List of Kansas political scandals

This article provides a list of political scandals which occurred in the U.S. State of Kansas. It is organized in reverse chronological order from most recent to oldest.

Politician is defined as "a person who is professionally involved in politics", and includes not only those elected to office, their staffs and appointees, but also those who routinely work in politics such as pollsters. Major officials of political parties and their staffs, as well as those elected by their party to be candidates are also included. Local politicians, mayors, sheriffs, and county officials should not be included. Scandal is defined as "loss of, or damage to, reputation caused by actual or apparent violation of morality or propriety". Breaking the law is always considered a scandal. The finding of a public court is the sole method used to determine a violation of law, but it is not the sole method of determining a scandal. Please note that all people are considered innocent until proven guilty. Allegations of misconduct do not imply guilt nor do admissions of guilt in the absence of a conviction. Investigations that end without a determination do not imply innocence. Breaches of ethics, unproven crimes or cover-ups may or may not result in inclusion depending on the amount of publicity generated, and the seriousness of the crime, if any. Notoriety and notability are a major determinant of a scandal. Politicians who resign, quit, flee, or commit suicide while being investigated or threatened with investigation may also be included. Different scandals on different dates may result in multiple listings. The list does not include crimes that occur outside the politician's tenure (such as before or after his term in office) unless they specifically stem from acts made while in office, such as bribery, and discovered later. Given the political nature of legislatures where the leading party has determining power, politicians who are Rebuked, Denounced, Censured, Admonished, Condemned, Suspended, Reprimanded, Found in Contempt, Found to have Acted Improperly, or of using Poor Judgment are not included unless the scandal is exceptional or leads to further action such as expulsion, conviction or resignation. Executive pardons may or may not be mentioned, but do not erase the scandal. The verdict and legal proceedings are not affected by pardons, but may affect the sentence.

State of Kansas

• Gene Suellentrop (R) State Senator and Senate Majority Leader from Wichita in the 27th District, was accused of driving on the wrong side of two interstate highways at speeds of over 90 miles per hour and of calling the arresting officer ‘donut boy’. He was found guilty of reckless driving, served two days in jail and was stripped of his leadership position. (2021)

• Mark Samsel (R) State Representative from Wellsville in District 5, pled guilty to three counts of disorderly conduct for ranting and striking students in the class he was substitute teaching. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail with a years’ probation. He was also banned from social media and forced to apologize to the students in writing and undergo a mental health exam. (2021)

• Michael Capps (politician) (R) State Representative from Wichita in District 85, was accused of fraud and misuse of $450,000 in Covid relief funds. He was found guilty and sentenced to 27 months in prison. (2020)

• Kris Kobach (R) Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate, was accused by the American Civil Liberties Union of requiring proof of citizenship in order to vote when it was not necessary. He was found guilty of Contempt of Court for withholding documents. Since it was his second conviction for contempt of court he was also ordered to pay expenses and fined. (2017)

• Phill Kline (R) State Attorney General, was found to have violated eleven rules governing the professional conduct of attorneys, including perjury, illegal file transfer, misleading legal guidance and others. Kline claimed that he had the right to deceive state agencies to gain information about abortion investigations. He also maintained that he had no duty to notify a judge that he had provided the flawed information. Kline had his law license suspended indefinitely by the Kansas Supreme Court who cited “clear and convincing evidence” of professional misconduct. (2013)

• Trent K. LeDoux (R) State Representative and son of State Water Director Alan L. LeDoux, pled guilty to defrauding a bank of more than $465,000. He was sentenced to 18 months in jail. (2014)

• Phil Hermanson (R) was appointed Director of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KanCare) but was not confirmed by the State Senate. Questions were raised about his recent bankruptcy, unpaid taxes and a DUI conviction, as well as general competency for the job since he did not have a background in either law or insurance. He resigned after a few months. (2014)

• Paul J. Morrison (R/D) State Attorney General, was charged with sexual harassment of a female staffer. Though he admitted to infidelity, he denied any impropriety, sexual harassment, pressure, or efforts to influence the course of an investigation. He resigned. (2005)

• Alan L. LeDoux (R) Director and father of State Representative Trent K. LeDoux, was arrested on charges of aggravated kidnapping, rape by fear of force, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated burglary on one of his wife’s relatives. He was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison. (2002)

See also:

• Lists of political scandals in the United States by state or territory
• List of federal political scandals in the United States
• List of federal political sex scandals in the United States

• List of American state and local politicians convicted of crimes

References

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