KANSAS CITY, Mo. — During the last debate before the August primary, the candidates for the Republican gubernatorial nominee were not pulling punches.
One issue taking center stage — an American flag art project at the University of Kansas.
“When somebody wants to use taxpayer funds and tax-payer institutions to desecrate our flag, I say not in Kansas and not on my watch,” said Governor Jeff Colyer.
The @aclukansas said KU's decision to remove the project "smacks of censorship." @GovJeffColyer says he stands by his decision. He even ordered American Flags and put them around the statehouse @41actionnews #ksleg pic.twitter.com/bbMH0NjWKb
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) July 12, 2018
After the University received a phone call from the Governor on Tuesday, school officials took it down.
The flag still is on display in a museum on campus, which Colyer and Secretary of State Kris Kobach want removed.
“I too called on the University to take down the flag, about four hours prior to the governor but that’s ok,” said Kobach. “The flag was moved from a display outside the building to a display in the building. It’s still on display.”
Another candidate who will be on stage tonight is @KrisKobach1787. Tonight's debate is the last one before the primary. He says his work is really just beginning. As Secretary of State, his office is responsible for the elections. @41actionnews #ksleg pic.twitter.com/o2DfeNrInT
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) July 13, 2018
The candidates also discussed a variety of issues ranging from the impact of tariffs on farmers to in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants. They also spoke about school funding and taxes, such as online sales taxes.
“Every day, every day the governor has to be leaning in on costs,” said candidate Ken Selzer.
We just spoke with CPA and candidate @Kansans4Selzer, who said he will be an "involved governor." One of the issue where he differs from other candidates is tariffs. He thinks the "tariffs are hugely damaging." @41actionnews #ksleg pic.twitter.com/YiTrlZK4qq
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) July 13, 2018
Throughout the debate, the candidates spared with each other. Most notably Kobach and Colyer, who accused each other of lying.
However, at the end of the debate, each candidate agreed to support whoever becomes the next party nominee.
“I know we have to bring everyone together,” said Kobach.
Candidate Jim Barnett did not participate in Thursday’s debate because he refused to sign the party’s debate policies, calling them censorship. He was in attendance on Thursday and paid for his ticket.
One candidate who will not participate in the debate is @BarnettForKS because he did not sign off on the party's debate rules/agreement. He's still here and paid to get in @41actionnews #ksleg pic.twitter.com/lhyFi7aGkD
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) July 13, 2018
