KDP Statement on Kansas Republicans’ Biden Effigy Fundraiser

TOPEKA –– The following statement is from the Kansas Democratic Party (KDP) regarding the Johnson County Republican Party’s fundraiser on Friday, March 8, where attendees were invited to violently attack an effigy of President Joe Biden, according to a bombshell report by the KC Star:.

“Regardless of political party, there is absolutely no excuse for encouraging or condoning violence of any kind – on a President, a political opponent, a neighbor, or anyone,” Kansas Democratic Party Chair, Jeanna Repass said. “This sort of extreme behavior is the result of increasingly violent political rhetoric that has gone unchecked over the last several years in our country. As Kansans and Americans, we need to work together to solve the issues we face – not sow hatred, violence, division, and fear.” 

The Kansas Democratic Party refuses to fall into this trap of sowing hatred, division and fear. We may oppose Kansas Republicans on many issues. But we believe that no matter how someone votes, they deserve to be treated with respect. The people that surround us are our neighbors. Our party is invested in the success of all Kansans, and we will not allow the hateful actions of Friday night to deter that objective. 

Kansas Democratic Party Executive Director Andy Bilyk said, “While Friday night's event was shocking, it wasn't surprising, given the extremists who have taken over the Kansas and Johnson County Republican Parties. This is just the latest example that the once proud Republican Party of Eisenhower, Dole, Kassebaum, and Graves is long gone. The Kansas Democratic Party invites all Kansans to join us in our work to support hardworking families and make Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”