In response to the nationwide demonstrations for racial equality, Jake LaTurner, candidate for the Republican nomination to Congress, said he thinks President Donald Trump’s decision to call in federal troops was not necessary at the time.
“That’s a drastic step for the United States to take, and I don’t think that’s where we are right now,” LaTurner said.
Instead, those closest to the action — governors and mayors — should be the ones to request outside help, he said.
“I agree with the Secretary of Defense Mark Esper that we should exercise caution,” in avoiding a heavy-handed approach, LaTurner said.
“What happened in Minneapolis was a tragedy, and people are rightly upset about it. And people are rightly upset where in some cases anarchist groups have used the protests as an excuse to push their own agendas,” which have resulted in violence and looting.
LaTurner is in his first full term as Kansas State Treasurer. He was appointed to the position in 2017 to replace Ron Estes when he was elected to Congress. LaTurner won election in 2018.
He faces incumbent Rep. Steve Watkins and Dennis Taylor, a Topeka attorney, in the Aug. 4 primary race for the 4th District seat.
LATURNER said he agrees with the president’s call for states to open up for business amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People can use common-sense precautions,” he said to contain its spread. To date, the virus has no vaccine. The U.S. death toll to the virus is about 114,000.
LaTurner feels Congress needs to “tap the breaks before we do another (benefits) package.”
Noting that the pandemic is an “unprecedented crisis,” he said, “I’m open to supporting further assistance to where it’s needed but we need to be mindful of the debt we’re putting on our children and grandchildren.”
He’s also against the $600 additional assistance for those who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic and are now receiving unemployment.
LaTurner cited a recent University of Chicago study that said 60% of those receiving unemployment are now making more than they were when employed because of the additional stipend.
To LaTurner, that speaks of excess and views it as a disincentive to get people to look for work.
“I’ve talked to business owners where they say the benefits are making it difficult for them to find employees because they now are sometimes receiving a lot more money than they would working,” he said.
He also believes the additional $600 a month “could make the economy a little more sluggish.” The benefit is due to end July 31.
