(Updated to include comments from Pittman and Klemp)
With the election now less than a week away, Republicans turned to a little star power to beat Democratic state Sen. Jeff Pittman of Leavenworth.
Former U.S. Secretary of State and Kansas Congressman Mike Pompeo gave his support to Republican Jeff Klemp in the race for Senate District 5.
“Jeff has spent years building successful businesses and serving his community, and he is a leader who understands the challenges facing families throughout Kansas,” Pompeo said in a statement.
“I am confident that he will be a champion for the things that matter most to all of us, from the classroom to the grocery store, and I hope my fellow Kansans will join me in supporting him,” he said.
The district has been bombarded by ads in recent weeks as Republicans are forcing Democrats to play defense in a district carried by Gov. Laura Kelly in 2022, although it was carried by former President Donald Trump in 2020.
Trump won this district with 52% of the vote in this district, although Pittman is just one of a handful of statehouse Democrats to win a Trump district.
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly carried this district with about 53% of the vote in 2022.
The cost of the race – excluding outside groups – is approaching $300,000. Pittman has spent about $216,000 this year, while Klemp has spent about $64,000.
Americans for Prosperity spent about $66,700 for Klemp, while the Kansas Chamber chipped in about another $40,000.
Kelly’s PAC dropped in about $54,000 in the effort to defend the seat.
“Jeff Klemp needs to call in favors from D.C. political insiders to try to win this race,” Pittman said in a statement.
“While he’s currying favor with politicians from the other side of the state, I’m on the ground talking to my neighbors, listening to their concerns and delivering bipartisan solutions for our district,” he said.
“Wichita money can’t buy this seat — and voters in our district should ask themselves why someone with no ties to our community is endorsing in this race, and this race only.”
Klemp said he was proud of the endorsement.
“Secretary Pompeo’s dedication to our nation and his strong record of serving Kansans are truly admirable, and I’ve long respected his commitment to our shared values,” Klemp said in a statement.
“His support means a great deal to me, and I’m grateful to have him standing with us.”
