Another Republican candidate is joining the race for Kansas governor. State Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer has appointed a campaign treasurer so he can raise money for a run.
Selzer said Monday that his experience in the Kansas Insurance Department and work as a certified public accountant make him qualified for the job of governor.
“People have seen the good work we’ve done in the Insurance Department. We’ve reduced our budget there and our expenditures in a thoughtful and calm way,” he said.
Selzer said he would bring those same efforts to tackling state budget issues.
“Kansans want to know that their state is operating in the most efficient way,” he said.
Selzer expects the field of candidates for the state’s top job will continue to grow.
"I think the field will be quite broad ... including others who haven't yet filed," he said.
Other Republicans who have announced campaigns include Secretary of State Kris Kobach and former state Sen. Jim Barnett. The Associated Press says others who have appointed a treasurer include Wichita businessman Wink Hartman, Leawood businessman Patrick Kucera and Ed O'Malley, a former legislator from Johnson County who heads the Wichita-based Kansas Leadership Center.
Several Democrats are in the race, including former Agriculture Secretary Josh Svaty, former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, Olathe physician Arden Andersen and Wichita high school student Jack Bergeson.
Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio, a partner in the Kansas News Service.
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