The Kansas Statehouse in Topeka.

Michael Lindsey is a self-described “moderate” Republican who says he is challenging Rep. Barbara Ballard in the 44th House District because he believes a Republican can have more influence in a GOP-dominated state like Kansas. But he has not been actively campaigning for the post and filed an affidavit with the Secretary of State’s office saying he does not plan to raise or spend more than $1,000 in the campaign.

Still, the retired AT&T employee is offering himself on the ballot as an alternative.

“I am strongly opposed to the tax policies of Governor Brownback which has resulted in monthly shortages of tax revenues and the lowering of the credit rating of the state,” Lindsey said.

He said he does not believe state agencies can absorb any more budget cuts, and he said he favors legalizing marijuana as a way the state could generate more revenue in a short period of time to help fund education.

“There cannot be discrimination allowed of people based on religious beliefs,” Lindsey said. :If you have a bakery open to the public, you cannot deny a wedding cake to anyone. If you run a pharmacy, you cannot deny birth control to anyone. Your religious beliefs are personal and protected but cannot be allowed to be thrust upon others in a public setting or business.”

“Finally, showing proof of citizenship in order to register to vote may be redundant if one already has a photo ID as that was usually required to obtain a photo ID,” he said. “However, I am in favor of needing to show a photo ID in order to vote as this is a frequent requirement in other situations as well as voting.”