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Without Candidate, Role Of Democrats Unclear In Kansas U.S. Senate Race

Democrats aren't fielding a candidate for a U.S. Senate race in Kansas after Democrat Chad Taylor dropped out, but with no one in that race, it's not clear what role, if any, the state Democratic Party will take in the campaign.

There's no love lost between Republican Sen. Pat Roberts and the leaders in the Kansas Democratic party. But that doesn't mean top-ranking Democrats are throwing their support behind independent candidate Greg Orman.

"I'm not sure that Mr. Orman wants our endorsement, and I'm not sure that I want to give him my endorsement," says Joan Wagnon, chair of the Kansas Democratic Party.  

Wagnon says she has received calls from local Democratic parties wondering if they can invite Orman to their events. Wagnon says Orman has not asked for support from the state party and she's currently not offering any.

Republican incumbent Sen. Pat Roberts' campaign has said Orman is really Democrat.

Orman says he has supported both Republicans and Democrats in the past and he's been disappointed in both parties. He says that's why he's running as an independent.

As the Kansas News Service managing editor, I help our statewide team of reporters find the important issues and breaking news that impact people statewide. We refine our daily stories to illustrate the issues and events that affect the health, well-being and economic stability of the people of Kansas. Email me at skoranda@kcur.org.
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