WICHITA – U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback’s decision to run for governor has set off a rush of Republicans running for the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives in a cascade of openings caused by his decision. Wichita State University political scientist Ken Ciboski said it’s set off some interesting primary races, including the Senate battle between Republican congressmen Todd Tiarht and Jerry Moran. Their attempt to move up has set off furious primary Republican races in their 1st and 4th districts, he said. Because of the intense campaigns, Ciboski said primary turnout should be good, especially among the political true believers. However, Ciboski said he’s also fascinated with why Brownback is leaving his senate seat. “As we know, he ran for the presidency,” Cibowki. “And a lot of people have this idea, whether it’s true or not, that if you have executive experience, you’re better qualified to be a president or presidential candidate. So I think, in spite of whatever discussion is going on, Sam Brownback still has the idea that he wants to run for president and, that quite possibly, he could pull off the nomination of the Republican Party.”
Tuesday, July 20, 2 p.m.
