INDEPENDENCE, Kan. (AP) – Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin urged Kansas Republicans Thursday to unify behind U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, alleging his independent opponent is trying to “snooker” voters in what has become a surprisingly close race.
The 2008 vice presidential nominee donned an apron and flipped pancakes alongside the GOP incumbent, once considered a near lock for re-election but now facing a tough battle from independent businessman Greg Orman after the Democratic candidate withdrew.
She is the latest GOP heavy-hitter to come to Kansas on Roberts’ behalf. Two former presidential nominees, U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, have joined Roberts on the campaign trail, and two potential 2016 White House candidates – former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky – are planning to follow.
“Kansas, we are counting on you to get it together,” Palin told the crowd of about 250 people attending the pancake breakfast at the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center in the southeastern part of the state.
Orman campaign manager Jim Jonas dismissed Palin’s suggestion that the independent was “trying to have it both ways” by targeting Democrats and Republicans alike.