Topeka ? State Sen. Jim Barnett, the Republican candidate for governor, wants to make English the official language of Kansas.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat seeking re-election, said she supports that, too.

But an advocate for Hispanics said making English the official language is unnecessary, except to score political points with some voters, and could prove harmful in the long run.

“Every sign is that English is not at all threatened,” said Melinda Lewis, director of policy advocacy and research at El Centro Inc. of Kansas City, Kan.

Lewis said studies show that immigrants today are learning English as quickly or quicker than immigrants of previous generations. In her work with immigrants, Lewis said they are trying hard to learn English and to make sure their children do.

“Learning English is absolutely essential for success, and no one knows that more than immigrants,” she said. “In general, it’s not a good idea to be making policy that is not going to solve a problem and could create other ones.”

But Barnett, R-Emporia, said there is a problem.

“There are many Kansans who feel that English is slowly being minimized,” Barnett said. “The intent is to preserve and protect the English language.”

If elected governor in the Nov. 7 contest, Barnett said he would work with the Legislature to come up with a bill that says English is the official language of Kansas.

He said the legislation wouldn’t do away with languages other than English for important information and ballots.

“Certainly there will need to be communication regarding health, safety information, that will require language other than English. Those types of broad exceptions would need to be considered,” he said.

Sebelius’ office said the governor “respects the heritage and culture of all those who call Kansas home but believes it makes it easier for all of us to communicate, in school and in business, with English as the official language.”

But she said she would have to read any legislation on the subject before agreeing to sign it into law.

Though both candidates say they want English as the official language, neither has proposed such legislation during their times in office.

Twenty-eight states have passed some form of legislation making English the official language. A federal measure is being considered in the U.S. House.

Supporters of the proposal generally argue that it helps immigrants by emphasizing the importance of learning English as a path toward success in the United States.

But Lewis said it would be better to promote strategies that ensure that people who don’t speak English learn the language as soon as possible, such as increasing childhood and adult education programs.

Also, she said the state should encourage people who learn English as their first language to learn other languages.

“If you are not encouraging people to speak other languages, then you’re at a competitive disadvantage,” she said.