Kansas: Independent Candidacy

Greg Orman was the Independent candidate who held Sen. Pat Roberts (R) to a 53-43% win in 2014.  Since the Democrats did not file a candidate in that race, Mr. Orman became the de facto opposition nominee.  Yesterday, the ex-Senatorial candidate announced that he is forming a gubernatorial committee, and will again run as an Independent. 
 
While his presence was helpful to the Democrats in the 2014 Senate race, a liberal Independent is the last thing the party needs in the open Governor’s race from a strong Republican domain where the eventual Democratic nominee will make a clear effort to capture the seat.  Six Democrats have declared their intention to run – candidate filing isn’t until June 1st, so much can still happen irrespective about what people say they are doing in the early going – including former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, ex-state Agriculture Secretary Josh Svaty, and state House Minority Leader Jim Ward (D-Wichita). 
 
Seven significant Republicans have announced, including Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, Secretary of State Kris Kobach, and several former state legislators.  Assuming Gov. Sam Brownback (R) is confirmed for the federal faith based position to which he has been nominated, Mr. Colyer will assume the Governorship, which will allow him to run as a quasi-incumbent. 

--Jim Ellis