the clerk’s office, Leavenworth County had 40,755 registered voters. In 2002, the county had 35,507 registered voters, 16,835 of whom voted in the general election.

To compare the number of voters with the county’s growth, here’s some additional information. In 2002, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county’s population was estimated at 71,366. The 2006 estimate is 73,113.