Former Republican Kansas Gov. Mike Hayden has endorsed Democrat Laura Kelly in this years race for governor. That means only one living Kansas governor has stayed totally out of the race: Republican Sam Brownback.
Though out of office, Brownback remains an issue in the election, said Washburn University Political Scientist Bob Beatty.
His shadow looms really large, both for the people who liked him and didnt like him, Beatty said. This election is still in many ways a referendum on Sam Brownback.
Kris Kobach, Republican, has worked to distance himself from Brownback, though he has said he would reinstate his tax cuts.
Hayden served as governor from 1987 to 1991 and later worked in Democratic administrations as the secretary of wildlife and parks. Hayden said Kobach would repeat policies from the Brownback years.
Sitting Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer quickly endorsed Kobach after Kobach beat him in the primary election.
Former Democratic governors Kathleen Sebelius, John Carlin and Mark Parkinson have backed Kelly.
Former Republican Gov. Bill Graves endorsed Kelly last month.
