Kansas rally: Trump attacks Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton as Senate race tightens unexpectedly
A closely watched Kansas contest
Trump appeared at a Monday night rally in Kansas to support Marshall, a one-term incumbent facing Hamilton. The unexpectedly tight contest has drawn national attention. A Democratic victory would break Kansas’ 94-year streak of electing Republican senators. Hamilton’s campaign said the rally would not change voters’ concerns about costs, health care and Washington corruption.
Protesters interrupt the rally
Five protesters interrupted Trump during four incidents. After one interruption, he praised what he called “great law enforcement,” and officers escorted the protesters out. The comments came shortly after news broke that a local man would face a federal charge for allegedly threatening to shoot Trump before his Wichita rally.
Trump’s remarks on immigration
Trump used anti-immigration rhetoric and criticized Muslim public figures, including Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib. He urged voters to support Republicans to protect the country’s “heritage.” Trump referred to El-Sayed as “Mohammed” and said, “I can call him whatever the hell I want.” He also said Marshall would oppose what he called “hostile third-world migrants,” “jihadists” and “communists.”
Hamilton campaign responds
Trump urged the crowd to re-elect Marshall in 15 days and spoke of defeating what he called “communists,” “jihadists” and “corrupt anti-American lunatics.” He also recalled predictions that he would lose the 2016 election and criticized pollsters. Hamilton campaign spokesperson Tyson Brody said in a statement obtained Tuesday that Washington was sending support to attack Hamilton. Brody said Kansans were struggling with fuel prices and health care costs and wanted a senator who would represent them rather than Washington.
Key points
- Trump campaigned for Sen. Roger Marshall in a close Kansas Senate race against Adam Hamilton.
- A Hamilton victory could end Kansas’ 94-year streak of electing Republican senators.
- Five protesters interrupted Trump during four incidents at the rally.
- Marshall denied a report that his lawyers sought warrants for at least 81 patients.