TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An influential Kansas House committee leader who helped temper fellow Republicans’ drive to limit what state and local officials can do during pandemics plans to give up his legislative seat next month.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Fred Patton announced Monday that he will step down Oct. 16 to spend more time with his family, and focus on community activities and his legal practice as an attorney. Patton is from Topeka and has served in the House since 2015.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Patton often was a moderating influence on fellow…
