Tuesday's Primary

 

Tuesday’s primary election has shown us that significant changes will be coming to the Kansas Legislature.  Several long-serving incumbents were defeated Tuesday, and many fresh faces will be on the November ballot.

 

In the upheaval of redistricting and the results of Tuesday’s primary, it’s easy to wonder about the chances for abolishing the death penalty in Kansas.  What is important to remember, is that support for abolition comes from all sides of the political spectrum––from conservatives, moderates and liberals, and from Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians.

 

As we get to know these candidates, we will learn that many of these future lawmakers may already oppose the death penalty.  Some will need to learn about the issues.  Others will change their minds about the death penalty over time.  Of the 20 Senators who voted for abolition in 2010, several began their Senate careers as supporters of reinstating the death penalty.

 

It’s not only legislators who change their minds on the death penalty.  Kansans from all walks of life are questioning its use.  Terry Fox, the Senior Pastor of Summit Church in Wichita, recently gave an interview where he spoke about reconsidering his views on the death penalty after a member of Summit Church congregation asked him to witness her son’s execution in Oklahoma.

 

The one thing that all supporters of repeal share is the knowledge that the death penalty is flawed.  The more candidates for the legislature learn about the death penalty and its harmful effects in Kansas, the more likely they are to become supporters of abolition.  And they need to hear from you.

 

So, let’s keep focused on the work we need to do for abolition. These next weeks and months are critical.

Please help educate your legislative candidates about the death penalty and let us know what you learn!  

 

Click here to download our Candidate Fact Sheet to print and mail to the candidates running to represent you in the state legislature.

 

When you have the opportunity to speak with you candidates one on one, tell them how important repealing the death penalty is to you.

 

Click here to find contact information for you candidates.  It’s easy, just enter your address.

 

It is important for candidates to hear directly from the voters about the issues that matter to them.  Please contact your candidates today and let them know just how the death penalty fails Kansas.