For Republican hopefuls for Southeast Kansas seats in the state Legislature, the biggest issues in the Aug. 7 primary are economic development and taxes, with candidates agreeing that the area must become more competitive with communities across the border in Oklahoma and Missouri.

In the area Kansas Senate district, the incumbent is facing a familiar challenger, and only one of the three area House districts will see a primary race.



13TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

In the recently reconfigured 13th Senatorial District, Republican incumbent Bob Marshall, of Fort Scott, will face challenger Jacob LaTurner, of Pittsburg. The district takes in parts of Cherokee, Crawford, Bourbon and Labette counties.

Marshall, a 74-year-old retired airline pilot, touts his life experience and his participation in the development of Highway 69 into a four-lane freeway, which he says will put $10 billion into the economy and create 175,000 jobs. He is a retired Marine Corps veteran, and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

“I helped put out the governor’s tax reduction plan that became law this session,” Marshall said. “I’m also on the U.S. Highway 69 committee in which I was able to get that program through this last comprehensive plan bill, which will run through 2020.”

LaTurner, 24, is a congressional aide for U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, of the Kansas 2nd District.

Marshall defeated LaTurner in 2008. Marshall said his opponent lacks life experience, while LaTurner said Marshall is no longer endorsed by several special-interest groups that previously endorsed him, such as Kansans for Life, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and the National Rifle Association.

“I’m running on more competitive taxes because I think that’s what will grow the economy and put Kansans back to work,” LaTurner said. “If people from Southeast Kansas can afford to buy locally, our economy will prosper.”

The winner of the primary will go up against Democrat Gene Garman, of Pittsburg, in November. Garman, 76, is a retired letter carrier.



1st HOUSE DISTRICT

In the 1st House District, Democratic incumbent Doug Gatewood, of Columbus, is not seeking re-election, leaving Democrat Grant Randall, of Baxter Springs, to face whichever Republican wins in the primary. The district takes in parts of Cherokee and Labette counties.

The three Republican candidates are Brad Bolin, Michael Houser and Lance Nichols.

Bolin, 39, has lived in Cherokee County for most of his life. He is a business owner and has several hours of study for his master’s in clinical psychology at Pittsburg State University.

“For me, the biggest issue is the economy,” Bolin said. “Cherokee County ranks rather low with regards to economic development, and if I were state representative, the primary objective would be to make Cherokee County a more attractive place to conduct business and providing above standard-paying jobs.

“I primarily chose to run because I felt like it was something God wanted me to do. With that being said, out of obedience to God, I believe great things can be accomplished. If I were elected, I would remember why I was there and basically provide the constituents in the area a voice in Topeka and at home.”

Houser, 53, of Columbus, has lived in the area for 48 years and is a construction estimator. He completed 12th grade. He ran for the House position in 2010 unsuccessfully. He said he is running on tea party values of “limited government and lower taxes.” He said the region has seen an outflow of jobs.

“That proves to me our tax base is high and driving people across the lines,” Houser said. “We need to have tax reform and have people keep money in their pockets to stimulate the economy locally and quit going to Missouri for goods.”

Houser is endorsed by Kansans for Life and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.

Nichols, 56, of Galena, is a lifelong resident. He is in the insurance salvage business and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. He is a city councilman in Galena, and he believes that experience makes him the best candidate.

“When voters look at a candidate, I think they need to ascertain if the candidate has been a part of changing their community for the good,” he said. “I just feel I have the background, experience and education to fulfill the needs of my community.”

Nichols said high taxes in the community have put it at an economic disadvantage to border states. He said he has played a small part in improving the economic atmosphere of Galena as a councilman.

“There’s business coming in,” he said. “That’s true economic development.”



2ND AND 3RD HOUSE DISTRICTS

In the 2nd and 3rd House districts, there is only one candidate per party, meaning there is no primary contest for either district.