The Kansas Republican Party’s bus tour stopped at Colby Community College on Oct. 14 for a campaign rally that drew about 75 people to the Student Union. The crowd was mostly Republican supporters, while Democratic demonstrators gathered outside the college.
The program featured Ty Masterson, the Republican candidate for governor; Dan Hawkins, candidate for insurance commissioner; Steven Johnson, candidate for state treasurer; and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall. The candidates took turns addressing the audience, with Marshall speaking near the end of the program.
The rally was highly partisan. Speakers urged attendees to support Republican candidates across the ballot and criticized Democratic candidates and policies. Masterson linked affordability to energy costs, arguing that diesel prices affect the cost of producing and transporting food. He also spoke about taxes on homes and farms, jobs and expanding opportunities to make and sell products in Kansas.
Hawkins pointed to Republican-backed tax reductions, including changes to taxes on Social Security income and food sales. He said Kansas lawmakers had cut more than $1.5 billion in taxes and argued that electing Republicans was necessary to advance the party’s priorities.
Johnson spoke about his background in farming and financial services, his work as state treasurer and the role of private investment and free enterprise. He urged supporters to share the candidates’ messages and encourage people to vote.
Marshall focused on Republican positions on border security, the military and taxes. He also discussed the federal farm bill and criticized his Democratic opponent, Adam Hamilton, over agricultural policy and other issues.
The remarks touched on several concerns raised by local residents, including agriculture, inflation and energy costs. Speakers addressed fuel and food costs, taxes affecting families and farms, border security and farm policy. The program did not include a question-and-answer session, so attendees could not ask candidates directly about tariffs, trade disputes or the economic effects of the Iran war. Candidates did meet with people after the speeches.
About a dozen Democratic demonstrators gathered outside the college during the rally. Masterson acknowledged a protester during his remarks and spoke in support of the right to demonstrate. State Rep. Ken Rahjes also spoke with Colby resident Tim Peterson outside.
The speakers repeatedly urged attendees to turn out for the Nov. 3 election and support Republicans in races at every level. The event ended with an invitation for supporters to meet the candidates, take photos and visit the bus before the group left for its next stop.
