EDITOR:
I’ve gotten several calls informing me that the Platte County Republican Central Committee is aware that Elliot Lahn isn’t a viable candidate for county treasurer. They are reportedly trying to persuade him to step down and are searching for a chosen replacement to place on the November ballot instead. What’s intriguing is that they have been aware of this for several months.
Back in the spring, I, along with many other individuals and various media outlets, received a packet detailing the true nature of Mr. Lahn. I have taken the time to thoroughly verify all the information I received and find it puzzling that the central committee continues to support him. At the same time they have tried to divert public attention by making me “persona non grata” for working to get back on the ballot as an independent candidate for the good of the county and my neighbors.
Even though Elliot Lahn is banned from seeking public office in Kansas and has previously campaigned as a Democrat, the Republican Central Committee and a couple of local elected officials have strongly backed Mr. Lahn up to this point. These same people have made threats and suggestions to me, urging me to withdraw from the race “for the good of the party.”
The new plan of having Mr. Lahn “step away” does not alter the facts, nor does it eliminate the pressing questions that need to be addressed.
These questions certainly warrant responses. Tammy Thomson, the chair of the central committee, along with others, personally received this information several months back. Their strategic decision to allow the primary to proceed before making their latest move to seek a replacement candidate at this late stage is, once again, a way to strip voters of their choice and is completely unethical.
This isn’t about making personal attacks. It’s about holding both the candidate and the Republican Central Committee accountable for their motives and actions.
I don’t want to bring anyone’s personal life into this situation, and I’ve made a conscious effort to keep the information I’ve received private. Nevertheless, I strongly believe in the need for accountability and transparency, and I think the public deserves to understand what is happening behind the scenes.
--Chris Kendall
Platte County Treasurer
