“Sure, for the economic development and to relieve some of the pressure on the state.”

— Chuck Deason, heavy equipment operator, Kansas City, Kan.

“Private for-profit prisons would be less likely to use money for rehabilitation, and rehabilitation is important because 90 percent of the people who are in prison will be out in the next 10 years.”

— Loralee Stevens, college administrator, Lawrence

“Only if they are willing to trade for having publicly owned and managed utilities. See how many of the energy companies won't quit and open up a prison.”

— Pack Matthews, musician, Columbia, Mo.

“I don't think so. I don't really know that much about it, but I don't see what the benefit would be.”

— Caroline Bennett, professor, Lawrence