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Bomb Scare Doesn't Bother Enthusiastic Supporters Of Kobach And Arizona Sheriff

Kris Kobach and Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio at a fundraiser in Overland Park for Kobach's Secretary of State race. Photo by Laura Ziegler.
Kris Kobach and Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio at a fundraiser in Overland Park for Kobach's Secretary of State race. Photo by Laura Ziegler.

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-912689.mp3

Overland Park, Kansas – A bomb scare at a fundraiser for Kansas Secretary of State candidate Kris Kobach turned out to be a false alarm last night, but the overflow crowd never seemed concerned.

Police estimated some 1500 people were at the Ritz Charles Hotel in Overland Park as Kobach introduced guest speaker Sheriff Joe Arpaio from Maricopa County, Arizona.

Overland Park police chief John Douglass was rushed to the mike to make an announcement:

"We're asking that you evacuate the room in an orderly way," "Boooo, Noooo," the crowd responded.

Hardly anyone left. Sheriff Arpaio, who worked with Kobach crafting the controversial Arizona immigration law, said he's accustomed to threats.

"They call me Nazi, murderer, thousands of them marching outside my office every day. I'm just trying to do my job."

Police held people for over an hour after the event until the briefcase was safely opened.

Several hundred civil rights advocates lined the streets in front of the hotel protesting the event.

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