2014 KS Senate debate: on Government Reform

Greg Orman: Ban on PACs formed by congressional leaders

Orman also called for a constitutional amendment overturning the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which said corporations, labor unions and other groups have a First Amendment right to spend unlimited amounts on elections.

Roberts supports the Citizens United decision and recently tried to block consideration of a Senate proposal allowing limits on corporate campaign spending.

In the State Fair debate, Roberts said he supported "transparency" in campaign donations. "If people know where the money is coming from," he said, "I think that is the biggest reform we can make." Yet current law allows unlimited secret donations to social welfare organizations known by their 501(c)(4) section of the federal tax code. Roberts has not indicated any desire to eliminate those groups.

Greg Orman: 12-year term limit for Congress

Pat Roberts: 2012: No transparency of PAC donors; 2014: Some transparency

In the State Fair debate, Roberts said he supported "transparency" in campaign donations. "If people know where the money is coming from," he said, "I think that is the biggest reform we can make." Yet current law allows unlimited secret donations to social welfare organizations known by their 501(c)(4) section of the federal tax code. Roberts has not indicated any desire to eliminate those groups or prohibit their secret spending in elections.

In 2012, Roberts voted to kill a bill that would have required public disclosure of some donors to companies and labor unions that engage in political activities.

Pat Roberts: No term limits for Congress

Milton Wolf: Photo ID for voting

Wolf: Strongly Disagree

Greg Orman: Ballot requirements hinder 3rd-party candidates

A: "The single greatest hurdle facing an independent candidate is getting the 5,000 signatures on the petition to allow his or her name to be on the ballot," Orman commented. "This is not imposed on party candidates."

"The single greatest hurdle facing an independent candidate is getting the 5,000 signatures to be on the ballot." Orman also stated the rules for this petition stipulate county- specific forms (there are 105 counties in Kansas) and the petition has to be signed in person with a witness--all of which makes the disallowance of signatures very easy.

Another major disadvantage to independents came in 1901 in Kansas with the passage of Antifusion Laws. Prior to this, according to Orman, third parties thrived [because] candidates could run under more than one party. Candidates could state that they were a Populist and a Republican (or any other combination).

Chad Taylor: Require open meetings for water utility rate-setting

The action seeks injunctive relief concerning the rate increase for Howison Heights, Inc., previously approved by the Commission. The impact of the injunction would void the action taken by the KCC resulting in a near fifty percent rate hike to consumers of the water district.

The lawsuit also seeks other relief consistent with the KOMA. The primary purposes of this action are to ensure that both the statutory provisions of the KOMA are adhered to and the purpose of the Act, governmental transparency, is enforced.