Kansas will have no women in statewide offices
Topeka ? For the first time since 1966, Kansas will have no females in statewide offices, at least until the next election.
The Kansas City Star reports that since April 28, 1966 women have held at least one statewide office in Kansas. That ends Monday, when all eight statewide elected officials will be men, after Sandy Praeger leaves the insurance commissioner’s office.
While some women’s advocates bemoan the situation, leaders from both parties, including Gov. Sam Brownback, downplay the milestone. They note three women were on the statewide ballot in November and likely lost because they were Democrats facing GOP incumbents, not because of their gender.
They also note U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins is in office and Susan Wagle will be the first female Kansas Senate president.