TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) The Kansas Senates top Republican has stripped a fellow GOP senator of a committee leadership post for publicly expressing support for two Democratic candidates.
Sen. Barbara Bollier of Mission Hills on Wednesday lost her position as vice chairman of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee after endorsing Democrat Tom Niermann in the 3rd Congressional District race in the Kansas City area. Niermann is one of six Democrats hoping to challenge Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder.
While we respect differing opinions in our caucus, it is unacceptable to betray members of your own party by publicly endorsing leftist Democrats, said Susan Wagle, Senate president, R-Wichita. Sen. Bollier has lost credibility within our caucus, which makes it impossible for her to function in a leadership role.
If that is the attitude of fellow Republicans, Bollier said, it is sad. The attitude speaks to the emergence of new parties that seek to find middle ground, she said.
I think people are crying out for it, quite frankly, Bollier said.
Bollier also said she will take a stance for whatever is best for Kansas and that she isnt the first Republican in history to support a Democrat. She is a retired physician, and Yoder lost her support by opposing the Affordable Care Act. Many Republicans havent voted for Yoder in the past, she said, and wont this time.
Bollier previously said she would support Democratic state Sen. Laura Kelly of Topeka for governor if Kelly wins the Aug. 7 primary.
Wagle accused Bollier of betraying fellow Republicans and called the endorsements embarrassing.
Bollier told The Topeka Capital-Journal that she is considering leaving the GOP to become an independent.
Bollier served in the House from 2010 to 2016 before winning election to her Senate seat.
