Kansas politics

Three major questions will determine Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto power in her last two years. Her ability to block Republican priorities will depend on a handful of key Statehouse races.

The hottest congressional race in Kansas this year is for the 2nd District, which is wide open after incumbent Republican Jake LaTurner decided not to run for reelection. The candidates are trying to find ways to stand out beyond their party affiliation.

Republicans hold huge majorities and can override the Democratic governor on topics like abortion restrictions and transgender issues. Democrats have set their sights on changing that this election season, but it won't be easy.

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins say a bill for STAR bonds to lure the Chiefs to Kansas is in the works. The bill could be brought to the floor during the special session called by Gov. Laura Kelly to address tax cuts later this month, if there's support from rank-and-file members.

The centrist group was officially recognized last month as the state’s third minor party. The party's chairperson says the goal is to provide a middle ground for Kansans who don’t feel represented by Democrats or Republicans.

Lobbyists and legislators have been pushing for years to eliminate copays for supplemental and diagnostic breast cancer screening, which other Midwest states have already done. Advocates say they create cost barriers that can lead to late diagnosis.

With a budget surplus and a looming election, Republicans and Democrats in the Kansas Legislature have said it's necessary to pass tax relief this session. Journalists who cover the Kansas Statehouse have insights into how that might happen.

The Kansas legislature has taken up several bills this session that the ACLU says would make casting ballots harder. The House Committee on Elections' chair says the goal is to improve Kansans' confidence in elections, and that many of the measures won't make it to a vote on the floor.

Voters registered as Republicans still outnumber Democrats in Johnson County, but by much less than in 2010. Today, more than half of the county's state representatives today are Democrats — metrics that show the power of the local GOP may be softening.

Kansas was years ahead of most of the country in granting women full suffrage. A prank by a few men backfired when Susanna Madora Salter was elected mayor of Argonia, Kansas, in 1887.

Aaron Coleman was arrested twice in office and was accused of strangling his ex-girlfriend. He spent one term in the Kansas House, but wants another shot in office.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly took on Kansas' GOP-led Legislature, vetoing more bills than any Kansas governor in nearly three decades. She shared her thoughts on the legislative session and what she's working on during the off season.