Backlash in Kansas ousts at least 11 conservative lawmakers

(AP) — A top Senate leader and at least 10 other conservative Kansas legislators have lost their seats as moderate Republicans made GOP primary races a referendum on education funding and the state's persistent budget woes.

The voting occurred against the backdrop not only of the state's fiscal woes but ongoing legal and political disputes over funding for public schools.

"Too many Kansans still feel that the sun is not rising for them and their families, despite what some leaders tell them," Wagle said.

Besides Bruce, the conservative senators who were unseated were Tom Arpke, of Salina; Forrest Knox, of Altoona; Jeff Melcher, of Leawood; Larry Powell, of Garden City; and Greg Smith, of Overland Park.

Ousting conservatives would further their goal of building a governing coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats on key education and budget issues.