News from the Kansas Livestock Association

    Republican secretary of state candidate Kris Kobach from Piper announced this week, if elected, he will push for initiative and referendum in Kansas. State initiative and referendum ballots are the mechanism the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has used to impose restrictions on animal agriculture in California, Florida and Arizona. These animal rights ballot questions largely were successful due to the sizeable amount of money spent by HSUS and other radical groups.  

     The U.S. and Kansas constitutions establish a system wherein people elect representatives who then vote on legislation. Under an initiative and referendum system, proposals are placed directly on the ballot through a petition process, with no constructive debate or discussion. 

     “While this may seem to be a direct method of voter input, it also is subject to emotional, money-driven and highly political campaigns,” said Kansas House Ag Committee Chairman Larry Powell of Garden City. “In today’s society, with mass media and large advocacy group budgets, a media blitz for or against a proposal can be detrimental to industries targeted by such campaigns.”

     HSUS identifies states with initiative and referendum to push its radical agenda. To influence voters, the group pours millions of dollars into delivering its anti-animal agriculture messages. Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and chief executive officer, previously served on the national advisory board for the Initiative and Referendum Institute, a group promoting the process. 

     KLA has worked diligently to oppose adoption of initiative and referendum in Kansas. The actions of HSUS reinforce KLA’s continued opposition.

     Kobach faces Elizabeth Ensley of Topeka and J.R. Claeys of Salina in Tuesday’s (8/3) Republican primary.