TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Moderate Republicans trying to retain control of the Kansas Senate may get help from Democrats temporarily switching parties to vote against conservative challengers in Tuesday’s GOP primaries.
The state GOP allows only registered Republicans to vote in its primaries.
Kansas Democratic chairwoman Joan Wagnon says local party officials have seen hundreds of people switch their affiliations to the GOP in counties with contested Senate races. Wagnon said Monday she believes the party-switching will be a significant factor.
Voter registration numbers from Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s office also suggested such a trend.
But Kansas Republican Party executive director Clay Barker isn’t sure the party-switching is widespread.
Kansas has a dozen state Senate races pitting moderate GOP incumbents against more conservative challengers.
