Kansas congressman Ron Estes has announced his endorsement for Republican challenger Jake LaTurner in the 2nd District primary contest in northeast Kansas.
Estes, who represents the 4th District in south central and southeast Kansas, appeared with LaTurner at a news conference in Topeka on Thursday afternoon. Estes called LaTurner, who is the Kansas state treasurer, a trusted conservative who is ready to represent eastern Kansas.
Estes is the first major Republican to break with incumbent congressman Steve Watkins, who has been charged with voter fraud. Prosecutors said Watkins listed a UPS postal box as his residence on a voter registration form. Watkins is charged with three felonies and one misdemeanor in the case.
Estes said in a press release that Watkins will have a difficult time doing his job in Congress until the charges are dealt with, and he needs to focus on putting his legal problems behind him. Estes said that process won’t play out until after the general election and Republicans can’t put the 2nd District seat at risk by nominating a candidate charged with felonies.
