By JIM MCLEAN

With President Donald Trump’s poll numbers sliding into historically low territory, Democrats won’t be satisfied with modest gains in next year’s midterm election.

They’re hoping for an anti-Trump wave that gives them control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Needing 24 seats to gain a majority, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is targeting up to 50 potential swing districts across the country.

Among the districts that the DCCC has circled in red is the Kansas 3rd, now represented by Republican Kevin Yoder.

It’s a compact KC metro area district that encompasses Johnson County, Wyandotte County and a sliver of Miami County.

Yoder is in his fourth term, but he’s one of 23 Republicans attempting to hold seats in districts where Trump lost to Hillary Clinton.

“Dozens find themselves defending seats where Donald Trump is already deeply unpopular,” DCCC Director Dan Sena wrote in a memo circulated to the media in January.

Read the memo from Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Director Dan Sena.

“Together the House Republicans and Trump administration are pushing a wildly unpopular agenda that threatens their standing from the Rust Best to the Sun Belt,” Sena wrote, singling out the effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Yoder’s vote for the Obamacare repeal bill and his general support of the president’s agenda could make him vulnerable, said Patrick Miller, a University of Kansas political scientist.

“He’s a very conservative Republican representing a much more moderate, swingy district, which certainly puts him on the radar for potentially having a very competitive race,” Miller said.

The 3rd District can be competitive even in normal political times, Miller said, noting that Kathleen Sebelius carried it both times she ran for governor and that Democrat Dennis Moore held the seat for six terms before he retired for health reasons.

“It traditionally has a bit of a Republican tilt to it, but it can be quite competitive,” he said.

Democrats lining up

With the 2018 primary still a year away, the race for the Democratic nomination is already crowded.

Retired corporate attorney and health care advocate Andrea Ramsey — who last week received an endorsement from EMILY’s List, a national fundraising group that backs Democratic women who support abortion rights — appears to be among the early front-runners. She entered the race on June 13 and raised more than $200,000 by a June 30 campaign finance reporting deadline.

However, it took a $25,000 loan from Ramsey to meet the fundraising target, according to her Federal Election Commission report.

Looking for a constructive way to channel her anger after Clinton’s defeat, Ramsey began thinking about running for Congress in the spring. She said Yoder’s May 4 vote in favor of what she calls “that disastrous Trumpcare bill” cemented her decision.

“That’s when I knew I had to step up and run,” Ramsey said. “That’s the day that I declared, ‘Not only am I in, I’m all in.’”

Recent entrant Tom Niermann, a Pembroke Hill history teacher, also appears to be building a strong campaign, with former Clinton staffer Zach Helder at the helm.

With Yoder referring to Ramsey and Brent Welder, a Bonner Springs attorney who entered the race in late July, as “Bernie Sanders extremists,” Niermann hopes to prevail by appealing to moderates in both parties.

“My belief in a particular political philosophy is not bound up in big government or small government but in good government,” Niermann said in a recent interview. “Government that is responsive to the needs of the people.”

Meanwhile, Welder, a former union official whom Sanders appointed to the Democratic National Platform Committee, told the Kansas City Star that “only a populist candidate” can defeat Yoder.

Jay Sidie, the 2016 Democratic nominee who despite getting into the race late gave Yoder his strongest challenge to date, has said he intends to run again but hasn’t formally announced.

“I moved the needle to within 10 points of Yoder with a five-month window,” Sidie said in a recent interview. “So, I think I’ve proven I’m a viable candidate.”

However, Sidie appears to be struggling to raise money. From January through the end of June, he raised only $30,000, according his FEC report.

Also bidding for the Democratic nomination are Reggie Marselus, an electrician from Lenexa who ran unsuccessfully in 2016, and Chris Haulmark, a deaf rights activist from Olathe.

Yoder’s war chest brimming

Yoder, meanwhile, raised nearly $800,000 in the latest reporting period and has more than $1 million in cash on hand, according to his FEC filing.

He’s also armed with talking points to counter charges that his conservative voting record makes him vulnerable in a district that is trending more moderate in recent state and national elections. In an interview, he said he’s working to bridge the partisan divide.

“I think people are frustrated with the bitter partisanship both in Washington and here at home,” Yoder said. “I’ve been a voice of reason, I think, in that storm. Trying to reach across the aisle (and) work with Democrats and Republicans to solve problems.”

Yoder points to his sponsorship of legislation to increase funding for the National Institutes of Health and to broaden access to child-care tax credits as evidence that he’s not a tea party conservative.

But he’s quick to label his opponents — Ramsey in particular — as “leftists.”

“Their attempt to lurch this district so far to the left is going to make them out of touch with the constituents I work with every single day,” he said.

Yoder’s campaign experience and fundraising prowess make him formidable even if the anti-Trump climate persists, Miller said. It will take an opponent with the right message and enough money to make it stick to deny Yoder a fifth term, he said.

“Because I guarantee you, a lot of money is going to come in to defend Kevin Yoder,” Miller said. “You need a candidate on the other side capable of attracting enough Democratic money to offset the pro-Yoder spending.”

The DCCC is also targeting Kansas’ 2nd Congressional District, currently held by Lynn Jenkins, who’s not running for re-election. Democrat Paul Davis, a former Kansas House minority leader who narrowly lost a 2014 bid to unseat Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, is likely to run.

Two Republicans have announced: state Sen. Steve Fitzgerald, of Leavenworth, and Basehor City Council member Vernon Fields. Several more Republicans are eyeing the race, including other members of the Kansas Senate.

Jim McLean is managing director of the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio and KMUW covering health, education and politics. You can reach him on Twitter @jmcleanks.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer has confirmed that he will seek a full, four-year term as Kansas governor in 2018 after assuming the office upon Gov. Sam Brownback’s departure.

Colyer announced Tuesday that he appointed a treasurer for his campaign for the Republican nomination. He said in a statement that he is committed to doing the work necessary to win.

Brownback has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. Brownback has not set a date for stepping down as governor.

Both Brownback and Colyer are conservative Republicans who ran together on a single ticket in 2010 and 2014.

The race for the GOP nomination already is crowded with six other candidates that include Secretary of State Kris Kobach and Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer.

FINNEY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for alleged attempted 2nd Degree Murder.

On September 9, 2016, the State Department of Children and Families contacted the Garden City Police Department that a two-year-old boy from Garden City was admitted to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City with life threatening illnesses.

The investigation revealed the two-year-old special needs child suffered from extreme malnutrition and dehydration. The child requires special care and feeding and has since birth. It is alleged that the child was not cared for properly and medical care was neglected for the child by the parents.

The child required extensive medical treatment for life threatening conditions. The child has since been released from the hospital and is currently in foster care.

Police arrested the mother of the child, Kiala Pollman,26, and the step-father  Elias Allen, 31, both of Garden City. They could face the possible charges of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder and abuse of a child, according to police.

JUNCTION CITY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer involved shooting which occurred early Wednesday morning outside the Walmart store on the west side of Junction City.

According to a media release, the Junction City Police Department contacted the KBI at approximately 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8 to request assistance following an officer involved shooting. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene to conduct the investigation.

The preliminary information indicates that officers from the Junction City Police Department were dispatched to conduct a welfare check at a residence on the west side of Junction City at approximately 12:45 a.m. Soon after arriving at the residence, another call came in reporting an armed disturbance only a few blocks away at the Walmart Neighborhood Market, 1723 McFarland Rd., Junction City.

 

Officers from both the Junction City Police Department and the Geary County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Walmart parking lot. Once they arrived, they located a male subject armed with two handguns on the sidewalk north of the parking lot. The male subject was given commands to drop his weapons. The confrontation escalated further and four law enforcement officers from two agencies fired at the subject.

 

The subject was pronounced dead at the scene. He was a 23-year-old white male from Fort Riley, Kansas. His identity will not be released until next of kin has appropriately been notified.

 

No law enforcement officers were injured during this incident.

 

GEARY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Geary County are investigating a Tuesday morning officer-involved shooting.

Just after 12:48a.m., police were dispatched to the incident on Caroline Avenue on the west side of Junction City, according to Public Information officer Trish Giordano. Police did not release the identity of those involved.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is now in charge of the investigation, according Giordano.
No officers were injured.

A portion of Caroline Avenue near the Walmart grocery store on the west side of Junction City remains barricaded due to the investigation.

TOPEKA – A Kansas man has been charged with sex crimes against a dependent adult and Medicaid fraud, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

On Monday, Schmidt filed criminal charges against Thomas James Tholstrup, 25, in connection with an incident alleged to have occurred last week in Cloud County.

The charges are one count of aggravated criminal sodomy, one count of Medicaid fraud and one count of mistreatment of a dependent adult. Based upon the investigation to date, there is no reason to suspect that there are additional victims.

He is being held on a $50,000 Bond, according to the Cloud County Sheriff’s Department.

The case is set for a first appearance in Cloud County District Court on August 23 at 9 a.m.

RILEY COUNTY – A Kansas man is free on bond and facing charges of aggravated battery; reckless great bodily harm in connection with a hit and run accident woman, according to the Riley County Police Department Arrest report.

Just before 2a.m. April 13, police responded to a report of a hit and run injury accident at the intersection of 12^th Street and Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media release.

First responders found a pedestrian identified as Amber Wilhelm, 21, Manhattan, suffering from severe injuries after being struck by a pickup driven by 21-year-old Nicholas Blaha of Manhattan. He left the scene of the accident.

Wilhelm was transported to Via Christi and then flown to Stormont Vail in critical condition.

Blaha came forward following the release of a video of the truck involved in the accident.  Police booked him Monday on charges as a result of the crash.

By Cole Reif

BARTON COUNTY -The city of Great Bend moved Monday’s city council meeting to the larger Great Bend Events Center and left the microphone open for anyone to make a comment. Over 400 chairs were filled while others had to stand to watch the meeting that allowed many concerned residents voice their opinions on the suspension of Great Bend Police Chief Cliff Couch.

While Couch’s hearing on suspension with pay and possible termination is not scheduled until later this month, citizens used the council meeting as their first chance to address the governing body, including resident Brian Harris.

“Never poke a sleeping bear,” he said.  Mayor, you’ve poked a sleeping bear.”  Those in attendance cheered Harris.

The City county suspended Couch after the July 24, 2017 special meeting for, according to the notice, “false or reckless” accusations, failing to perform an investigation for a harassing working place, and refusal to attempt to work things out with City Administrator Howard Partington. Since the suspension, citizens have started petitions, painted signs, and raised money for Couch’s legal fees in support for the police chief.

Mayor Mike Allison said Partington were not present at the meeting Monday because of health issues.

Couch appeared at the Events Center half way through the meeting and was brought to the podium to address an earlier comment that he could not settle the difference with Partington to work things out.

Council member Wayne Henneke stated Couch said “no” to the question twice and that was a big factor to his decision to be a part of the 5-3 vote that suspended the chief.

Couch addressed the council and said his “no” response was taken out of context and he was willing to work with Partington.

Couch brought concerns of an understaffed, overworked, and potentially underpaid police department to the city council at the June 5 meeting. He also made allegations towards Partington and Allison for misconduct and unethical procedures. Couch also stated he was told to keep quiet about the problems at the Police Department.

Council member Dana Dawson made a motion to rescind the Couch’s suspension.

Dawson wanted the chief reinstated pending an investigation. Council member Mike Boys, who voted for the suspension in July, carried out Dawson’s motion but it ended in a 4-4 tie, with Allison breaking the tie with a vote to uphold the suspension.

 

A private investigator was hired by the City of Great Bend to conduct a study on compensation and management at the Police Department, but no investigation on Couch’s allegations towards the city. Many questions Monday centered on why Couch was suspended without an investigation conducted on the entire city staff, including Partington and Allison. That agenda item and discussion will be carried over to the next council meeting on August 21.

Couch’s hearing and chance at a rebuttal to his suspension was pushed back to a later date this month because of an attorney change. Couch is now represented by Randy Rathbun, from Depew Gillen Rathbun & McInteer from Wichita.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting death of a man by a Wichita police officer.

Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay says the 29-year-old man was shot Monday after officers responded to a domestic violence call.

Ramsay says the suspect had a knife and was holding his 42-year-old girlfriend against her will when officers arrived at the home.

The chief says four officers entered the home after hearing the woman scream. One officer believed the woman was being stabbed and fired one round.

The woman was treated at the scene. Two women and four children inside the home were not injured.

The officer who fired the shot is an 18-year veteran of the force.

SYDNEY (AP) — The Latest on the crash of a U.S. Marine Osprey aircraft off Australia’s coast (all times local):

U.S. military officials have identified the three Marines who were killed after their aircraft crashed into the sea off the east coast of Australia.

The three men remain missing and were declared dead by the military on Tuesday. They were among 26 people on board an MV-22 Osprey that crashed off the coast of Queensland state on Saturday.

The U.S. Marine base Camp Butler in Japan said the victims were 21-year-old Cpl. Nathaniel Ordway of Sedgwick, Kansas; 26-year-old 1st Lt. Benjamin Cross of Oxford, Maine and 19-year-old Pfc. Ruben Velasco of Los Angeles.

The Australian navy found the wreckage of the aircraft on Monday.

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged felony charges.

On Saturday, police say Gary Ingram Jr., 34, Salina, forged his father’s information on a loan application at a car dealership.

While Ingram took a 2015 Toyota Tundra on a test drive, staff at Conklin Cars, 2700 South 9^th in Salina reviewed the loan application.

Ingram’s father also called the dealership after he received a call from his bank about the loan, according to Police Sgt. James Feldman.

The dealership called police. They found the pickup valued at almost $32,000 in the 100 block of South Ninth Street and arrested Ingram.

He is being held on requested charges of attempted felony theft, forgery, identity theft, possession of an opiate and driving while suspended.

He has previous convictions for theft by deception, making false writing and forgery in Sedgwick County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

WICHITA— A Kansas man pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to drug trafficking and agreed to forfeit the building where his restaurant is located as well as other assets, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. Two co-defendants also entered guilty pleas.

Gerald Beasley, 62, Wichita, Kan., owner of Tiara’s Place, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Also on Monday, co-defendant Terry Beasley, 63, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. Co-defendant Brandon Smith, 46, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

In his plea, Gerald Beasley admitted he stored cocaine and other narcotics in a residence in the 2400 block of North Piatt Street in Wichita, meeting with buyers both at the residence and the restaurant at 1339 N. Hillside. He carried a High Standard derringer handgun to protect himself during drug transactions.

In his plea agreement, Gerald Beasley agreed to forfeit his home in Andover, his restaurant, a number of real estate properties, more than $75,000 in cash and bank accounts with a value of more than $75,000, as well as other assets.

In his plea, Terry Beasley admitted he made money through the trafficking of controlled substances, illegal gambling and the illegal production and sale of false documents. He kept the proceeds hidden in a safe in a storage facility. The plea agreement calls for him to forfeit more than $67,000 in cash that was seized from him.

In Smith’s plea, he admitted he conspired to distribute marijuana. Investigators recorded calls in which he ordered drugs from Gerald Beasley.

Sentencing is set for Gerald Beasley on Oct. 30, for Terry Beasley on Nov. 6 and for Smith on Nov. 13. Both parties have agreed to recommend Gerald Beasley be sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and Terry Beasley be sentenced to a year and a day. Smith faces a sentence of up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Two teenagers are dead after a shooting in Kansas City, Kansas.

Three teens inside a vehicle were shot just after 9 p.m. Sunday. Police say 17-year-old Le’Andrew M. Vaughn was pronounced dead at the scene. Sixteen-year-old Adarius Barber was taken to a hospital, where he died. Both were from Kansas City, Kansas.

The third victim is hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

A house near the vehicle was also struck by several bullets.

No arrests have been made.

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Two teenagers are dead after a shooting in Kansas City, Kansas.

Three teens inside a vehicle were shot just after 9 p.m. Sunday. One died at the scene, and the second died later at a hospital. The third victim is hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

A house near the vehicle was also struck by several bullets.

No arrests have been made. Names of the victims have not been released.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer has appointed a treasurer for a campaign for the Republican nomination for governor next year.

Selzer filed the form last week with the secretary of state’s office. Appointing a treasurer allows him to legally accept contributions.

Five other Republicans have appointed treasurers. They are Secretary of State Kris Kobach, former state Sen. Jim Barnett of Topeka, Wichita businessman Wink Hartman, Leawood businessman Patrick Kucera and ex-state Rep. Ed O’Malley of Wichita.

Pro-marijuana activist and Wichita businesswoman Jennifer Winn a still has an active campaign committee from her unsuccessful 2014 bid for the GOP nomination.

Four Democrats have appointed treasurers. They are ex-Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, former state Agriculture Secretary Joshua Svaty, Olathe physician Arden Andersen and Wichita high school student Jack Bergeson