By Sherman Smith | editor-in-chief
Good morning! Opinion editor Clay Wirestone provides some observations about the U.S. Senate race based on his experience in swing states.
Pool photo by Charlie Riedel/Associated Press
OPINION
As US Senate race boils over, here’s some advice for Kansans from a swing state veteran
By Clay Wirestone
Greetings, fellow Kansan! You may feel disturbed and uncertain upon learning that our state has now entered that curious category known as swing.
No worries, though. I can help! As a journalist, I spent 14 years in two states that were classified as swing. I first worked in St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida, as the state wrestled with the fallout of the essentially tied 2000 presidential election. I then spent a decade in evenly divided New Hampshire, covering the 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 elections.
I found the experience riveting, educational, disconcerting — and occasionally annoying. Here are a handful of applicable lessons. Bear them in mind as you watch your 5 millionth anti-Roger Marshall or anti-Adam Hamilton ad.
Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom
Most US House races aren’t competitive. What does that mean for how lawmakers govern?
WASHINGTON — Fewer than 5% of U.S. House races are seen by a top political analysis as truly competitive heading into November’s midterm elections, giving relatively few voters the ability to determine which party controls the chamber for the next two years.
The other 414 of 435 House districts are viewed by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report with Amy Walter as at least leaning toward a Democrat or a Republican, as of Oct. 22.
Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner
City, state employees are proud of their work but face burnout, harassment
State and local government employees report high levels of job satisfaction across the country, but face significant rates of burnout and on-the-job harassment.
That’s according to a new national survey of nearly 5,000 public servants across all 50 states released today by The People Lab at Harvard University’s Kennedy School. Researchers say the survey, which includes respondents from hundreds of local governments, provides the nation’s most comprehensive analysis of workplace conditions in local governments.
KANSAS REFLECTOR PODCAST
What is a Kansas accent? Research reveals perceptions of Kansas speech
The way we speak is a culmination of our life experiences, according to Jeff Holliday, a linguist and professor at the University of Kansas. He and Lacey Wade, also a professor and linguist at KU, recently authored research on how people inside and outside of Kansas perceive Kansas speech.
Follow Kansas Reflector wherever you get your podcasts. Browse all episodes.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kansas Reflector staff will participate in the following free public forums.
1o a.m. Nov. 14, Constitution Hall in Topeka. Clay Wirestone speaks with veteran journalist Jim McLean. Host: Kansas Oral History Project.
2 p.m. Nov. 15, Volland Foundation Alma. Clay Wirestone in conversation with editor Sherman Smith. Host: Volland, A Place for Art and Community.
6 p.m. Nov. 21, Flagship Books, Kansas City, Kansas. Clay Wirestone speaks and answers questions about his book.
6 p.m. Dec. 3, Prairie Star Restaurant in Manhattan. Host: League of Women Voters of Manhattan and Riley County.
If you're interested in having us talk in your town, email Sherman Smith at [email protected].
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