Kansas judges question why Democrat kept on ballot
TOPEKA, Kan.
Several Kansas Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism Tuesday about a Republican official's decision to keep the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate on the ballot against his wishes as they reviewed a legal dispute that could affect the national fight for control of the Senate.
During arguments before the court, justices focused on whether a formal letter from Democrat Chad Taylor to withdraw from the race required Secretary of State Kris Kobach to remove Taylor's name from the Nov. 4 ballot. Some Democrats nudged Taylor out of the race because they see independent candidate Greg Orman as the stronger rival to three-term Republican incumbent Sen. Pat Roberts.
"The letter is what it is," Justice Dan Biles said from the bench. "If, as a matter of law, the letter complies with the statute, he (Kobach) has no discretion."
The Democrat's withdrawal thrust the Senate race into the national spotlight. Republicans hope to recapture a Senate majority and they've always counted on Roberts winning re-election in his GOP-leaning state. Some Democrats believe an Orman victory could deny the GOP a majority in a close national election.
Roberts, 78, has looked vulnerable since a tough GOP primary race against a tea party challenger. Orman, a 45-year-old businessman and co-founder of a private equity firm, raised more in contributions and was more visible on television than Democrat Taylor, the Topeka-area district attorney.
Kobach, who serves on Roberts' honorary campaign committee with other prominent Republicans, ruled that Taylor's name had to remain on the ballot because the candidate didn't meet the requirements of state law in withdrawing. Keeping Taylor's name on the ballot could split the anti-Roberts vote and allow the incumbent to win more easily.
A state election law says nominees' names can be removed from the ballot if they die or declare they're incapable of fulfilling the duties of office. Taylor's letter said he wanted to withdraw "pursuant to" the law, but he has not given a reason why he can't serve. Taylor attended the hearing but declined to comment.
Taylor petitioned the court to overturn Kobach's decision. The court is expected to rule quickly, because county officials must begin mailing ballots Saturday to overseas military personnel.
But a court decision may not be the end of the legal dispute.
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Kansas judges question why Democrat kept on ballot