Pat Roberts’ Staff Fumbling Kansas Visit Issue

Pat Roberts of Kansas is an excellent U.S. Senator — but instead of his positive record and opposition to Obamacare driving press coverage, his staff has fumbled its way into a dangerous situation: first they said they would release information detailing his in-state schedule, and then abruptly changed their mind. The time a Senator spends in-state on behalf of those who elected him should be 100% transparent — and am just calling it like I see it.

Roberts spokesperson Sarah Little said earlier this week: “We’re not going to release numbers [about in-state visits] because we’re not sure that any number would be acceptable to some of these outside groups. … We’re worried about what the yardstick is. Who defines how much is enough days in the state?”

Who defines how much is enough? Voters do. Duh.

Pat Roberts deserves much better counsel and advice. If he doesn’t release what should be routine information about how and where he conducts his job in-state, this pr faux pas will continue to overshadow the exemplary record of a very personable incumbent.

Gordon Hensley

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