The Kansas Statehouse in Topeka.

Echo Van Meteren is new to Kansas politics and is running this year as a Republican for the 3rd District Senate seat challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Tom Holland of Baldwin City. But while this is her first campaign, she is part of a political family that has been active in Republican politics for years. Her husband, Kris Van Meteren, is a principal in the GOP consulting firm Singularis group.

Before entering the race, Van Meteren, who lives in Linwood, worked as an advertising consultant for an outdoor sign company. A graduate of Midamerica Nazarene University with a degree in management and human relations, she now has her own company, Kaliveri LLC

Van Meteren has indicated that she supports the state’s current tax policies, and she accuses her opponent, Sen. Tom Holland of proposing to raise taxes, particularly on low-income taxpayers. And in recent statements, she has suggested extending complete income tax exemptions to teachers and state correctional workers as a way of boosting their take-home income.

“I favor a revenue and spending plan that mirrors inflation and population growth, and balances the budget,” Van Meteren said. “Government simply can’t keep taking a bigger and bigger chunk of everyone’s paycheck.”

Van Meteren also said she is skeptical that increased funding for education will help improve student performance or close achievement gaps. “The Legislature funds education and needs to continue to do so adequately and in a way that makes our students among the most competitive in the world,” she said. “But trying to solve sliding test scores by throwing even more money at the problem without addressing underlying issues is not the answer.”

Regarding LGBT rights, Van Meteren said she supports protecting constitutional rights of all citizens. “That includes the right of members of the LGBT community to live their lives in peace, unthreatened by others who may have different views,” she said. “However, it also includes the right of members of the faith community whose freedom of religion is specifically enshrined and protected in the U.S. Constitution.”

She also supports current laws requiring voters to show photo ID at the polls and proof of U.S. citizenship to register.