By SCOTT AUST, FCEDC Director of Communications
The first of two gubernatorial candidate debates is scheduled tonight at Garden City High School, with the second coming in two weeks.
Tonight most of the Republican candidates for governor will appear at 5:30 p.m. Former state senator Jim Barnett, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, state Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer will be on hand, and Lt. Gov. Tracey Mann will appear on behalf of Gov. Jeff Colyer.
Candidates will be allowed an opening statement followed by a question and answer session. After the forum, there will be a reception allowing the public to ask candidates additional questions.
Democratic candidates for governor will get their turn at a July 24 forum scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at GCHS which will follow the same format as the Republican forum. Democratic candidates include former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, state senator Laura Kelly, and former state ag secretary Josh Svaty.
The Democratic and Republican primary elections are scheduled for Aug. 7, and the general election will be Nov. 6.
Another declared candidate for governor, Independent Greg Orman, will not appear on either primary ballot but his name will be on the Nov. 6 ballot. Orman’s running mate is Garden City state senator John Doll.
Another important date to keep in mind is the deadline to register to vote. Those interested in voting in the primaries need to register by Tuesday, July 17, at the Finney County Clerk’s office. A party affiliation must be declared to vote in either party’s primary.
The Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting this month’s gubernatorial forums.
