Robert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.

In this full conversation, Thomas discusses his decision to run again after previously running as a Libertarian, explaining why he switched back to the Republican Party and how his views on government, fiscal responsibility, and individual liberty have evolved over time. He shares his background as a teacher, Marine Corps veteran, and community member, and talks about what motivated him to move from a protest-style campaign to a more serious run for office.

The conversation covers a wide range of issues, including property taxes, education funding, school choice, and the balance between state and local control. Thomas emphasizes the importance of rethinking how education is funded and structured, while also discussing the challenges of managing property taxes when much of that funding goes toward schools. He also speaks about healthcare access, including support for expanding coverage and the challenges faced by working families and small business owners.

Additional topics include marijuana legalization, government priorities, campaign finance influence, and frustrations with how political decisions are made at both the state and federal levels. Throughout the discussion, Thomas and Reicher explore concerns about political division, lack of constituent communication, and the need for more transparency and accountability in government.

The conversation also highlights broader themes around civic education, voter engagement, and the importance of understanding how different levels of government function. Thomas outlines his goal of improving communication with constituents and being more present in the district, while Reicher emphasizes the need for voters to stay engaged and informed.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 61, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

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