Published: 1\/3\/2014 9:43 PM | Last update: 1\/3\/2014 10:51 PM Libertarian convention is April 26. By The Associated Press <\/p>\n
WICHITA - The Libertarian party will pick its candidate for governor at the party's convention in Wichita on April 26, the first significant event in a year that will determine if Republican Gov. Sam Brownback secures a second term. <\/p>\n
About 150 registered Libertarians will choose between Keen Umbehr of Alma and Tresa McAlhaney of Bonner Springs. Libertarians are prohibited from picking their candidate by ballot in a primary election in August because it is not considered a major party in Kansas. <\/p>\n
Some Libertarians say having a primary election like Democrats and Republicans would improve their candidate's chances for a good showing during the general election in November. <\/p>\n
The Kansas City Star reports that a political party in Kansas must get 5 percent of the vote in a governor's race to be considered a major party. In 2010, the Libertarian candidate for governor got 2.6 percent of the vote. <\/p>\n
\"We feel like we're behind the eight ball,\" said Rob Hodgkinson, vice chairman of the Libertarian Party of Kansas. \"Most of the media have no idea we have two candidates. Everything is prioritized to the major parties.\" <\/p>\n
Brownback, a former U.S. senator, was elected in 2010. His Democratic opposition on the November ballot will likely be House Minority Leader Paul Davis of Lawrence. <\/p>\n
Umbehr and McAlhaney were taking the challenge of gaining voter support in stride. <\/p>\n
\"It is what it is,\" McAlhaney said. \"We haven't gotten major party status in the state, so we have the freedom to run our party the way that we want.\" <\/p>\n
Umbehr said the lack of attention and rules for minor parties \"makes us work harder.\" <\/p>\n
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