FEATURE-In Kansas, a Democrat makes hay on Brownback's budget woes
FEATURE-In Kansas, a Democrat makes hay on Brownback's budget woes
Source: Reuters - Tue, 29 Jul 2014 18:13 GMT
By Carey Gillam
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., July 29 (Reuters) - Paul Davis has emerged as the potential wrecker of red state politics.
The 42-year-old Democratic nominee for governor in Kansas, one of the nation's reddest states, was a long shot when he announced his candidacy. Nearly a year later his moderate platform is drawing enough support from voters disenchanted with the Republican candidate, incumbent Governor Sam Brownback, and the state's flagging economy that Davis is threatening to upend the race.
Support for Davis, the Kansas House minority leader, has climbed in recent weeks as Brownback's policies have coincided with a drastic decline in state revenue and mounting fears about funding shortfalls for schools.
Campaign finance reports filed Monday with the Kansas secretary of state's office showed Davis taking in 50 percent more money than Brownback so far this year. The Davis camp reported receiving $1.12 million from January through July 24, while Brownback received $744,000 in contributions.
"Kansas is a traditionally Republican state, but... you are seeing a big segment of Republicans who are unhappy with Governor Brownback," Davis said in an interview. "My belief that we are going to win is growing."
More:
http://www.trust.org/item/20140729180719-d82db/
