As Kansas Gov. Kelly Takes Office, Democrats Breathe 'Sigh of Relief,' Republicans Wait And See

By Steve Kraske,

Published January 14, 2019 at 5:03 PM CST

Newly sworn-in Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly gave an inaugural address calling on Kansas to leave behind partisanship and return to a sense of cooperation.

In a live broadcast from the south steps of the Capitol, Steve Kraske and Jim McLean hosted discussions about the political priorities of Kansas' 48th governor as she took her oath of office. State lawmakers and political watchers opined on her chances for turning her Democratic Party platform into law, and how hard a fight the Republican legislature will put up when it comes to Medicaid expansion, school funding and more. Then, Gov. Laura Kelly gave her inaugural address.

Burdett Loomis, University of Kansas political science professor
Rep. Eileen Horn, D-Lawrence
Rep. Russ Jennings, R-Lakin
Bob Beatty, Washburn University professor and chair of political science

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Jim McLean

Jim McLean is a political correspondent for the Kansas News Service, a collaboration based at KCUR with other public media stations across Kansas. You can email him at jim@kcur.org.

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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