Brownback Stands By Howe Endorsement

By Justin Kendall

U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback’s hour-long town hall meeting in Olathe today ended without one question about abortion. Brownback talked about creating clean energy solutions, stemming illegal immigration and dipping into the domestic oil supply. But he didn’t even whisper the A-word.

Earlier this month, Brownback pissed off leaders in the anti-abortion movement by endorsing Steve Howe to replace current Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline. For his part, Kline has said he doesn’t intend to seek re-election. But there’s speculation that Kline is considering a run as an independent.

After the meeting, I asked Brownback if he was reconsidering his Howe endorsement after the negativity from anti-abortion groups.

“I’m not reconsidering the endorsement,” Brownback said. “I’m not sure what all the reaction was based on, but Steve Howe’s got a broad base of support. … And I think he can do a good job in that position. I think Phill has been a very aggressive, solid advocate, but I think Steve’s a guy who can win that seat.”

Asked if he didn’t believe Kline could win the seat, Brownback said, “I’m not sure. He previously announced he was taking a position with a university.”

Brownback also cited Howe’s ability to “unify people” as reason for his endorsement.

“That’s been a position that’s launched several leading Democrats in the state,” Brownback said. “As a Republican, I wanted to win it back and maybe launch somebody of our own.”

Steve Howe is apparently the guy Brownback wants to strap the rocket to.