>> WHO WILL LEAD KANSAS?

>>> I RAN FOR GOVERNOR BECAUASE I WANTED TO GET OUR STATE BACK ON TRACK.

>> SHE ACCOMPLISHED NEARLY NOTHING DURING THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF HER ADMINISTRATION.

>> DEREK SCHMIDT SUPPORTED THE AGENDA THAT DROVE US INTO THE DITCH IN THE FIRST PLACE.

THERE ARE FEWER PEOPLE WORKING IN THIS STATE TODAY THAN THERE WERE THE DAY SHE TOOK OFFICE BEFORE YOU VOTE, EXPERIENCE THE CANDIDATES FOR YOURSELF.

FROM THE DOUBLE TREE HOTEL IN OVERLAND PARK, IT IS A KANSAS GOVERNOR'S DEBATE, PRESENTED BY THE JOHNSON COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, MORE THAN 1300 ATTORNEY MEMBERS, SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1938.

>> ADDITIONAL SUPPORT COMES FROM AARP, KANSAS, KEEP KANSAS IN THE KNOW IN LIFE 50 PLUS.

>> AND NOW HERE'S YOUR DEBATE MODERATOR, NICK HAINES.

>>> AND IT'S ALL COME DOWN TO THIS.

>>> HELLO EVERYONE.

WELCOME.

>> THIS IS THE LAST TIME THESE TWO CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR WILL SHARE THE SAME STAGE TOGETHER BEFORE ELECTION DAY.

ARE YOU UP TO SHAKING HANDS?

>> YES.

[LAUGHTER.]

>> CAN YOU CAN APPLAUD AT THAT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN [APPLAUSE.]

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

> HAVE YOU NOTICED THAT OUR NATION'S GOVERNORS ARE RIGHT NOW IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERY HOT BUTTON ISSUE DIVIDING AMERICA, FROM ABORTION, GUNS, IMMIGRATION TO WHAT'S TAUGHT IN YOUR KID'S SCHOOL?

THE STAKES ARE HIGH.

AND THIS YEAR, YOU GET A SAY IN WHO SHOULD BE IN THAT OFFICE.

DOES DEMOCRAT LAURA KELLY DESERVE FOUR MORE YEARS IN THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION?

DEREK SCHMIDT IS TRYING TO FIND HER A NEW HOME.

HE'S THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE JUST COMPLETING HIS THIRD TERM AS KANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL.

>>> IN MANY WAYS, WHAT WE ARE DOING THIS HOUR IS A JOB INTERVIEW.

YOU ARE APPLYING FOR A POSITION THAT PAYS MORE THAN 110 THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR, COMES WITH A COMPANY CAR, FREE HOUSE, AND A DRIVER AND YOU MAY GET TO SKIP THE LINE AT RESTAURANTS AND GET YOUR TABLE OF CHOICE?

NO?

[LAUGHTER.]

>> WHY ARE YOU MORE QUALIFIED FOR THIS JOB THAN THE OTHER CANDIDATE, DEREK SCHMIDT?

>> THANKS PBS AND THE BAR ASSOCIATION FOR HOSTING US.

>> FROM MY POINT, THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME, IT IS ABOUT YOU.

IT IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE IN THIS STATE WHO ARE NOT BETTER OFF FOUR YEARS AGO.

I'M RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHOSE JOBS WERE DECLARED NON ESSENTIAL AND THEY ARE RAN OUT OF THEIR JOBS.

FOR PEOPLE WHO NEEDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND WHEN NOT ABLE TO GET THEM WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILED THEM AND THEY COULDN'T PAY THEIR BILLS.

AND I AM RUNNING FOR THOSE WHOSE LIVES WERE EFFECTED BY FENTANYL.

THIS IS ALL IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT BIDEN.

>> YOU HAVE 60 SECOND S. >> YOU LOOK LIKE AN EXPECTED FATHER BEFORE YOU CAME UP ON THE STAGE.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE JOHNSON COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION.

I REALLY AM HONORED TO BE HERE TODAY.

>> FOUR YEARS AGO I RAN FOR GOVERNOR TO GET KANSAS BACK ON TRACK.

AFTER THE PRIOR ADMINISTRATION LEFT US IN A WORLD OF HURT.

AND DESPITE ALL OF THE CHALLENGES THAT OUR COUNTRY HAS FACED THE PAST FEW YEARS, WE ARE BACK ON TRACK.

DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS WORKING TOGETHER, WE HAVE RECRUITED SOME OF THE LARGEST COMPANIES AND BALANCED OUR BUDGETS AND CUT TAXES FOR PEOPLE WHO NEEDED RELIEF.

I'M PROUD OF MY PARTISAN RECORD, THE SPIRIT OF WORKING TOGETHER MEETING IN THE MIDDLE, WE HAVE TO STAY ON TRACK AND MOVING FORWARD.

>> WE ARE TOLD FROM NATIONAL POLLS THAT RISING PRICES IS THE NUMBER ONE CONCERN ON AMERICAN'S MINDS THIS YEAR.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST POLICY CHALLENGE TO HELP KANSAS COPE THE GAS, GROCERY STORE, LAURA KELLY?

>> I THINK I HAVE DONE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT WE CAN DO THAT IS WITHIN OUR CONTROL TO FIGHT INFLATION THAT WAS TO ELIMINATE THE SALES TAX ON FOOD.

YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A 6 AND A HALF PERCENT SALES TAX ON FOOD.

THAT IS ACTUALLY WHEN YOU COMBINE IT WITH THE LOCAL TAXES THE HIGHEST IN THE COUNTRY.

IT IS IMMORAL.

I VOTED TO ELIMINATE THE SALES TAX, JULY 1 AND IT DIDN'T HAPPEN BECAUSE OF THE POLITICS BEING PLAYED.

I WILL PROPOSE AN ELIMINATION OF THE SALES TAX WHEN THE LEGISLATION COMES BACK TO TOWN.

>> WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED THE SALES TAX OUGHT TO BE HALF OF WHAT IT IS, AND HALF TO ZERO COME JANUARY.

THAT IS WHAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IF THE GOVERNOR SIGNED THE FOOD TAX BILLS THAT WERE PUT ON HER DESK.

GOING FORWARD, THERE ARE TWO THINGS WE HAVE TO FOCUS ON, ONE IS ADDITIONAL RELIEF ON THE COST SIDES.

WE HAVE PROPOSED RETIRE TAX FREE TO HELP SENIORS IN PARTICULAR DEAL WITH THE COST OF LIVING AND RETIREMENT.

AND WE ALSO HAVE TO FOCUS ON COSTS.

IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS, KANSAS HAS SPENT MORE MONEY AT A FASTER PACE THAN EVER IN THE HISTORY OF THE STATE.

THOSE BILLS WILL COME DUE.

>> YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS.

>> I HAVE PRIDED MYSELF ON MY FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.

I HAVE VOTED BILLS THAT HAVE COME TO MY DESK THAT WOULD HAVE SPIRALLED US TO THE BROWN BACK ERA.

HE REFERRED TO THAT.

AND WE HAVE CUT TAXES IN THE TIME I HAVE BEEN GOVERNOR.

>> THE TAX CUTS WERE SUBMITTED BY THE REPUBLICANS AND THE LEGISLATURE AND SHE SIGNED THIS.

WHEN IS THE 2019 BILL SHE FOUND TO BE UNFORTUNATE AND A PROBLEM, EVERYTHING THAT SHE VOTED TWICE BECAME LAW OTHER THAN THE FOOD SALES REDUCTION.

THE FOOD SALES TAX IS HALF OF THE RATE AND ON ITS WAY TO ZERO.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> IF YOU WERE PICKED BY VOTERS IN NOVEMBER, WHAT CHANGES, IF ANY, TO THE ABORTIONS LAWS AND THE CLINICS?

>> I AM PRO LIFE.

I WANT KANSAS TO HAVE FEWER ABORTIONS AND NOT MORE.

KANSAS VOTERS MADE THE DECISION THAT ANY STATE INVOLVEMENT IN THIS AREA IS GOING TO HAVE TO SATISFY JUDICIAL SCRUTINY AND WE HAVE TO RESPECT THAT DECISION GOING FORWARD.

I BELIEVE GOING FORWARD THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IS DEFENDING THOSE LIMITATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS ON THE BOOKS AND I THINK THEY WILL BE SUBJECT TO LEGAL CHALLENGE AND DEFENDING THEM GOING FORWARD.

THE GOVERNOR HAS MADE NO SUCH COMMITMENTS.

HER VIEWS ARE FAR OUT OF THE MAINSTREAM AND I HAVE YET TO HEAR HER ON ACCESS TO ABORTION.

SHE VOTED ON EVERY ONE THAT CAME BEFORE HER IN THE SENATE AND VOTED EVERY ONE THAT HAS COME TO HER DESK.

>> WE SAW ON AUGUST 2, AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF KANSAS RESIDENTS THE RIGHT TO MAKE DECISIONS FOR HER RESTS WITH THE WOMEN AND NOT THE POLITICIANS.

THEY SAW THE AMENDMENT AS SERIOUS GOVERNMENT OVER REACH.

I HAVE BELIEVED AND CONSISTENT ON MY POSITION ON THIS, A WOMEN'S MEDICAL DECISIONS SHOULD BE MADE BETWEEN HER, HER FAMILY AND HER DOCTOR.

AND WOMEN SHOULD HAVE BODILY AUTONOMY SIMILAR TO MEN.

>> YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS.

>> SHE SPENT HER TIME NOT TALKING ABOUT THE RESTRICTIONS.

ALREADY ON THE BOOKS, LATE TERM ACCESS, AND PARENTAL CONSENT AND TAX PAYER FUNDING.

THOSE ARE OUT OF THE MAINSTREAM AND I WILL BEND THOSE ON THE BOOKS.

SHE SUGGESTED SHE WOULD NOT.

>> I HAVE HAD 18 YEARS HAD THE SAME POSITION ON THIS ISSUE.

SO, I REALLY I DON'T HAVE MUCH MORE TO SAY.

>> NEW QUESTION.

WHAT IN YOUR JUDGMENT, GOVERNOR KELLY, IS THE SERIOUS THREAT FACING THE STATE OF KANSAS?

>> WELL, ACTUALLY THE MOST SERIOUS THREAT RIGHT NOW IS WORKFORCE SHORTAGE.

AS I HAVE GONE ALL AROUND THE STATE.

WE FINISHED UP OUR PROSPERITY ON THE PLAINS TOUR.

NO MATTER WHERE I WENT, IT WAS WORKFORCE, HOUSING, AND AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE AND WATER.

THOSE ARE THE KINDS OF THINGS THAT KANSAS RESIDENTS ARE THINKING ABOUT.

THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS WORKING ON TO RESOLVE.

BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMIC SUCCESS WE HAVE HAD, BRINGING IN 14 BILLION DOLLARS OF NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 51 THOUSAND NEW JOBS.

WE HAVE STOPPED SOME OF THE PROBLEMS.

YOU CAN TRUST THAT WE HAVE ALL EYES ON AND WORKING LIKE THE DEVIL TO ENSURE WE MEET THE NEEDS OF THE WORKFORCE AND CHILD CARE.

>> THE BIGGEST ISSUE IS BLANK?

>> THERE ARE MANY SERIOUS PROBLEMS FACING OUR STATES.

WE HAVE TO HAVE AN ALL APPROACH TO ALL OF THEM.

ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, METHAMPHETAMINE WAS THE PROBLEM, NOW IT IS FENTANYL, IT IS SHIPPED INTO KANSAS AND MADE ELSEWHERE.

IT IS KILLING OUR CHILDREN.

AND THE FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION UNDER PRESIDENT BIDEN'S LEADERSHIP WILL NOT ADDRESS IT.

THEY WILL NOT SECURE THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF THE UNITED STATES WHICH TRANSFORMS WHAT WAS A BORDER OR SECURITY ISSUE, INTO A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE FOR MOMS AND DADS IN JOHNSON COUNTY AND ACROSS THE STATE.

>> THIRTY SECONDS.

>> NO DOUBT WE NEED SECURE BORDERS.

IF WE WANT TO DEAL WITH THE FENTANYL ISSUES AND OTHER ABUSE ISSUES FACING OUR STATE, THEN WE NEED TO ONCE AND FOR ALL EXPAND MEDICAID SO PEOPLE CAN ACCESS THE SERVICES THEY NEED TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUES THEY ARE SUFFERING FROM.

>> FINAL WORDS.

>> I HAVE HELPED WITH OTHER COLLEAGUES TO LEAD THE EFFORTS TO HOLD DRUG COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE THAT THEY HAVE PEDDLED.

WE ARE BRINGING 200 MILLION DOLLARS INTO THE STATE TO SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ADDICTION ISSUES.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE MUST STOP THE FLOOD ON THE SUPPLY SIDE.

SHE SUPPORTS SECURING THE BORDER, BUT HAVE TAKEN FEW ACTION AND HAS SAID FEW WORDS.

>> WHAT ROLE SHOULD KANSAS PLAY ON SCHOOLS AND WHICH BOOKS SHOULD BE ON SCHOOL LIBRARY SHELVES?

>> I THINK THE KANSAS GOVERNOR AND THE OTHER LEADERS HAVE TO BE THE VOICE.

THE DECISIONS GET MADE LOCALLY, BY THE OFFICIALS IN THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE LEGISLATION WHEN ENACTMENT OF THE LAWS ARE APPROPRIATE.

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT SO MANY KANSAS KIDS AND FAMILIES ARE SUFFERING RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THEIR KIDS WERE LOCKED OUT OF SCHOOLS, THEIR LIVES WERE DISRUPTIVE.

SUICIDAL IDEATION IS UP.

AND WE HAVE TO DO MORE FROM THE PARENTS AND KIDS WHOSE VOICES HAVE NOT BEEN HEARD.

THAT'S MOST IMPORTANT FOR THE GOVERNOR.

>> IT IS THE GOVERNOR'S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THE SCHOOLS ARE FULLY FUNDED AND WE HAVE DONE THAT.

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE GOVERNOR TO BE CHAMPIONS FOR THE STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND THE SCHOOLS.

I HAVE DONE THAT.

I HAVE BEEN A VERY, VERY STRONG ADVOCATE FOR THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, SINCE I HAVE COME TO KANSAS AND INTO THE SENATE.

I WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

I HAVE SAID OFTEN THAT I WANT MY LEGACY THAT KANSAS HAS THE MOST ROBUST PRE K PROGRAM.

WE ARE WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITIES TO MAKE SURE THE LEGACY THE FULFILLED.

WE KNOW KIDS ARE HAVING LOTS OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES LONG BEFORE THE PANDEMIC WE WERE DEVELOPING THE PROGRAMS WITHIN THE MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS.

>> YOU HAVE THIRTY SECONDS.

>> I HAVE COMMITTED TO THAT AS ANY GOVERNOR WOULD BECAUSE IT IS LEGALLY REQUIRED IN THIS STATE.

IT IS NOT ENOUGH JUST TO WRITE THE CHECK.

IT DOESN'T ACCOMPLISH WHAT WE NEED FOR OUR KIDS TO FULLY FUND THE SCHOOLS AND LOCK THEM OUT AND NOT STAND UP TO SUPPORT PARENTS.

PARENTS ARE MUCH MORE ENGAGED THAN BEFORE BECAUSE THEY SAW FIRSTHAND THINGS THAT HAPPENED WITH THEIR KIDS AND THE DAMAGE DONE TO THEM.

WE MUST ADVOCATE FOR THIS.

>> FINAL WORD, LAURA KELLY.

>> I HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING LECTURED BY YOU, DERRICK, ABOUT OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

REMEMBER IT WAS YOU IN THE COURT DEFENDING THE CUTS TO PUBLIC EDUCATION UNDER THE BROWN BECK ADMINISTRATION.

>> CALIFORNIA HAS BEEN MAKING THE NATIONAL HEADLINES, BECOMING THE FIRST STATE BY 2035, WE ARE NOT GOING TO SELL ANY GAS POWERED VEHICLES.

YOU CAN DRIVE YOUR OLD ONES, BUT NOT SELL NEW ONES.

WOULD YOU ROLL OUT A PLAN LIKE THIS IN KANSAS?

WHAT IS THE NEXT PLAN TO ROLL THIS OUT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

>> WE LANDED THE PANASONIC ELECTRIC BATTERY SAYING THEY WILL MOVE TO ELECTRICITY.

KANSAS IS HERE TO LEAD THE WAY WITH EXPANDIBLE ENERGY, WE ARE STRONG ON WINDS AND OTHER DIFFERENT WAYS.

I SEE IT AS A HUGE JOB CREATION FOR OUR STATE.

WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING IN OUR DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE BRINGING THOSE KINDS OF COMPANIES TO OUR STATE.

TO FURTHER OUR ECONOMY.

BUT ALSO TO CONTRIBUTE CLEANER ENERGY.

>> I DIDN'T HEAR THE GOVERNOR'S ANSWER TO THE QUESTION LIKE SHE WOULD ADVOCATE SIMILAR POLICIES LIKE CALIFORNIA?

MY ANSWER IS NO.

THEIR COMMAND AND APPROACH IS NOT THE RIGHT WAY TO DEAL WITH THE ENERGY.

I SUPPORT ALL THE ABOVE ENERGY AND INCLUDING RENEWABLES AND THINGS THAT WILL MOVE US INTO THAT SPACE AND THE ENERGY THEY ARE THE BASIS FOR AFFORDABILITY FOR SO MANY KANSAS FAMILIES BECAUSE OF LAURA KELLY'S BIG SPENDING AND JOE BIDEN'S ADMINISTRATION.

I HAVE STOOD UP AGAINST THE PRESIDENT BIDEN ADMINISTRATION THAT HAVE ADDED TO THE COST IN TERMS OF ENERGY.

AND SO FAR, THE GOVERNOR HAS TAKEN NO STANCE ON THAT.

>> THIRTY SECOND.

>> I HAVE THE ALL OF ABOVE APPROACH ON THE ENERGY ISSUES AND WILL I CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

WE ARE MOVING TO RENEWABLES AND KANSAS NEEDS TO JOB ON THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRING THOSE BUSINESSES TO KANSAS.

>> BACK TO YOU.

>> THE GOVERNOR HAS AN UNHEALTHY OBSESSION WHO SERVED 8 YEARS AGO.

NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES SHE SAYS IT, THE FACT OF THE MATTER KANSAS ARE NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE FORMER GOVERNORS THAN THE MISTAKES THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION IS MAKING EVERY SINGLE DAY THAT IS MAKING THEIR LIVES HARDER AND MORE EXPENSIVE.

ONE OF THOSE MISTAKES IS A REFUSAL TO STAND UP TO THE PRESIDENT BIDEN ADMINISTRATION WHEN THEY ATTACKED THE GAS AND PIPELINE.

>> MISSOURI VOTERS WILL DECIDE IN NOVEMBER WHETHER OR NOT TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA, THEY HAVE APPROVED POT FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES.

WILL THAT START WITH YOU?

>> PUBLIC OPINIONS DECIDE THOSE ISSUES AND IT IS CLEAR TO ANYONE WATCHING THAT PUBLIC OPINION IS MOVING IN MORE ACCESS TO MARIJUANA TYPE PRODUCTS.

I HAVE SEEN ADDICTIONS ISSUES AND IT IS GETTING WORSE.

IT IS NOT A GOOD THING.

WE HAVE TO STAND STRONG.

THEY ARE HEART WRENCHING CASES LIKE PTSD, VETERANS, LATE STAGE CANCER PATIENTS THAT ARE TRYING TO MANAGE PAIN AND ANYONE WOULD SAY, INCLUDING ME, THE DOCTORS NEED TO HELP THAT WITH ANY THING THAT MAKES SENSE.

WE NEED LEADERSHIP TO SAY HOW DO WE ACCOMPLISH THAT WIDELY SHARED VIEWS WITHOUT FLINGING OPEN THE DOORS LIKE COLORADO WHICH ARE NOT WISE CHOICES.

>> I AM FINALLY GLAD YOU AGREE WITH ME.

AS FAR BACK AS THE STATE FAIR, YOU HAVE NOT.

I HAVE SUPPORTED LEGALIZING MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR YEARS.

I WAS THE RANKING MINORITY MEMBERS ON THE HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE I WAS IN THE ROOM WHEN THE PARENTS BROUGHT THE KIDS IN THE ROOM WHEN THEY HAVE SEIZURES, THEY NEEDED OUR HELP, THEY NEEDED US AND WE DIDN'T DO IT.

FAMILIES ARE MOVING TO COLORADO TO SECURE PAIN FOR THEIR KIDS.

I DON'T WANT THEM TO DO THAT.

I WANT TO TAKE CARES OF FOLKS WITH CHRONIC PAIN AND THE OPIOID ADDICTION PROBLEM THIS WOULD GO A LONG WAY IN HELPING IN SOLVING.

>> YOU HAVE THIRTY SECONDS.

>> NO NEW GROUND BROKEN HERE.

THE PUBLIC, THE PUBLIC POLICY ISSUE IS HOW DO YOU DRAW THAT LINE AND MAKE SURE TO ACCOMMODATE THE LINE THAT THE FAST MAJORITY THAT PEOPLE AGREE ON AND NOT FLING OPEN THE DOOR WITHOUT RECREATIONAL USE WITHOUT NO LIMITATION.

THE GOVERNOR OPENED THAT UP.

I SAY THE LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERS ARE THERE AND AS APART OF THE DISCUSSION EVERY STEP ALONG THE WAY BECAUSE THEY DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES.

>> I HAVE HAD THOSE CONVERSATIONS AND I HAVE OFTEN SAID THAT WE WON'T DO THIS LIKE COLORADO DID IT.

YOU KNOW, WHERE THERE WAS A SHOP ON EVERY CORNER.

THIS WILL BE A WELL REGULATED INDUSTRY THAT MAKES SURE THAT THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA IS PROPERLY AND NOT IMPROPERLY AND NOT LET IT SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE.

>>> DECLARING IN A NEWS CONFERENCE SAYS THAT KANSAS HAS NO BRAND.

WHY HE PICKED ON KANSAS, IT IS NOT CLEAR.

THE MAYOR IS WATCHING THE DEBATE.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HIM?

LAURA KELLY?

>> I WOULD ASK HIM TO RETURN MY PHONE CALL.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER [LAUGHTER.]

I CALLED THE MAYOR THE DAY AFTER AND TRIED TO REACH THE MAYOR THE DAY AFTER TO LET HIM KNOW THAT MY DAUGHTER, SON IN LAW, AND BRAND NEW GRANDDAUGHTER WILL BE DELIVERING A THANK YOU PACKAGE TO THE MAYOR.

FOR PUTTING KANSAS EVEN MORE ON THE MAP IN A MORE FAVORABLE LIGHT.

SO, I DO WANT TO DO THAT, AND YOU KNOW, I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TO REACH HIM.

>> DEREK SCHMIDT?

>> I THINK MY FIRST REACTION PRIVATELY AND PUBICALLY, WAS MAYOR WHO?

AT THE END OF THE DAY, DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHAT THE MAYOR OF NEW YORK SAYS.

AND I PUSHED BACK ON THIS.

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR STATE.

WE DON'T WANT NEW YORK'S BRAND.

I SAY THAT WITH ALL RESPECT TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY.

FOR THE LEFT WHO RUNS THEIR CITY, THEIR BRAND IS A LOT MORE CRIME, HUMAN VIOLENCE, THE COST OF LIVING, ALL OF THE THINGS WE NEED TO DO HERE TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN KANSAS.

>> I DON'T THINK WE NEED A REBUTTAL.

>> THE FEAR OF CRIME, NOT JUST VIOLENT CRIME, UP THE ROAD FROM THIS HOTEL, ONE HUNDRED CARS WERE BROKEN INTO, FROM A GATED SENIOR FACILITY, ONE HUNDRED VEHICLES.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ACTION TO REDUCE CRIME?

>> SUPPORT THE MEN AND WOMAN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE PROSECUTION IN THE COMMUNITY TO HELP KEEP THE COMMUNITY SAFE WHO ANSWER AT 2 IN THE MORNING WHEN SOMEONE IS POUNDING AT THE DOOR OR BREAKING INTO THE CAR.

I'M PROUD TO HAVE THE POLICE, AND WHO WORKED FOR HER AND MORE THAN 30 KANSAS SHERIFFS, CURRENT AND FORMER AND DAVID GROVES, WHO SUPPORTED ME THIS PAST WEEK SAYING HE KNOWS I AM THE LEADER IN THIS STATE.

WE MUST STAND WITH THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> LAURA KELLY?

>> I WOULD AGREE.

WE HAVE PROVIDED RECORD FUNDING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT DURING MY ADMINISTRATION BECAUSE I AGREE THAT THEY NEED TO HAVE THE TOOLS AND RESOURCES TO FIGHT THE CRIME THAT WE SEE ON OUR STREETS.

A POSITIVE ECONOMY IS IMPORTANT IF WE DEAL WITH CRIME IN THE LONG RUN.

A LOT OF TIME CRIME RESULTS FROM POVERTY.

AND SO, AS WE DEVELOP OUR ECONOMY AND GET PEOPLE GOOD JOBS I THINK THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOWER END.

IF YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT ENDORSEMENTS, I HAVE TO SAY THE ENDORSEMENTS OF EVERY LIVING GOVERNOR IN THE STATE OF KANSAS MINUS ONE, THAT IS SAM.

I'M VERY PROUD OF THAT.

THEY RECOGNIZED THAT I HAVE WORKED IN THE BIPARTISAN FASHION, BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO GET THINGS DONE IN THE STATE INCLUDING FIGHTING CRIME.

I'M VERY SATISFIED WITH THE KIND OF SUPPORT THAT I AM GETTING FROM PEOPLE WHO KNOW WHAT THIS JOB >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO REBUT.

>> THE GOVERNOR'S MATH IS OFF.

ALONG WITH HER BUDGET.

JEFF COLLIER SUPPORTS ME IN THIS RACE.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE GOVERNOR HAS OFFERED NO SOLUTION FOR THE FENTANYL THAT IS POURING INTO THE COMMUNITY AND THE FENTANYL AND METH THAT IS HERE OTHER THAN TO TALK BUDGET ISSUES THAT WERE WIDELY SUPPORTED.

LIKE I SAID, HER MATH IS WRONG.

>> ONE COLUMNIST WROTE SAYS THAT THE GOVERNOR IS STUCK IN THE PAST CLUBBING EACH OTHER ON THINGS THAT HAPPENED LONG AGO.

ON WHAT GEORGE HW BUSH CALLED THE VISION THING.

HE SAYS I HOPE THE NEXT DEBATE SHOWS WHAT THE VISION IS FOR THE GOVERNORS.

LAURA KELLY, 60 SECONDS OR LESS, WHAT IS YOUR VISION ON KANSAS' FUTURE?

>> MORE GREAT THINGS TO COME.

WE HAVE HAD GREAT SUCCESSES, CLOSING THE BANKS AND FOSTER CARE SYSTEM, FUNDING SCHOOLS AND THE ECONOMIC PROGRESS.

WE HAVE OTHER THINGS WE NEED TO DO.

WE NEED TO GET MEDICARE EXPANDED.

IT HAS TO HAPPEN.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZED AND BROADBAND IN EVERY HOME, BUSINESS, AND I KNOW THERE IS RUN MORE.

ANY WAY WE HAVE TO GET BROADBAND ACROSS THE STATE IF WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO GROW OUR STATE.

I WANT TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON MY PROMISE TO DEVELOP THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SYSTEM TO BE THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY.

WE HAVE A LOT TO DO TO TAKE THIS STATE FORWARD.

>> WHAT IS YOUR VISION IN 60 SECONDS OR LESS?

>> WE COMPLETELY DISAGREE ON THIS.

HER FOCUS IS ON WHAT THE STATE OF KANSAS DOES, IT IS ON THE GOVERNMENT.

I FOCUS ON THE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE STATE AND IF THEIR LIVES ARE BETTER IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS AND THE ANSWER IS NO.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP THE PEOPLE WHO ARE STRUGGLING RECORD HIGH INFLATION, AND THAT IS NOT PILING ON BY SPENDING MORE, AND MORE, AND MORE MONEY THAT EVENTUALLY THAT KANSAS AND OUR KIDS WILL HAVE TO PAY OFF.

NOW WE ARE OUT OF THE SCHOOL LITIGATION, NOW THAT THIS IS FIXED, WE HAVE A SAY IN HOW OUR CHILDREN ARE EDUCATED AND EVERY CHILD WILL GET TO THEIR GOD GIVEN POTENTIAL.

AND MAKE SURE THAT THIS STATE IS SAFER.

WE HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT EACH AND EVERY DAY.

>> LAURA KELLY, YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS.

>> EVERYONE REMEMBERS WHAT THIS STATE LOOKED LIKE FOUR YEARS AGO.

I ASKED YOU AT THE STATE FAIR, WERE YOU BETTER UNDER BROWNBECK THAN WE ARE NOW?

I WANT TO ASK YOU IT A DIFFERENT WAY.

KNOWING WHAT WE KNOW NOW WHAT THE TAX PROGRAM DID TO THE STATED.

WOULD YOU VETO IT?

>> YOU HAVE RUN 9 MILLION DOLLARS IN TV ADS THAT DESCRIBE OUR VIEWS OR OUR HISTORY.

THE FACT OF THE MATTER YOU WERE IN THE LEGISLATION WHEN YOU FAILED TO STOP IT AT THIS POINT DESPITE WHAT YOU MAY HAVE SAID, YOU DIDN'T GET THE JOB DONE.

I WAS NOT IN THE LEGISLATION AT THE TIME THAT THE DECISIONS WERE MADE.

LOOK, HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE; YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON THINGS THAT HAPPENED A LONG AGO WITH FOLKS THAT ARE NOT ON THIS STAGE.

AT LEAST ONE OF US WASN'T.

DO YOU THINK THAT AMERICA AND KANSAS WERE BETTER FROM JOE BIDEN BECAME PRESIDENT?

>> I KNEW YOU WERE SHOE HORN THAT?

(MIC OFF) >> THE CAUSE OF THE PROMISE WHAT WOULD YOU DO AS GOVERNOR TO MAKE COLLEGE MORE AFFORDABLE.

>> PRESIDENT BIDEN'S DECISION TO TRY TO GIVE AWAY FEDERAL MONEY THAT HE DOESN'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO GIVE AWAY TO FORGIVE DEBT THAT HAVE ALREADY GRADUATED, SPENDING THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WILL MAKE EVERYTHING, INCLUDING COLLEGE, MORE COMPREHENSIVE.

WE HAVE TO HAVE THE EXPENSIVE.

>> WE HAVE TO HAVE THE LEADERSHIP THAT WILL FOCUS ON THAT SAYING LOOK, WE HAVE TO MAKE COLLEGE AFFORDABLE FOR KANSAS KIDS AND ACCESS AVAILABLE IT IS AN EVERY DAY SINGLE TASK.

IT IS NOT A ONE ANSWER.

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ANSWER MY QUESTION, DOES SHE THINK WE ARE BETTER OFF IN KANSAS TODAY WITH JOE BIDEN AS PRESIDENT?

>> TEN SECONDS 60 SECONDS, LAURA.

>> I'M NOT GOING TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION, FOR MY TIME IN THE SENATE AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, I HAVE STAYED FOCUS ON KANSAS, NOT ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

>> >> YEP.

>> THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE CAN DO AND WE DID DO IN ORDER TO KEEP EDUCATION MORE AFFORDABLE FOR KIDS IS SUPPORT THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM.

WE FINALLY RESTORED THE FUNDING THAT HAD BEEN CUT OUT OF HIGHER EDUCATION DURING THE LAST ADMINISTRATION.

YOU KNOW, THAT'S THE KIND OF THING THAT HELPS KEEP TUITION FLAT.

THE OTHER THING WE HAVE DONE, IS WE HAVE WORKED WITH THE BOARD AND INVESTED HEAVILY IN SCHOLARSHIPS ACROSS THE BOARD.

TO ASSIST IN STUDENTS LOWER INCOME TO BE ABLE TO ATTEND COLLEGE.

WE ARE WORKING WITH OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITIES AND CAREER AND TECH ED SCHOOLS TO MAKE SURE KIDS CAN ENTER COLLEGE >> THANK YOU.

>> WE ARE OUT OF TIME.

THANK YOU.

>> DEREK SCHMIDT, YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS.

>> THE ANSWER IS NO, AMERICA IS NOT BETTER WITH JOE BIDEN AS PRESIDENT, SPENDING 400 BILLION DOLLARS FROM TAXPAYERS TO PAY OFF LOANS IN AN ELECTION YEAR.

THE GOVERNOR DOESN'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE LEADER OF HER POLITICAL PARTY, JOE BIDEN, IS TAKING POLICIES AND NEGATIVELY EFFECTING US.

THE GAS AND OIL PRICES, GREEN NEW DEAL, IT ALL EFFECTS AMERICANS.

>> YOU HAVE THE FINAL WORD, LAURA KELLY.

>> AGAIN, I WILL SAY AGAIN, I FOCUS ON KANSAS.

I HAVE DONE THAT.

I WORK TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER, DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS, TO FOCUS ON THE ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO KANSAS.

IF YOU LOOK BACK ON MY RECORD, WE HAVE DONE A GOOD JOB AND KANSAS IS IN A WHOLE LOT BETTER SHAPE.

>> THANK YOU.

>> WE WILL GO BACK TO THE QUESTIONS FROM THE BAR ASSOCIATION, KEVIN SAYS, WE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF THE RUDE BEHAVIOR THAT COMES WITH CAMPAIGNS THESE DAYS.

I WOULD SAY THAT TELL US SOMETHING GREAT THAT THEIR OPPONENT HAS DONE GREAT WHILE THERE WERE IN OFFICE.

>> I NEEDED A LITTLE BIT OF TIME TO THINK ABOUT THAT ONE.

[LAUGHTER.]

>> IT IS NOT ON THE TIP OF YOUR TONGUE ALREADY?

>> IT IS NOT.

BUT, GIVE ME A SECOND HERE.

DO I HAVE 60 SECONDS?

>> WE HAVE A LITTLE BIT EXTRA HERE.

YOU DO.

>> I THINK THE BEST THING IS THE SETTING UP OF THE PREVENTION OFFICE.

>> ONLY BECAUSE IT IS FRESH ON MY MIND AND I MEAN THIS, TO CALL MAYOR ADAMS.

THAT IS AN APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR OF A GOVERNOR WHEN THE INTEGRITY OF THE STATE IS ATTACKED AND THE GOVERNOR IS IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO DO THAT.

>> WE DON'T NEED TO DO A REBUTTAL.

I WILL MOVE ON.

>> BOTH OF YOU HAVE BEEN RUNNING ADS THAT REFERENCE TRANSGENDER KANSAS RESIDENTS.

WHAT POLICY CHANGES WOULD YOU MAKE WITH TRANSGENDER POPULATION IS TREATED IN SPORTS, BATHROOMS, ETC.

>> I HAVE BEEN CLEAR.

IT IS A MATTER OF FAIRNESS AND NOT OF LAW OR POLICY, THAT ARE BIOLOGICALLY MALE SHOULD BE COMPETED IN WOMEN'S SPORTS.

IT GOES AGAINST TITLE IX.

AND IT OUGHT TO BE THE LAW IN KANSAS.

I WOULD SIGN THAT FAIRNESS IN WOMEN'S FAIRNESS ACT INTO LAW WITHOUT HESITATION.

>> LAURA KELLY?

>> I PLAYED A LOT OF WOMEN SPORTS AND I DID IT PRE TITLE IX.

THE ISSUE OF FAIRNESS IN WOMEN'S SPORTS IS AT THE FOREFRONT AND I BELIEVE IN BASIC FAIRNESS.

NO ONE SHOULD HAVE AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE.

THAT'S WHY WE HAVE GOVERNING BODIES LIKE THE COLLEGIATE ASSOCIATION TO LOOK AT CASES ON INDIVIDUAL BASIS, HAVE THE FACTS IN FRONT OF THEM AND MAKE RULINGS.

HIS CLAIM THAT I SUPPORT MEN PLAYING GIRL SPORTS IS JUST SO ABSURD.

IT IS NOT HAPPENING HERE IN KANSAS.

WE DO NEED TO FOCUS ON TRUE CONCERN TO PEOPLE.

OUR EDUCATION, OUR ECONOMY, OUR HEALTHCARE ACCESS.

>> YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO RE BUTT.

>> WE DISAGREE ON THIS ISSUE.

I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE BIOLOGICALLY MALE SHOULD NOT BE COMPETING IN SPORTS THAT RESERVED FOR FEMALES.

PERIOD.

END OF STORY.

MEN, WOMEN, TRANSGENDER, USE WHOEVER WORDS YOU WANT.

THERE ARE 18 STATES THAT HAVE ADOPTED THAT INTO THEIR STATE LAW.

KANSAS SHOULD JOIN US, AND MOST OF THE 18 STATES ARE PERFORMING ECONOMICALLY BETTER THAN WE ARE.

>> YOU BROUGHT UP ECONOMICS, THAT'S A REASON WE ARE CONCERNED.

THE KINDS OF POLICIES AND ABOUT THAT GET PASSED WRECK HAVOC ON YOUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

THAT'S WHY OTHERS VETOED BECAUSE THEY KNEW THE IMPACT IT WOULD HAVE ON THEIR STATES.

>> COVID 19 REGISTRATIONS IN KANSAS DIABETES IS UP, OBESITY AND MENTAL ILLNESS AND DEPRESSION IS UP.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE POLICY CHANGE YOU WILL MAKE TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF KANSAS?

>> I WOULD EXPAND MEDICAID.

>> THE GOVERNMENT SAYS THAT FOR 4 PLUS YEARS AND SHE HADN'T GOT THE JOB DONE.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT SHE THINKS SHE WILL BE MORE EFFECTIVE NEXT TERM THAN THIS TERM.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO TALK ABOUT DURING A CAMPAIGN.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE LEGISLATION AND THE COMPOSITION WILL NOT GO THAT WAY IN TERMS OF POLICY.

WE HAVE TO LOOK FOR THINGS WE CAN AGREE ON, DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS TOGETHER, AND GET IT DONE.

ONE OF THE CHALLENGES WE HAVE TO FOCUS ON IN THE MEDICAID SYSTEM, RATHER THAN EXPANDING TO ABLE BODIED ADULTS WHO DON'T HAVE DEPENDENTS, WHICH IS WHAT THE DEBATE IS ABOUT, KEEP THE PROVIDERS IN THE SYSTEM IN A TIME OF INFLATION, AND THE PROPOSED BY TO EXTENT FOR EXAMPLE, NEW MOTHERS IN POSTPARTUM PERIOD.

>> I NEVER GIVE UP.

AND I HAVE PROPOSED ON DIFFERENT EXPAND MEDICAID APPROACHES AND I WILL PRESENT BY FIFTH.

THE FACT THAT I WILL NEVER BE ON THE BALLOT AGAIN WILL TAKE THE POLITICS OUT OF IT.

THEY DID PASS IT IN 2017, IT WAS VETOED AND SENATE LEADERSHIP WOULDN'T LET IT COME TO A VOTE BECAUSE IT OF WOULD'VE PASSED.

>> FINAL WORDS.

>> IT NOT ABOUT THE GOVERNOR, BUT THE POLICY PROCEDURES THAT THE VOTERS HAVE MADE AND I AM SKEPTICAL ON HER VIEW.

ONE THING THAT IS CRITICAL, THAT SHE HAS NOT SUPPORTED, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ABLE BODIED ADULTS WITH NO DEPENDENT S, THERE SHOULD BE WORK REQUIREMENTS, HAS A JOB, GET A JOB, IF WE WERE ABLE TO EXPAND PUBLIC MEDICAL BENEFITS.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> CHRIS HAS ANNOUNCED IF HE GETS ELECTED TO DIRECTOR ELECT SUPREME COURT OFFICIALS.

AS GOVERNOR, WOULD YOU SUPPORT THAT CHANGE OR HOW SUPREME COURT JUSTICES ARE BROUGHT?

>> I AM NOT ADVOCATING IT NOW.

I HAVE THOUGHT FOR A LONG TIME, IN THIS ROOM AS I HAVE BEEN ATTORNEY GENERAL, I THOUGHT THAT WE OUGHT TO ASK KANSAS IF THEY WANT TO CHANGE HOW WE GET THE SUPREME COURT JUSTICES.

I HAVE ADVOCATED LOOKS LIKE A FEDERAL MODEL IN A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT MODELS, TO HAVE THE SENATE CONFIRMATION ON THE BACK END AND HAVE ADDITIONAL EYES.

IT WORKS AND HAS POSITIVE BENEFITS.

IT IS ADOPTED BECAUSE IT CAN BE DONE BY STATUTES AND SCREENING OUT EARLY IN THE GOVERNOR'S ADMINISTRATION A CANDIDATE, EVERYONE INCLUDING THE GOVERNOR WAS NOT SUSTAINABLE FOR THE ROLE BUT HAD SLIPPED THROUGH EARLIER.

>> LAURA KELLY.

>> I THINK KANSAS RESIDENTS HOPEFULLY HAVE LONG MEMORIES, IF THEY DON'T, THEY SHOULD BE REMINDED SHOULD THE ISSUE COME UP WITH THE FEDERAL MODEL.

WE HAVE HAD THAT BEFORE, IN 1954 THERE WAS A TRIPLE PLAY, AND YOU KNOW, THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR WAS ELEVATED TO GOVERNOR AND THE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE RETIRED AND THEN THE GOVERNOR, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR WANTED THE OLD GOVERNOR TO COURT.

WE HAVE SEEN GAMES BEING PLAYED WHEN THAT PROCESS IS IN PLACE.

THAT'S WHY KANSAS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY IN 1955 OR SO TO VOTE TO ENSURE THAT OUR SUPREME COURT JUSTICES WERE SELECTED THE WAY THEY ARE RIGHT NOW.

I THINK WE OUGHT TO KEEP THAT IN PLACE.

>> DEREK SCHMIDT, YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS.

>> 70 YEAR OLD REFORMS SHOULD BE REVISITED ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER.

THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THAT.

THERE SHOULD BE A FEDERAL MODEL I BELIEVE IT MAKES VERY, VERY GOOD SENSE.

THE PROBLEM WITH THE CURRENT SYSTEM, I RECOGNIZE THE ROOM I'M IN WITH THE BAR.

THE PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM, IT GIVES A VOICE TO 9000 KANSAS RESIDENTS WHO ARE LICENSED MEMBERS OF THE BAR IN THIS STATE.

WE OUGHT TO HAVE A MORE OPEN SYSTEM WHERE ALL KANSAS RESIDENTS HAVE A MEANINGFUL >> THANK YOU.

>> LAURA KELLY, FINAL WORD.

>> WHEN WE CHANGED THE SYSTEM FOR APPELLATE COURT, I PUT THE OLD SYSTEM BACK IN PLACE.

YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE SENATE CONFIRMATION.

I PUT THE NOMINATING PROCESS BACK IN PLACE FOR THE APPELLATE COURT JUDGES.

I DO BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND THE JOBS, UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATIONS THAT ARE NECESSARY, THE ATTITUDE THAT IS NECESSARY, I LIKE HAVING THOSE FOLKS SCREEN THOSE CANDIDATES BEFORE THEY COME INTO MY OFFICE.

>> WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF THE GOVERNOR'S TIME BE DEVOTED TO IMMIGRATION?

>> AS MUCH AS NECESSARY.

I BELIEVE THAT, YOU KNOW, WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE THE ISSUE OF THE BORDERS.

AND I BELIEVE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE DOES WE OUGHT TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE VERY SECURE.

BUT, I ALSO BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO IMMIGRANTS THAT WE HAVE GOT TO HAVE OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DEALING WITH, PARTICULARLY IN COMPREHENSIVE REFORM TO DEAL WITH THE WORKFORCE SHORTAGES THAT WE ARE FACING IN EVERY INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY IN THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR.

I WOULD SPEND MY TIME AS GOVERNOR ON THE SECOND TERM, AND I HAVE SPENT SOME TIME IN THE FIRST TERM WORKING WITH THE STAKEHOLDERS TO GET THE SUPPORT WE NEED.

>> WE ARE A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS, WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO.

I BELIEVE THE SENATE HAS FAILED, AND THAT'S THE ROOT OF SO MANY OF OUR PROBLEMS.

I FURTHER BELIEVE THAT THE ABSENCE OF THAT TYPE OF FEDERAL FIX, IT FALLS TO THOSE OF US WHO HAS THE SAFETY OF THE CITIZENS AND STEP UP AND DO WHAT WE CAN WITHIN OUR AUTHORITY TO KEEP KANSAS SAFE.

WE TALKED IN LENGTH ABOUT THE SOUTHERN BORDER.

THE GOVERNOR TALKS ABOUT IT AND WOULDN'T RESPOND AND CALLED IT A POLITICAL GAME WHEN THEY WERE PLEADING FOR HELP.

I AM LOOKING AT STEVE, A PERSON IN THE COUNTRY UNLAWFULLY COMMITTED IDENTITY THEFT.

THEY HAD TO GO TO ALL OF THE SUPREME COURT AND WON TO MAKE SURE KANSAS COULD ENFORCE OUR STATE LAWS HERE IN THE STATE.

THIS IS WHAT THE GOVERNOR NEEDS TO PAY ATTENTION TO.

>> IT IS NOT TRUE THAT I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING.

WE HAVE SENT NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS TO THE BORDER TO HELP SECURE IT.

I THINK AT THE STATE FAIR, YOU SAID THAT WASN'T TRUE, THEY HAD BEEN FEDERALIZED AND THE PRESIDENT SENT THEM.

THAT'S NOT THE WAY IT WORKS.

WHEN OUR NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS ARE FEDERALIZED, IT ONLY MEANS THAT THE FEDS ARE GOING TO PICK UP THE BILL, BUT THE GOVERNOR HAS TO SIGN THE AUTHORIZE TO GO TO THE BORDER.

I DID IT.

>> FINAL WORD TO YOU, DEREK SCHMIDT.

>> I WILL SAY ULTIMATELY, IT WAS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WHO DECIDED TO SEND THOSE TROOPS AND THE GOVERNOR WAS PROUD OF HER ACTIONS SHE DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING PUBICALLY ABOUT IT WHEN SHE WAS TRYING TO REBUT MY CRITICISM.

>> HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE, WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO KEEP KANSAS RESIDENTS SAFE, IT IS NOT ANYTHING THAT SHE SAID THAT KEEPS KANSAS SAFE.

>> SINCE KANSAS REINSTATED THE DEATH PENALTY, NOT ONE INMATE HAS BEEN EXECUTED.

WOULD YOU SUPPORT TO CHANGE THE KANSAS DEATH PENALTY LAW?

>> NO.

I SUPPORT OUR EXISTING LAW.

I DO BELIEVE THAT WE NEED TO CONTINUE MOVE CASES ALONG AND MOVE CARRYING OUT AN ULTIMATE SYSTEM ONCE IT IS AFFIRMED BY THE COURT.

I HAVE ARGUED THOSE CASES AT THE SUPREME COURT.

I HAVE SAT WITH FAMILIES IN THESE YEARS LONG STRUGGLES AND I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON THEM.

I ASSURE YOU THAT.

HERE'S MY PERSPECTIVE ON THIS.

WE NEED SUPPORT FROM ALL OF OUR LEADERS IN MOVING THE CASES THROUGH, I WOULD DO THAT AS GOVERNOR.

>> LAURA KELLY?

>> YES, I DO SUPPORT THE REPEAL OF THE DEATH PENALTY.

IN FACT, I BELIEVE WE HAD DEBATES ABOUT THIS WHEN WE WERE BOTH IN THE SENATE TOGETHER.

WE HAVE NOT EXECUTED ANYBODY SINCE 1994.

BUT, IT COSTS US MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EVERY YEAR TO KEEP THOSE FOLKS ON DEATH ROW.

I AFFIRMLY BELIEVE THAT WE ARE FAR BETTER OFF, FINANCIAL RESPONSIBLE TO DO LIFE WITHOUT PATROL RATHER THAN THE DEATH PENALTY.

I WOULD SUPPORT THAT.

>> YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO REBUT.

>> I WOULD SAY I WILL SAY AGAIN, I RESPECT THE GOVERNOR'S VIEW.

WE HAVE DISAGREED WITH OUR TIME TOGETHER.

I HAVE SAT IN THE ROOMS WHOSE LOVED ONES WHO HAVE BEEN KILLED AND WHETHER OR NOT TO SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY.

I HAVE MADE THOSE DECISIONS WITH GREAT WEIGHT.

IT IS TIME THAT IT IS APPROPRIATE AND JUST, AND KANSAS SHOULD RETAIN THAT PENALTY.

>> A NEW SURVEY FROM THE PEER RESEARCH CENTER THAT TWO OUT OF THREE AMERICANS SAY POLITICIANS ARE ONLY IN IT FOR THEMSELVES.

18 PERCENT BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE WHO RUN FOR OFFICE DO SO BECAUSE THEY WANT TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

WHAT COULD YOU TELL US, LAURA KELLY, IN 60 SECONDS OR LESS, THAT THE POLL SURVEY RESPONDERS WHO NOT TALKING ABOUT YOU?

>> THEY WERE NOT TALKING ABOUT ME.

NOT AT ALL.

YOU MAY REMEMBER IN 2018, I HAD NO PLANS TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR.

THIS WAS NEVER ON MY BUCKET LIST.

I REALLY RAN FOR GOVERNOR THERE WASN'T ANYONE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY WHO COULD GET IN THE PRIMARY AND WIN.

AND I FELT IT WAS MY MORAL OBLIGATION TO GET INTO THE RACE SO CHRIS WOULD NOT BE OUR GOVERNOR.

AND THAT'S WHY I RAN.

IT WASN'T FOR ME.

IT REALLY WAS BECAUSE I OWED IT TO A STATE THAT HAD BEEN GOOD TO ME AND MY FAMILY.

>> WERE THEY TALKING ABOUT YOU, DEREK SCHMIDT?

>> NO.

I AM IN THIS RACE BECAUSE KANSAS RESIDENTS NEED A VOICE AND THE LAST FOUR YEARS HAS SET KANSAS BACK.

THEY CANNOT PAY THEIR BILLS, HOW THEIR KIDS ARE BEING TAUGHT.

YES, THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE DIRECTION OF THIS COUNTRY UNDER THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.

MY WIFE TELLS ME, I CAN GET A REAL JOB AND HAVE A LOT LESS STRESS AND NOT DEAL WITH THE STUFF THAT GOES ON IN A CAMPAIGN.

BUT IT IS WORTH IT IF WE IMPROVE THE LIVES OF KANSAS RESIDENTS.

>> DO YOU WANT TO SAY ANYTHING BACK?

>> I WANTED TO BEAT CHRIS AND TO FIX OUR STATE.

I WANTED TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS AND I THOUGHT WE BROUGHT TOGETHER A TEAM THAT HAS, WORKED WELL TOGETHER AND SOLVED PROBLEMS.

>> DEREK SCHMIDT.

>> KANSAS CAN DO BETTER.

>> CONGRATULATIONS.

YOU HAVE BEEN NAMED THE NEXT GOVERNOR OF KANSAS.

YOU JUST WALK INTO YOUR NEW OFFICE IN TOPEKA.

THE FIRST THING YOU WILL ADDRESS AND HOW TO ACCOMPLISH IT?

>> I WILL SEND THE BUDGET THAT STARTS TO DECELERATE THE SPENDING OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS.

IF YOU LOOK AT WHAT KANSAS HAS DONE UNDER THEIR LEADERSHIP, THE TOTAL STATE SPENDING, EVERYTHING, IT IS UP 6 BILLION DOLLARS.

THAT'S UP 35 PERCENT INCREASE.

STATE TAX FUNDING, IS UP 1.8 BILLION DOLLARS, THAT IS A 25 PERCENT INCREASE.

THE POPULATION OF THE STATE, IT IS FLAT, IT WENT DOWN SLIGHTLY IN 2021.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE EMPLOYED ARE DOWN.

THOSE ARE NOT SUSTAINABLE TRENDS.

WE NEED A GOVERNOR WHO WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THEM AND START THE CONVERSATION WITH THE LEGISLATION ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM.

>> AND YOUR FIRST PRIORITY IN THE SECOND TERM IS WHAT?

HOW WILL YOU ACHIEVE IT?

>> TO DO MORE OF WHAT WE HAVE BEEN GOING FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS.

WE HAVE SET RECORDS ALL OVER THE PLACE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

I'M VERY PROUD THAT WE HAVE FULLY FUNDED OUR SCHOOLS, AND CLOSED THE BANK OF AND ORANGE CONES ALL OVER THE ENTIRE STATE.

YOU KNOW, WE HAVE REALLY REFORMED OUR FOSTER CARE SYSTEM SO THERE ARE 17 PERCENT FEWER KIDS IN THE SYSTEM AND ADOPTIONS ARE UP 35 PERCENT.

WE HAVE MORE GOOD THINGS THAT WE WANT TO GET DONE.

I WILL WORK ON THE TEMPERATURE IN THE OFFICE.

BECAUSE IT DOESN'T WORK WELL.

[LAUGHTER.]

>> YOU WANT TO REBUT THE TEMPERATURE ISSUE.

[LAUGHTER.]

>> YOU WILL SET IT AT A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE.

>> THE THERMOSTAT WON'T BE A PROBLEM.

>> LOOK, AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE NUMBERS HAVE TO WORK.

THE WAY THE LAST FOUR YEARS HAVE UNFOLDED, SO MUCH OF WHAT THE GOVERNOR TALKS IS SPENDING SOME OF THE HUGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY THAT BIDEN ADMINISTRATION HAS DONE, AND DRIVEN UP REVENUES IT WON'T LAST FOREVER.

WE HAVE TO GET AHEAD OF THE CURVE.

>> WE ARE SITTING ON 1.5 BILLION DOLLAR SURPLUS, THE LARGEST IN STATE HISTORY.

WE HAVE 1 BILLION DOLLARS IN THE RAINY DAY FUND.

WE ARE WELL POSITIONED TO MOVE FORWARD IN THIS STATE.

IT IS THE RESULT OF FISCAL MANAGEMENT.

ARE WE SPENDING MORE?

SURE.

WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF HOLES TO FILL AND ONE TIME EXPENSES THAT HAVE WRACKED THE NUMBERS UP.

THANK YOU.

>> THAT'S ALL OF THE TIME.

YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN A 60 SECONDS TO MAKE THAT FINAL CASE TO VOTERS ON WHY THEY SHOULD PICK YOU.

LAURA KELLY?

>> WELL, NO KIDS ALREADY, KANSAS FACES A CRITICAL DECISION THIS NOVEMBER.

WE CAN EITHER STAY ON TRACK WITH AN ECONOMY THAT IS GROWING, OR WE CAN TURN BACK THE CLOCK AND RETURN TO THE SAME POLICIES THAT BROKE OUR BUDGETS AND OUR SCHOOLS.

MY OPPONENT WOULD LIKE YOU TO BELIEVE THAT I'M SOMEONE I'M NOT.

I THINK YOU ALL KNOW ME.

I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND I BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER.

I PUT POLITICS ASIDE AND DO WHAT IS BEST FOR KANSAS.

>> IN ONE TERM, SHE HAS GROWN THE STATE GOVERNMENT IN THE PREVIOUS FOUR GOVERNORS, AND IT TOOK 14 YEARS.

WHEN BIDEN'S INFLATED MONEY GOES AWAY, IT WILL, KANSAS WILL BE STUCK PAYING THE BILLS.

WE CAN DO BETTER.

WE NEED MORE PEOPLE EMPLOYED AND THE JOBS THAT WERE DESTROYED DURING THE LOCKDOWNS, AND WE CAN HAVE A STATE THAT STRONGLY SUPPORTS EDUCATION AND PUTS PARENTS AND KIDS FIRST, AND COMMON SENSE VALUES LIKE FAIRNESS IN WOMEN'S SPORTS.

WE CAN FIGHT FENTANYL AND SECURE THE BORDER AND BACK THE LAW ENFORCEMENT.

TO HAVE THAT STATE, WE MUST ELECT A NEW GOVERNOR.

GOVERNOR KELLY WON'T STAND UP TO JOE BIDEN, BUT I WILL.

I WILL BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR VOTES.

>> THE QUESTIONS COME FROM THE MOST SURPRISING PLACES.

MY WIFE HAD A QUESTION.

YES.

CAN YOU STOP TEXTING ME?

CAN YOU MAKE THAT COMMITMENT.

[LAUGHTER.]

>>> ONE OF THESE TWO PEOPLE ON THIS STAGE WILL BE YOUR GOVERNOR FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.

WHICH ONE?

ONLY YOU WILL DECIDE ON ELECTION DAY.

I'M NICK HAINES.

FROM ALL OF US HERE AT THE DOUBLETREE HOTEL IN OVERLAND PARK AND FROM OUR DEBATE PARTNERS WITH THE JOHNSON COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION.

BE WELL, KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.

>> MORE THAN 1300 ATTORNEY MEMBERS.

ADDITIONAL MEMBERS COMES FROM AARP, KEEP KANSAS IN THE KNOW AT 50 PLUS.