As Democratic and Republican governors alike joined to denounce racial hatred in Virginia, a few names stood silent. Governor Sam Brownback, who has been tapped as ambassador to religious freedom, and Kris Kobach, Trump’s right-hand man in voter suppression and a candidate for Governor. Kansas Democratic Party senate leader Anthony Hensley, put forward the ask this morning:
“Governor Brownback, as the newly appointed Ambassador at large for Religious Freedom, the people of this country deserve to know that you do not tolerate this hatred and will ensure everyone is afforded the right to religious freedom without persecution.
“Lt. Governor Colyer, as the next governor of our great state, Kansans deserve to know that you will continue to place Kansas on the right side of history, just as we have always been.
“And, finally, Kris Kobach, as a featured speaker for a white nationalist group, with connections to other hate groups, as a key architect of voter suppression laws, and a candidate for governor, the people of Kansas deserve to know whether your silence is indicative of your tolerance of such hate.
“Kansans need to know what side you stand on. Your silence is deafening.”
And that’s when Secretary of State Kris Kobach lost his cool.