Voters must reject over-the-line campaign tactics

An especially vile piece of campaign literature landed in the mailboxes of voters in the 108th Kansas House District this week.
Among other shortcomings listed on the direct mail piece from the Kansas Democratic Party, Rep. Steven Johnson of Assaria is criticized for ignoring a recent racist episode in Lindsborg, where his opponent resides.
Here’s the story on Rep. Johnson. He’s a Republican, but he does not — as his opponent has charged — follow in the footsteps of Gov. Brownback. Rep. Johnson voted against the 2012 income tax cuts championed by the governor and his friends in the Legislature. Johnson helped lead the effort this past session to roll them back. You can agree or not with Rep. Johnson, but he has been a good representative for Ellsworth County and other parts of his district. He listens to his constituents and reaches out to both Democrats and Republicans. He is exactly the kind of representative we say we want.
Several years ago, a similar flier was mailed attacking a House candidate in Salina. The plan backfired and the candidate won in a landslide.
Our hope is the Johnson flier has the same effect. The message the flier sends to voters says little about Rep. Johnson. It speaks volumes about his opponent and the party she represents.

Linda Mowery-Denning

Editor/Publisher

Ellsworth County I-R