Jason Says Vote, Kansas!

Candidates: 

• Senator Pat Roberts (R): U.S. Senate (1996-present). Prior to that he was a U.S. Representative (1980-1996) Senate campaign site. 
• Greg Orman (I): Founder, Environmental Lighting Concepts (1992-present) and Co-Founder, Denali Partners, LLC (2004-present). Senate campaign website.

Jason's Bottom Line:

• Senator Roberts brought this challenge on himself. From failing to manage the optics around his residency to a lackluster campaign - the only reason that Greg Orman has a shot, is because Roberts wasn't giving the campaign any serious effort. The Democratic candidate dropped out of the race to give Orman a real shot at knocking Roberts out this cycle. It's a long-shot, but Roberts isn't making any friends these days. 
• This is going to be a quick report - not delving into the issues - but giving you a flavor.
• Pat Roberts is has been continuously representing Kansas in the Federal Government since 1980 (that's 34 years folks). He is a social conservative - opposing abortion, gay marriage, the ACA, and most federal oversight. 
• Greg Orman is an "independent" business man who was running a self-funded campaign against Roberts. He was elevated to national importance when the Kansas Democratic Party convinced their candidate to drop out - making it a head to head match-up between Orman and Roberts. Orman hasn't taken a lot of policy positions - rather focusing on fixing the gridlock in Washington. However, we do know that he is pro-choice, anti-tax increases, pro-reasonable gun-control and opposed to repealing the ACA (but wants to fix unintended consequences).

Bipartisanship/Willingness to Work Across the Aisle

This is a big one for me as I deal with Congress every day for work. The willingness of a member to bridge the partisan divide is so important to get anything done. The super-partisanship of Washington is the reason that Congress is dysfunctional and has the lowest approval ratings ever.

The reason that this election is included is not only because it's an opportunity to pick-up a Republican seat, but because of the huge focus that Orman has put on rectifying the gridlock in Washington.

• Pat Roberts: Roberts isn't an ideologue. He works well with some moderate Democrats, but he also votes the party line - even when he has supported policy proposals in the past. He's been in the Senate for a long time, and knows how to play the game well. But his consistent support of partisanship over the interests of average Kansans puts him at odds with the electorate. 
• Greg Orman: A pragmatic, energetic, savvy, and successful businessman - Orman is arguing that his experience and non-partisanship will enable him to be a deal-maker in Washington. He wants to break through the gridlock and deliver results to the people of Kansas. He is striking a populist tone - and building a coalition across the ideological spectrum of people who just want Congress to get back to work. 
• Winner: Greg Orman
• Kansas deserves a Senator that puts them above partisanship. I think Greg Orman is that guy.