Heated Caucus Leads To Delays In Redistricting

The Kansas Senate has postponed debate on a

bill for redrawing its 40 districts after an angry meeting of

majority Republicans.

Senators now plan to debate the measure Wednesday. It is backed

by the chamber’s moderate Republicans, and conservatives contend

it’s designed to keep the Senate’s moderate GOP leaders in power.

The Senate had planned to debate the measure Tuesday. But during

a caucus of Republican senators, conservatives attacked the plan

and peppered Reapportionment Committee Chairman Tim Owens with

hostile questions.

Owens, a moderate Overland Park Republican, angrily walked out.

Senate President Steve Morris, a Hugoton Republican, said the

debate on the bill was being delayed to give GOP factions a chance

to compromise.

The impasse threatens to delay the state’s August 7th primary

election.