Democratic, Libertarian Congressional Candidates Participate In … – KMUW

A forum was held Sunday at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Wichita between two of the three candidates looking to fill the seat former congressman and current CIA director Mike Pompeo vacated in Kansas' 4th District.

Democrat James Thompson and Libertarian Chris Rockhold participated. Republican Ron Estes, although he had confirmed to take part, was absent due to a conflict.

The candidates commented on the budget, school funding, race issues and the Affordable Care Act.

Thompson said lawmakers should focus on controlling high health care costs, including pharmaceuticals. Rockhold said coverage for pre-existing conditions should remain.

Sixty-four-year-old Pastor Titus James attended the forum and said after he still hasnt decided who he'll vote for.

If Im not careful half my annual income will be for health care and thats not right for an old man so Im going to see how they will handle that --how they will try to work with fairness and parity for all people with that," he said.

Thompson and Rockhold both stressed the importance of being accessible to their constituents and the top priority of voting in the special election on April 11.

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Carla Eckels is assistant news director and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter@Eckels.

To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us atnews@kmuw.org.

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Democratic, Libertarian Congressional Candidates Participate In ... - KMUW