By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner says several factors weighed in his decision not to run for re-election. Though LaTurner, a Republican, says one factor weighed more in the decision than others.
“I have four young kids at home. They are 13, 12, nine, and seven. This is a job that I asked for, a job that I have loved in many respects, but it takes me away from home, a lot.” Turner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And so, I just think, I have been doing this for a long time in the state legislature, as a statewide elected official, now in Congress and it’s kind of gotten to an inflection point for me.”
That wasn’t the only reason, though.
“I have enjoyed most aspects of this job, but not all of them. The inability for Washington to get things done has been an enormous frustration for me,” LaTurner says. “I’ve been frustrated by the party that’s in the White House and controls the Senate, of course, because I think their policies are so wrong headed. And I’ve been disappointed in my own party and our inability to stick together.”
LaTurner served in the Kansas state legislature before winning election as the Kansas state Treasurer. He won to the Second Congressional District in Congress in 2020. He won re-election two years ago.
The Second Congressional District covers all of eastern Kansas outside the Kansas City metropolitan area.
LaTurner says House Republican in-fighting has ruined efforts to pass legislation in Congress.
“Our inability to stick together and row in the same direction to pass good conservative policies for the American people has been incredibly frustrating,” according to LaTurner.
LaTurner isn’t sure about his next steps.
“I don’t know. I still have some time to figure that out,” LaTurner says. “I know for sure it involves me being home with family a lot more than I am right now.”
LaTurner does say he hopes to have the opportunity to serve later down the road. LaTurner will not endorse anyone as his successor.
Five Republicans and two Democrats have entered the race. Kansas holds its primary August 6th.