GOP Players Also Engaged In Race For Secretary Of State

Kansas City – It's unclear how news of financial mismanagement at the Kansas GOP will affect the race for Secretary of State.

The Topeka Capitol Journal reported earlier this week that an FEC audit revealed the Kansas GOP inappropriately or illegally handled hundreds of thousands of dollars during 2007 and 2008.

Kris Kobach, now a candidate for Secretary of State, was the party chair during that time.

Kobach said he knew the issue is a distraction, but said he wasn't concerned it would hurt him politically.

"The nature of politics is opponents will try and find anything he or she can use to get away from issues or throw mud on a candidate. Not surprised people who don't like what I want to do will say Great, we got something we can throw at Kobach.'"

Kobach has blamed his executive director at the Kansas GOP, Christian Morgan for mismanaging the money. The preliminary FEC audit claims the party overstated expenses and underreported receipts, as well as mixed up state and federal dollars.

Morgan ,a political consultant, currently runs the campaign of J.R. Claaeys, who Kobach will face in the Republican primary.

The Kansas GOP has until June 21st to respond to the report.