Local Columns

Opinion: Davids could break Senate losing streak

Kansas Democrats last won a U.S. Senate seat in 1932. That’s the longest active losing streak in the nation. There’s only been one close race. In 1974, Bob Dole edged Bill Roy by 1.7 points. Democrats haven’t come close since. Which raises the question: What would it take for ...

Opinion: Don’t forget the tax experiment

It has been fourteen years since former Gov. Sam Brownback’s disastrous “Great Experiment,” which cratered state revenues, slashed social services and landed the state in court over school funding. Have policymakers already forgotten? Perhaps so. Last year, the Kansas Legislature passed ...

Opinion: On justices and how to choose them

Seven months from now, on Aug. 6, 2026, Kansas voters will see on their primary ballots an amendment to the state constitution that they can vote “yes” or “no” on: The citizens of Kansas who are qualified electors shall elect the justices of the supreme court. The rules applicable for ...

Opinion: Rediscovering common ground in politics

Political polarization grabs headlines. But it’s not the whole story. Majorities in both parties believe there is more common ground than the news media and political leaders suggest. They report having constructive conversations with those holding opposing political views, and despite ...

Opinion: A year to forget in Kansas politics

Should old acquaintance be forgot? It’s a New Year question etched in dichotomous reflection as we find ourselves thinking back and looking ahead at the same time. A conundrum summed up by Harry Burns (aka Billy Crystal) in “When Harry Met Sally”: “Does that mean we should forget old ...

Opinion: Why Chiefs deal doesn’t make sense

The beleaguered Kansas City Chiefs just scored their biggest win of the year. On Dec. 22, the Chiefs announced a new agreement with the state of Kansas to spend $3.3 billion on a new domed stadium in western Wyandotte County, relying heavily on the tax mechanism called STAR bonds. Gov. Laura ...