“Call it Holscher Unleashed”: Cindy Holscher Draws Clear Contrast Between Focus on Affordability and Ty Masterson’s Failed Record During State Fair Debate

"Call it Holscher Unleashed": Cindy Holscher Draws Clear Contrast Between Focus on Affordability and Ty Masterson's Failed Record During State Fair Debate

Cindy Holscher: Masterson "either doesn't know how to solve the affordability crisis or doesn't want to."

In the first general election debate of the Kansas gubernatorial race, Cindy Holscher "unleashed" on Ty Masterson, drawing a strong contrast between her focus on lowering costs for Kansas families and Masterson's failed record after two decades in Topeka.

Holscher called out Masterson for being a rubber stamp for the failed Brownback experiment and for raking in over $1 million from his no-show job backed by billionaire mega-donors. Despite being in the legislature for 20 years, Masterson has done nothing to address the affordability crisis - blocking Medicaid expansion at every turn and failing to address property taxes.

In contrast, Holscher underscored her plan to fully fund public schools, lower property taxes, and make things more affordable for Kansas families.

Read more about Holscher's strong debate performance below:

Kansas Reflector (Opinion): Deep-fried delicacies and pugnacious politicians defined Kansas State Fair this weekend

• In the same way, I shouldn't have been surprised by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cindy Holscher's deft performance. Throughout her 10:30 a.m. to noon debate against Republican Ty Masterson, the veteran unleashed a series of spicy barbs.
• I've watched Holscher at public events through the years, and she's usually warm and personable. Until Saturday, I hadn't seen her behave particularly ferociously in public. Call it Holscher unleashed.
• "Do you know what's extreme? Opposing health care when people are struggling. That's extremist. What else is extreme? Opposing raising the minimum wage for our people while he's collecting a million dollars from a no-show job. That's extreme."

Kansas City Star: Masterson, Holscher land blows in first face-to-face Kansas gubernatorial debate

• Holscher alleged that Masterson has "spent twenty years fleecing the system" and called out his longtime second job at a Koch family-funded workshop on the campus of Wichita State University as a "no-show job" that puts him in the pocket of billionaires.
• Holscher asserted that Masterson "defunded our schools to the crisis point" and said the Republican-controlled Legislature's refusal to fully fund special education costs has shifted the burden onto local districts, driving up Kansans' property taxes.
• "I'm proud to say I brought together a coalition of Republicans and Democrats every year to push back on vouchers because they will destroy our communities," Holscher said. "I am going to defeat him so we don't lose our schools," she added.

Topeka Capital-Journal: Ty Masterson, Cindy Holscher give voters a choice in fair debate

• "Ty Masterson must really not understand the job of the Legislature and the government is to provide what minimal services are necessary from the government for all the people," [a Holscher supporter] said.
• [Holscher] said Masterson "either doesn't know how to solve the affordability crisis or doesn't want to."
• When discussing economic opportunity in Kansas, Holscher said: "My opponent, he's going to give tax breaks to his donors and corporations and wealthy folks. Me, I'll invest that money in our community so they can thrive."

Kansas Reflector: In scorching Kansas State Fair debate, governor candidates fight over taxes, data centers, vouchers

• "Do you know what's extreme? Opposing health care when people are struggling. That's extremist. What else is extreme? Opposing raising the minimum wage for our people while he's collecting a million dollars from a no-show job. That's extreme."
• Holscher highlighted his support for former Gov. Sam Brownback's failed tax experiment and cuts to public education spending.
• Holcher, of Overland Park, said she was running for governor because of the affordability crisis that is hitting everywhere in the state. She said property taxes are so high because a Legislature led by Masterson keeps giving tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy. She pointed out that Masterson has led the state Senate for six years with a GOP supermajority, and she blamed him for failing to lower property taxes.

John Anzalone on X: @cindy4kansas knocks her opponent back here. Republicans have nothing to offer or say on voters' economic struggles so they lash out on name calling and lies. And it doesn't work. Voters bullshit meters are way up this cycle. @KansasDems @DemGovs

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