Former Kansas GOP governor explains why he's backing Democrat Adam Hamilton for Senate

Former Kansas Governor Bill Graves, a Republican who served more than two decades in state office, endorsed Democrat Adam Hamilton over Republican Senator Roger Marshall in the state's Senate race. Graves told Geoff Bennett that Hamilton, a Methodist minister who campaigns from the political middle and draws Republicans, Democrats and independents into his ministry, represents a needed change amid what Graves called "increasing partisan gridlock and division." Graves said he had backed Marshall early on but lost confidence after Marshall's first Senate votes rejected election results from Arizona and Pennsylvania, a decision Graves found troubling given his own background as Kansas secretary of state. He also criticized Marshall for consistently voting with the administration rather than standing up for Kansas's interests, according to PBS NewsHour.

Graves said he no longer recognizes the Republican Party, comparing its current confidence to a "bad frat party" that will wake up to consequences after November, predicting a strong night nationally for Democrats and a real chance for Hamilton to win. He pointed to other Republicans breaking from party lines, including Karl Rove's remarks in Texas, Marc Racicot in Montana, and Jeff Flake's support for Jon Ossoff in Georgia, along with Senators John Curtis, John Cornyn, and Roger Wicker challenging the administration on issues from Trump family business dealings to China policy. Asked if the party could return to the era of Bob Dole, Graves said he doubted it while the current style of intimidation from the White House persists.

Summarized by PolitiKool from PBS NewsHour’s reporting. Read the full story at PBS NewsHour →