Kansas Senate rivals distance themselves from party leaders in fiery debate

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton used a contentious debate to present themselves as distinct from unpopular parts of their parties, while clashing over national politics and personal controversies. The race could help determine control of the Senate, making their positions on President Donald Trump, immigration and party leadership especially significant.

Marshall defended his former medical practice’s lawsuits against more than 700 patients over unpaid bills, citing millions of dollars in annual charity care; Hamilton accepted responsibility for failing to ensure a volunteer accused of predatory behaviour did not return to his church camp. Marshall said he disagreed with Trump on some issues but backed much of his agenda. Hamilton criticised Joe Biden’s border policies, supported secure borders and said he would not back Chuck Schumer as majority leader; both candidates said there are two genders.