Thursday, October 13, 2011

Organizers of the Kansas Republican Assembly invited the two men who have shown interest for the 18th Judicial District Attorney race. The group's president said this is one of the most anticipated races in the state.

"So many people are interested in this race. It affects our lives, personally, and that's why a race like this, I think this is going be maybe the second biggest race in Kansas," said Mark Gietzen, forum organizer and president of the KRA.

The current deputy district attorney, Marc Bennett, has officially announced he is running for his current boss' seat. During Thursday night's forum, he made some promises if elected into office.

"The only promises I tried to make was that if I'm elected to that office, that I would certainly try to bring every level of professionalism, I've learned over the years, to the office, and perform the task within the bounds of the law," said Bennett.

Although former deputy district attorney, Kevin O'Connor, has not formally announced whether he is or is not running, he introduced himself to the group that invited him.

"They have faith in me and trust in me. They've been asking me to run. So, it's something that we've been talking about, family wise, and talking about people. It's a big decision but I've never shied away from making big decisions," said O'Connor.

About two dozen people who attended the forum paid special attention to Bennett, who answered a handful of questions, asking for his reaction on specific situations dealing with crimes against children to financial crimes.

"I didn't know them as much as I do now. I'm really impressed with the quality that we have, in both of these candidates," said Gietzen.

The group plans to have a debate and endorsement meeting on June 14, 2012.