August 26, 2013 – Wichita, Kans.
John Carmichael, candidate for Kansas House of Representatives District 92, today thanked former state senator Jean Schodorf for her support in his bid for the legislature. Schodorf, who had been mentioned as a potential competitor to Carmichael for the House seat being vacated by the retiring Nile Dillmore, has instead endorsed Carmichael for the office.
“I am pleased to have the support of a well-respected community leader,” said John Carmichael, candidate for the 92nd District House of Representatives. “Jean knows what it takes to get things done in our state capitol, and I am humbled that she is putting her trust in me,” he said.
Schodorf, a Democrat, previously served in the Kansas State Senate as a Republican. Her endorsement of Carmichael ends speculation that she would seek to return to the legislature as a Democratic member of the House.
“I have been a friend and supporter of Jean’s for many years,” said Carmichael. “It was a sad day for Kansas when she was pushed out of the Senate by Governor Brownback’s allies,” he said. “I know Jean truly lives to serve the people of Kansas, and I encourage her to take on the next big challenge.”
“It’s time to end Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s divisive, partisan warfare on Kansas voters, and I believe Jean Schodorf is the person to run against him next year,” said Carmichael. “As an officer of the Kansas Democratic Party, I cannot endorse a primary candidate of either party who seeks to defeat Kobach. However, I believe Jean has the qualifications necessary for the office, and should she become the nominee of our party, I will do all I can to help her in that race,” said Carmichael.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a nearly identical Arizona law, and the ACLU has said it will bring legal action to compel Kansas’ compliance with the ruling. “Kansans cannot afford to pay Kris Kobach’s legal bills to defend his unconstitutional war on voters,” said Carmichael. “Jean Schodorf, with her well-earned reputation for moderation and good government, is exactly the type of person we need to bring honor and integrity back to the Secretary of State’s office.”