Kris Kobach (R-KS) uses POW-MIA Day to take a punch at Military Voting

Chris Reeves for Kansas & Missouri Kossacks

Daily Kos Staff

Friday September 19, 2014 · 4:51 PM PDT

2014/09/19 · 16:51

Many American families have traditions of military service. I am always glad to point out the proud military service of my Brother, in the US Air Force, and my candidate, US Air Force. Today, Sept. 19 marks a special remembrance for all of our nation about the risks and the duty of defending our nation.

http://www.dtic.mil/...

National POW/MIA Recognition Day will be observed on Friday, Sept. 19, 2014. This annual event honors prisoners of war and our missing and their families, and highlights the government's commitment to account for them.

Too many Americans serving abroad were captured or lost, and too many suffered as a prisoner of war. Today, we honor those who were returned, we hope for those who are lost.. and we take a moment to work to better protect our troops overseas.

Today, however, in Kansas was something quite different. Today in the state house, a Secretary of State took a moment to take a swipe at disenfranchising and confusing the military vote - voters who are predominantly Republican over his own petty pride.

http://m.therepublic.com/...

The ballots will have no Democratic candidate in the U.S. Senate race after the Kansas Supreme Court ordered Kobach to honor nominee Chad Taylor's request to remove his name. Some Democrats pushed Taylor out to help independent candidate Greg Orman's chances of defeating Republican Sen. Pat Roberts.
Kobach said Democrats are still obligated to pick a new nominee.

The ballots going out Saturday will come with a disclaimer saying a new ballot will come later if Democrats pick a new candidate.

In fact, with text provided, the ballots tell military voters they may be required to 're-vote' as this may not be the final ballot.

The slightly less then 600 military ballots that will be sent out - votes that are likely primarily Republican - are being told that maybe they should wait on real ballots... without any hope of real follow up instruction, seemingly neutralizing their vote.

When a politician makes a political play, we often look for an upside - why would they conduct such a policy. In this case, however, I'm completely stumped. The military vote in Kansas is traditionally heavy Republican, and a move to tell them they may want to hold of voting for alternative ballots seems like a risky way to lose votes for Pat Roberts just as a matter of personal pride.

So, I contacted Jean Schodorf, Democratic Candidate for Secretary of State for a comment.

Just when we thought that Kris Kobach couldn't do anything worse to disrespect the voting process, as well as embarrass himself and the citizens of Kansas, he now is creating a situation that will complicate our elections for those who put their lives on the line for us every day. Our military.
I was born on a Marine base in North Carolina. I am the daughter of a man who served our country as a Brigadier General in the United States Marine Corps. Today, on National POW-MIA Recognition Day, Kris Kobach has made a full attack on those who serve our country in uniform.

I know the value of our men and women in uniform. I know the sacrifice that our military endures to protect our freedoms. Kris Kobach does not. His actions today continue to show us why he is considered to be one of the most dangerous threats to our freedoms and democracy in America, and why he must be defeated."

In Junction City and Fort Riley today, our troops and Combat Veterans held meetings calling for more support for each other and for our military men and women.

In Marion County, Kansas, the community remembers.

http://marionrecord.com/...

Friday is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. It is a special day set aside to recognize all those still missing and unaccounted for from all wars.
It’s been almost 50 years since Deanna Klenda’s brother, Major Dean A. Klenda, went missing in Vietnam as a fighter pilot on Sept. 17, 1965. Numerous excavations have been made to find his remains. Another is scheduled for October through December.

Today, a Democrat - Jean Schodorf put her patriotism above her office, and asked for an end to a 'disclaimer' that influences military individuals not to vote - even though those votes are likely Republican.

Today, the New Republic summed up this race:

http://www.newrepublic.com/...

If Schodorf does win, it will be a victory for American democracy and not simply the Democratic Party. Kobach is that bad.

Today is a day to remember the sacrifices of our veterans, and to honor those who serve. Today is not a day to take a stand to risk denying their vote over bitterness because of a lost court battle.

Support Jean Schodorf.
https://secure.actblue.com/...

Comments are closed on this story.