FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:

Emma O’Brien
emma@kansasdems.org
November 1, 2022

WICHITA EAGLE ED BOARD: “LAURA KELLY’S EARNED A SECOND TERM AS GOVERNOR; DEREK SCHMIDT LET US DOWN”

Wichita Eagle Editorial Board: “Unfortunately, Schmidt has evolved over time into just another mediocre politician who thinks the key to the castle lies in inflaming hot-button social issues instead of doing his job.” 

Topeka, KS – This weekend, the Wichita Eagle Editorial Board announced its endorsement of Laura Kelly’s campaign for re-election over Derek Schmidt, citing her accomplishments including eliminating the food sales tax, passing sports betting, and expertly leading the state through tough times.

The Wichita Eagle Editorial Board laid out Schmidt’s failures, including his focus on “hot-button social issues instead of doing his job,” which precluded him from receiving an endorsement. It also cited Schmidt’s failure to investigate the “obvious” price gouging crisis from February 2021 cold snap, noting that “[Schmidt’s] made no discernible progress in the last 20 or so months,” and as a result Kansans will be paying an “extra $5- to $12 a month on your bills for years to come.”

Read more about why the Wichita Eagle endorsed Governor Kelly over Derek Schmidt here, or key quotes below: 

  • “Unfortunately, Schmidt has evolved over time into just another mediocre politician who thinks the key to the castle lies in inflaming hot-button social issues instead of doing his job.”
  • “His performance as attorney general hasn’t earned this newspaper’s endorsement, or your vote.”
  • “[Gov. Kelly] managed to shame the Legislature into finally taking action to phase out the second-highest-in-the-nation food sales tax, that for far too long has drained our wallets through our grocery bills.”
  • “Kelly was also instrumental in bringing Kansas into the 21st Century on sports wagering, which was being widely done online without any state regulation or benefit.”
  • “After announcing that he would investigate the obvious price gouging for natural gas that occurred during the Big Freeze of February 2021, he’s made no discernible progress in the last 20 or so months. Meanwhile, depending on which utilities you have, you’ll be paying an extra $5- to $12 a month on your bills for years to come.”
  • “Schmidt has one heck of a nerve trying to blame Kelly for global inflation. When he had the chance to fight for economic justice for Kansas consumers, he didn’t. And now he never will.” 

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