Official: Local races likely to drive voter turnout

This is one of those years that’s too tricky to predict as far as turnout, County Clerk Shari Perry said.

Perry said she’s aware of the prediction by Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh that today’s turnout will be among the lowest in 20 years.

Thornburgh said the primary would have a 20 percent turnout.

He might be right, he might be wrong, she said.

“A lot of it depends on local races,” Perry said.

In Franklin County, there are a few local races on the Republican side, but whether that’s going to be enough to bring out voters is still up in the air, she said.

The only countywide race is on the Republican side, in which Sheriff Craig Davis is being challenged by Jim Honn, retired Shawnee County deputy; and Tony LeMaster, former Franklin County jail administrator.

Other Republican races that cover certain parts of the county include County Commissioner Roy Dunn and David Hood, retired Ottawa firefighter, for county commission; and two state legislative races — Cara Polsley, Ottawa, versus Jeannie Plaisted, Osawatomie; and Bill Otto, LeRoy, versus Sheila Lampe, Piqua.

In the U.S. House Republican primary, state treasurer Lynn Jenkins and former U.S. representative Jim Ryun are seeking the nomination to challenge Democrat U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda.

However, that race might not have as much impact in increasing turnout, Perry said.

On the Democratic side, there’s only one race of note. Former Congressman Jim Slattery and Lee Jones, an Overland Park railroader, are seeking the nod to face incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts in November.

The November election, especially with an already hotly contested presidential race, should see a much higher turnout, Perry said.