At least two Douglas County incumbent political candidates came under verbal fire from their challengers Sunday during a political mixer in Lawrence.

Democrat Charles Branson maintained that the district attorney’s office under Republican Christine Kenney has lost more criminal trials this year than it has won.

And Reform Party candidate Jim Mullins went after Republican State Sen. Mark Buhler for voting to raise taxes and state fees.

“I’m the guy who doesn’t want to raise your taxes,” said Mullins, who is a former chairman of the Douglas County Republican Party.

About 30 candidates, including some who are running unopposed, appeared at the political mixer sponsored by the Lawrence and Kansas University chapters of the NAACP. The event was at Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St.

Trial record questioned

Branson and Mullins were especially critical of their opponents.

“There are some things I can do differently and better,” said Branson, a criminal defense attorney who also serves as municipal prosecutor for the city of Eudora.

Branson criticized Kenney for increasing her department’s budget by 46 percent since she was elected district attorney in 1996, while at the same time case filings declined 15 percent. He also claimed the office had lost more than half of the 34 criminal trials it has prosecuted this year, including losing six in a row this summer.

Attendees mingle during the NAACP Lawrence Branch political mixer. The Sunday afternoon event at Abe and Jake's Landing allowed local candidates to interact with the public.

Kenney told the Journal-World later that she thinks Branson’s figures are in error; that her office has tried more cases and that the winning percentage is higher, although she didn’t know the exact numbers off the top of her head. She urged those who question her record to check with the district court clerk’s office where cases are documented.

“I’m comfortable with the job that I’ve done,” Kenney said. “I’m proud of my office and our record and I’m glad to stand behind it. I think that is what is important.”

Branson also said he wanted to start a consumer protection section under the district attorney.

When Kenney addressed the audience she touted her office’s efforts in the areas of prosecuting elder, domestic and child abuse cases as well as other crimes. She cited her tough stances on drug crimes and ability to work with other agencies.

“I believe the citizens of Douglas County feel safe,” she said.

Money for education

Mullins sharply criticized Buhler, who represents the 2nd District, for voting to raise taxes five times as well as to raise various state fees. He said that in education funding, the percentage of dollars getting to the classroom has decreased.

Douglas County Dist. Atty. Christine Kenney speaks during the NAACP candidate mixer.

“If you want to continue down that path, then vote for him,” Mullins said.

Mullins said he also wants more money for education but thinks it can be done without raising taxes. He also said he supports letting the public vote on a constitutional amendment on gay marriage.

Buhler noted that the state had faced reduced revenues and experienced hard economic times the past few years. The economy is now improving and he hopes additional revenue can be found for education.

But he also said education funding couldn’t be improved without putting more money into the financing formula.

“If we need to raise funds for education at a higher rate, I’ll support a tax increase,” Buhler said. “I’m not going to lie to you.”

Democrat Marci Francisco also is challenging Buhler. She said she wants to support Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ efforts at strengthening the economy. She said she also is concerned about education funding, the environment and health-care costs.

About 50 people attended the political mixer, which allowed people to talk to candidates informally as well as listen to their speeches. Most were candidates, their supporters and NAACP members.

Lawrence NAACP President Janis Grubbs Cobbs said she was pleased with the event.

“We’re doing our part as a viable organization,” she said.