top of page
Search
  • Writer's pictureHalle Haas

Candidate's issue platforms align at the final Sunflower Party town hall debate

The Sunflower Party held their final debate this past Tuesday at the University of Kansas. The debate was a town hall style and featured voters crucial questions in the week leading up to the primary elections. The candidates, Senator Uriarte and Mrs. Southwick, both answered a series of questions regarding their experience and issue platforms.


The theme of the evening was seeing how closely the candidates align on many major issues. With both candidates sharing many similar platforms, the outcome of the primaries might just come down to a left-field issue such as campaign finance or gun control.


The candidates have very similar views on the legalization of marijuana. Not only do both candidates support the full legalization of marijuana, but they also support the idea of rehabilitation rather than incarceration. Mrs. Southwick promoted sending low-level drug offenders to receive counseling and rehabilitation services rather than lengthy prison sentences.


Southwick and Uriarte also fielded many questions from voters regarding their policies on education and the environment. Their answers seemed to align once again. Both candidates advocate for helping Kansas transition to cleaner energy practices and support tax breaks for farmers who follow and promote these practices. Southwick and Uriarte also both doubled down on their choice education platform and reaffirmed their intentions to continue the tax credit programs which help fund private and charter schools.


Knowing how similar the candidate's issue platforms are, voters may be questioning how to differentiate them come election day. The two issues the candidates clashed on during the debate were campaign funding and conceal and carry policies on campuses.


When voters questioned the source of funding for Senator Uriarte's campaign, he admitted that he has accepted money from influential Political Action Committee's (PACs). However, he was quick to assure voters that the funding would not compromise his judgment in any way. Mrs. Southwick, when asked the same question, assured voters that her campaign is fully publicly funded and that she will not accept any PAC money.


Senator Uriarte was also questioned once again about his support for concealed carry on college campuses. He confirmed his support for the second amendment and the right of students to carry on campus as a means of self-defense. Mrs. Southwick, in rebuttal, stated that she is opposed to the campus carry due to the ineffectiveness and lack of weapon storage.


With the primary elections less than a week away, the words spoken by the candidates during the debate are sure to be echoing through voters ears. As voters seek to differentiate the candidates, one thing can be sure, there is no issue that is off limits.

6 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Fact-checking the Free State Party primary debate

This past Tuesday the Free State Party held their first primary debate at the University of Kansas. The debate was put on by the Kansas Debates team and the Free State Party candidates, Jack Griswold

bottom of page