By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
“Education will definitely continue to be a top priority for me.”
Hays resident James Leiker, president of the Hays USD 489 school board, lost his challenge to take the 111th District Kansas House seat from incumbent Sue Boldra.
Leiker, a Democrat, lost to Boldra, a Republican, 43% to 57%, or 3,629 to 4,747.
Both candidates are Hays residents, and thanked the voters and their supporters Tuesday night.
“It’s not where I wanted to be, but my campaign was all about voters educating themselves about the facts for several issues. They chose their candidate and we’ll continue to move forward. I’ll continue in my role as president of the school board,” Leiker said.
Boldra talked to Hays Post from the home of her campaign manager, Mike Karl, Hays.
“We’re very excited about the election results,” Boldra said. “We had a lot of support and worked hard. People heard my message.”
Boldra described Leiker as a “nice opponent” and wished him “all the best.”
“I believe in the democratic process and I appreciate having a good opponent and race.”
Leiker waited for the election returns at the Ellis County Courthouse.
“We had a really high turnout tonight and that’s a very powerful thing because the best thing you can do is go out and express your opinion through the ballot. People have made their decisions and we’ll see where the future takes us,” he said.
“I’m still very worried about the state’s funding of education,” Leiker added.
Leiker ruled out, for now, another run for state office, but added “there’s a very good possibility” he’ll campaign for another term on the USD 489 school board. Leiker’s current and first term on the school board ends June 30, 2015.
There were 10,265 ballots cast in Ellis County, a 57.41% voter turnout. An estimated 257 provisional ballots must still be counted, according to Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus, but “not enough to make a difference in any local races,” she said.
Results are unofficial until canvassed Monday, Nov. 10, at 5 p.m. by the Ellis County Commission.