A Republican candidate for Kansas secretary of state is challenging his rivals to commit to being a full-time state official if elected and jabbed Thursday at an opponent who's become well-known for work on immigration issues.
J.R. Claeys, a consultant and former business group executive, drafted a pledge, signed it, and called publicly on fellow Republicans Kris Kobach and Elizabeth Ensley to sign it ahead of Tuesday's primary. Claeys, from Salina, promised to end his own consulting work if elected.
Kobach, a University of Missouri-Kansas City law professor who lives in Piper, helped draft Arizona's new law against illegal immigration. He's also advised cities and legislatures across the nation on immigration issues.
Ensley, the Shawnee County election commissioner, ignored Claeys' pledge but also questioned Kobach's commitment to being a full-time secretary of state. She was endorsed Thursday by the association representing Kansas' county elections officials — the first time it has backed a candidate.
Kobach said Thursday that he'll spend between 40 and 50 hours a week working as secretary of state. He said he expects to spend an additional 20 hours a week working on immigration issues.
"Some people golf in their spare time," Kobach said. "I defend American sovereignty."
For the full story, go to dodgecitydailyglobe.ks.newsmemory.com.
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A Republican candidate for Kansas secretary of state is challenging his rivals to commit to being a full-time state official if elected and jabbed Thursday at an opponent who's become well-known for work on immigration issues.
J.R. Claeys, a consultant and former business group executive, drafted a pledge, signed it, and called publicly on fellow Republicans Kris Kobach and Elizabeth Ensley to sign it ahead of Tuesday's primary. Claeys, from Salina, promised to end his own consulting work if elected.
Kobach, a University of Missouri-Kansas City law professor who lives in Piper, helped draft Arizona's new law against illegal immigration. He's also advised cities and legislatures across the nation on immigration issues.
Ensley, the Shawnee County election commissioner, ignored Claeys' pledge but also questioned Kobach's commitment to being a full-time secretary of state. She was endorsed Thursday by the association representing Kansas' county elections officials — the first time it has backed a candidate.
Kobach said Thursday that he'll spend between 40 and 50 hours a week working as secretary of state. He said he expects to spend an additional 20 hours a week working on immigration issues.
"Some people golf in their spare time," Kobach said. "I defend American sovereignty."
For the full story, go to dodgecitydailyglobe.ks.newsmemory.com.
