Republicans, democrats rally at statehouse as election draws near
TOPEKA (KSNT) - With the state's republican supermajority in question, both major parties are making a final push to stack ballots ahead of Tuesday's General Election.
Republicans were the first to occupy the capitol's south steps during the Topeka leg of the GOP's 'Run Right Bus Tour'.
Derek Schmidt and state Senate President, Ty Masterson, were among the many party leaders to speak. Masterson said he'd take a republican "super-duper majority" if he could have it his way.
Schmidt, former Kansas Attorney General and District 2 Congressional Candidate, said at every stop Kansans are voicing concerns over inflation and illegal immigration.
"Everywhere I go in the second district," Schmidt said, "people are very, very concerned about inflation, the cost of living and how excessive government spending has driven up the price of things. They're very worried about illegal immigration and the southern border."
Kansas Democrat Party chair, Jeanna Repass, said Kansas Democrats are focused on other issues.
"Reproductive rights are not just about whether or not you have the right to have an abortion,"
Repass said. "It's about whether or not you can get healthcare when you are in a crisis. Being pregnant should not be a deaths sentence."
Democrats are hosting a women's march at the Capitol Saturday afternoon. Repass told 27 News in addition to reproductive rights, they'll be focusing on affordable healthcare and public education.
At the end of the day, Republicans and Democrats both said they're pushing their bases to get out and vote to elect leaders with common priorities.
"We have to vote so that the people who represent us," Repass said, "absolutely represent our values."
Repass said the rally starts at 2 p.m. "rain or shine". The GOP also wraps up their tour Saturday in cities across the Kansas City area.
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