As more shocking information emerges about Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden spending taxpayer dollars to chase baseless election fraud allegations and attempting to actively intervene in local elections, Amanda Adkins continues to stand with him—literally.

One day after new reports revealed Johnson County’s top legal counsel was concerned that Sheriff Hayden’s actions rose to “attempting to interfere with an election,” Adkins released an ad prominently featuring the Sheriff. She has declined to weigh in on his use of taxpayer dollars to investigate baseless conspiracies, declined to answer if she also believes there was substantial fraud in Johnson County elections, and declined to say if President Biden won the 2020 Presidential election.

Hayden and Adkins’ extreme positions are making local and national news:

Reuters: IT’S 2020 SOMEWHERE 

“A coalition of rightwing ‘constitutional sheriffs,’ who claim legal power in their jurisdictions that exceeds U.S. federal and state authorities, has a new calling: investigating conspiracy theories that the 2020 election was rigged against former President Donald Trump….Calvin Hayden, sheriff of Johnson County, Kansas, told the Las Vegas gathering that he plans to employ technology to expand his investigation.

‘We’re going to start doing our geodata,’ Hayden said. ‘I have no question that we’re going to get to the bottom of this.’ 

 Hayden launched the probe last year despite repeated assurances from county and state election officials that the vote had been conducted fairly.”

Sunflower State Journal: ​​New Adkins ad featuring JoCo sheriff targeted in congressional race

“Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids is criticizing Republican challenger Amanda Adkins’ new ad that prominently features Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden, who has come under criticism for an apparent attempt to intervene in local elections.

Davids’ campaign says Adkins’ ‘promotion of Sheriff Hayden’s baseless, taxpayer-funded election investigation’ demonstrates that the Republican challenger is ‘too extreme for the Kansas Third.’

[…]

The new Adkins ad came out right at about the same time when it was reported that it appeared Hayden was trying to interfere with elections run by Johnson County election officials.”

Kansas City Star: ‘Attempting to interfere’: Johnson County sheriff suggested his staff transport ballots

“But the remarkable July 5 meeting shows Hayden wanting to move beyond investigation to playing a direct role in how elections are conducted. If county officials agreed to his requests, it would place a law enforcement official who has stoked suspicions of fraud at the heart of Johnson County election administration.

[…]

As he seeks to limit the use of drop boxes, Hayden has been politically active. He appears in a new TV ad released by Republican Amanda Adkins’ congressional campaign. Hayden isn’t identified in the ad, but he is shown standing with Adkins twice in the 30-second spot. Both times Adkins and Hayden – wearing blue jeans and a dark blazer – are next to a law enforcement vehicle, its lights flashing.”

In a bombshell report from the Kansas Reflector, anti-choice group Value Them Both revealed that the Kansas legislature is set to ban abortion if the constitutional amendment passes in August. Amanda Adkins has been a staunch supporter of the amendment, and has a record of supporting extreme bans on abortion, even in cases of rape or incest.

Now, as Adkins faces growing calls to be transparent about her harmful record on reproductive rights, the Value Them Both Coalition is saying the quiet part out loud for her. At a meeting on Friday, the group’s organizers revealed they already have legislation prepared to “criminalize all abortions from the moment of fertilization until birth.” The Kansas City Star reported earlier this month that Adkins supported a platform that could completely ban abortions with “no exceptions for rape or incest, beginning at fertilization.” 

“Kansans received confirmation of what we long feared would come from the constitutional amendment, if it passes: extremist politicians will institute a radical, no-exception ban,” said Rep. Sharice Davids. “My opponent supports these plans that will only take Kansas backward. Her extreme position doesn’t reflect the values of the Kansas Third.” 

Read more from the Kansas Reflector:

“A regional director of the Value Them Both Coalition told a meeting of Reno County Republicans last month that the organization has legislation ready to ban abortion in Kansas if voters adopt a constitutional amendment Aug. 2.

A state senator also told the crowd he wanted to pass laws “with my goal of life starting at conception.”

The expressed intent to ban abortion stands in direct contrast with public statements by supporters of the constitutional amendment, who have repeatedly insisted the Aug. 2 vote is not about banning abortion. The comments support the fears of those who are working to defeat the amendment…”

Read more from Angela Schweller of Overland Park on the Kansas City Star Opinion Page:

“Amanda Adkins is once again running to represent our district, and despite the reversal of Roe v. Wade, she has dodged questions in attempts to shield her extreme views.

Just like her former boss, ex-Gov. Sam Brownback, Adkins opposes Roe v. Wade. This radical plan embodies the extreme extent of her pro-mandate beliefs, and shows she supports government bans over personal freedoms. Her party has repeatedly introduced radical criminalization of abortion, such as a bill proposed just this year with no exceptions for rape or incest, beginning at fertilization.

[…]

Amanda Adkins’ stances are with the minority of our county and state — and certainly don’t represent those here in the Kansas 3rd, which is why she’s been silent on her agenda if elected in a post-Roe America.

We have the right to know where our representatives stand. It’s the bare minimum that candidates can do for their prospective constituents…”

Sunflower State Journal: “This is good ground for U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids.”

After kicking off her campaign with a tour of all five counties in the Kansas Third, the Sunflower State Journal detailed the energy surrounding Rep. Sharice Davids’ re-election bid, both in old and new territory. The Journal stated Davids’ campaign launch was, “packed wall to wall with supporters abuzz with excitement,” and detailed the consistent support surrounding Davids’ candidacy since 2018. 

The Sunflower State Journal spoke with multiple folks who met with Davids during her district-wide tour, many of whom were impressed by Davids’ efforts to connect with their communities, commitment to bipartisanship, and work to bring down costs for Kansas families. 

On the other hand, the Sunflower State Journal reported Amanda Adkins’ enduring connection to extremist former Gov. Sam Brownback “drew boos” from voters.

Read more in the Sunflower State Journal:

“This is good ground for U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids.

At the end of a sweltering afternoon last week, Davids launched her reelection at a Mission family-run microbrewery packed wall to wall with supporters abuzz with excitement.

It was a reminder of the enthusiasm that Davids captured in a bottle in 2018 when she emerged as an unknown candidate to overcome five Democratic primary opponents and upset Republican Congressman Kevin Yoder in the general election.

[…] 

‘One of the most important things I can do is show up and listen,’ Davids told reporters before starting her campaign swing through the district.

‘There are so many people in a lot of ways who have not felt heard in a really long time,’ she said.

‘I am looking forward to getting out to the new parts of the district – Franklin County, Anderson County – meeting people and learning as much as I can,’ she said.

‘I think the folks in Kansas are really concerned about making sure they have representatives that actually are going out to D.C. and representing the folks here in Kansas and not anyone else,’ she said.

[…]

[Judy Davis-Cole] said the more people who meet Davids and ‘get to see how down to Earth she is and how hard she wants to work, I think maybe we can change some minds.’

She added, ‘We’re in a turbulent time and people in both parties are critically looking at their parties now and which way they want to go.

‘I really think there are a lot of people on the Republican side that don’t like what’s happening, and they are looking at a different approach…’”

Davids Smashes Past Records for Fundraising, Cash on Hand

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) announced her campaign raised more than $1 million in the second quarter of 2022. Davids goes into the third quarter with $3.4 million cash on hand and her biggest-ever war chest at this point in the cycle by a significant margin.

“With a newly drawn district, our team is only growing in size and support,” said Davids. “I’m grateful for the continued grassroots energy in this campaign, and look forward to making progress on the issues that matter to our community, from lowering costs on gas and groceries to making health care more affordable.” 

After posting record-breaking totals in 2021, this continues Davids’ streak, and yet again marks the campaign’s highest-ever haul at this point in the election cycle. Her significant level of support from grassroots donors also continues with 93% of contributions this quarter coming in at $100 or less.

Davids recently visited all five counties in the Kansas Third District, stopping by small businesses, farms, infrastructure projects, and manufacturing plants to share her work to improve the lives of Kansans across the district.

This week, Representative Sharice Davids kicked off her campaign with a district-wide tour of all five counties in the new Third Congressional District. Davids met with community members, families, business owners, farmers and ranchers across the Third District to hear their priorities and discuss her work to lower costs for Kansas families.

“It was great to meet with Kansans from all corners of the Third District,” saidDavids. “From Wyandotte to Anderson County, Kansans want the same things: they want lower costs, they want our small businesses to thrive, and they want an independent representative who is going to focus on the issues that matter. I look forward to bringing folks together and working across the aisle to get things done for the Kansas Third.”

Here’s what Kansans across the Third District were reading and watching as Rep. Sharice Davids connected with their communities: 

Kansas City Star: ‘Building a lot of relationships’: Davids campaigns for rural votes in redrawn district
“Repeatedly, when Davids is asked about the new voters who have been added to her district she answers the same way: she will listen and learn. With four months until the November general election, that promise has become a prominent part of her campaign.

[…]

Davids began her speech at Casa Somerset by acknowledging the task ahead, calling the meet and greet the ‘beginning of really building a lot of relationships up in the new parts – particularly in the new parts – of the Kansas 3rd Congressional District.’

[…]

‘We don’t need another divisive, extremist voice in Congress because all that does is take us backwards. I think we all know that I have an opponent who has aligned herself with some of these extremist politicians,’ Davids told supporters at her campaign launch, before noting Adkins’ longtime connections to Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.

[…]

A self-described centrist, [Brian] Biggs said he doesn’t decide who to vote for until the day before the election. Biggs said he didn’t know much about Adkins, but called Davids ‘impressive’ based on what he had read about her. 

‘As far as I know, she’s off to a good start,’ Biggs said.”

WIBW: Rep. Davids visits Miami Co. on tour of her new Third Congressional District
“On Wednesday, July 6, U.S. Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS) says she visited Miami County as part of her tour of all five counties in the new Third Congressional District. She said she met with community members, business owners, farmers and ranchers to discuss how she can best help Kansans.

‘I had a great day in Miami County talking to folks about the progress we’ve made–on infrastructure, on lowering costs for farmers and ranchers, and on helping our small businesses thrive,’ said Davids. ‘Folks in Miami County are tired of the division and partisan games, and they want real, independent leadership that gets things done.’”

KMBC: US Rep. Sharice Davids launches re-election campaign, district tour

“‘I think the folks in Kansas are really concerned they have representatives that are actually going out to D.C. and representing the folks here in Kansas,’ Davids said.

At Sandhills Brewing in Mission, Davids spoke to supporters on issues like lowering the cost of prescription drugs, climate change and infrastructure.

‘I’m willing to work with Republicans and Democrats. If it’s going to be good for Kansas, good for the Kansas 3rd, I’m willing to work with anybody,’ Davids said.”

For a roundup of the stops Davids made in each county, click below:

• Johnson County
• Miami County
• Franklin County
• Anderson County
• Wyandotte County

ANDERSON COUNTY, KS – Today, Rep. Sharice Davids visited Anderson County as part of her tour of all five counties in the new Third Congressional District. Davids met with community members, business owners, farmers and ranchers across the county to discuss her work to get things done for Kansas families.

“It was great to visit with local business owners in Anderson County today and talk about how we can support rural communities at the federal level,” said Davids. “We share a lot of the same goals: healthier people, a healthier economy, and a healthier planet. People are tired of feeling overlooked by their representative. I look forward to working across the aisle to get things done for Anderson County.”

Davids met with several local business owners in downtown Garnett. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Davids is committed to helping small businesses grow and thrive across the Kansas Third. She visited four locally-owned businesses, including a home decor shop, an auto-parts vendor, a nutrition store, and a restaurant and community space.

Davids visited the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, which recently received provisional designation as a federally-sponsored Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. That and other federal investment has helped the clinic expand staff by 30%. She toured the clinic and spoke with the Center’s staff about bipartisan legislation she has co-sponsored to expand CCBHCs like this one.

Davids grabbed lunch at a local restaurant that received federal pandemic relief aid. Davids stopped at the Dutch Country Cafe in Garnett and met with the Anderson County Development Agency.

Davids met with the Anderson County Farm Bureau. Davids was recently named to the House Agriculture Committee, where she will serve as a voice for Kansas producers as the House prepares to consider the next Farm Bill.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY, KS – Today, Rep. Sharice Davids visited Wyandotte County as part of her tour of all five counties in the new Third Congressional District. Davids hosted a small business roundtable with local business owners to discuss her work to get things done for Kansans and spoke with the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce.

“It was great to hear from business owners in Wyandotte County today and talk about how we can support our vibrant business community in the wake of a pandemic,” said Davids. “I look forward to continuing to work across the aisle to address the lingering impacts on the supply chain and workforce, so that the small businesses at the heart of our communities can thrive.”

Davids hosted a small business roundtable in Kansas City, Kansas. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Davids is committed to helping small businesses grow and thrive across the Kansas Third. She visited with local business owners, including the owners of Poi-o, 403 Club, and community leaders in Armourdale. 

Davids spoke with the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce. Davids met with the Chamber to share her work to develop a strong workforce in the Kansas Third and lower costs by making more here at home.

MIAMI COUNTY, KS – Today, Rep. Sharice Davids visited Miami County as part of her tour of all five counties in the new Third Congressional District. Davids met with community members, business owners, farmers and ranchers across the county to discuss her work to get things done for Kansas families.

“I had a great day in Miami County talking to folks about the progress we’ve made–on infrastructure, on lowering costs for farmers and ranchers, and on helping our small businesses thrive,” said Davids. “Folks in Miami County are tired of the division and partisan games, and they want real, independent leadership that gets things done.”

Davids toured the Miami County Airport, which recently received a $450,000 grant from the bipartisan infrastructure law to improve runway safety and lighting. Davids worked across the aisle to pass the bipartisan infrastructure law as a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. The law has already begun helping several projects in Miami County, including plugging dangerous, abandoned oil and gas wells and identifying lead pipes for removal.

Davids toured a local organic farm and met with over 30 Kansans about their top concerns. Davids was recently named to the House Agriculture Committee. She visited with local farmers outside Paola to hear their concerns and share what she’s doing to lower their costs from fertilizer to freight. Afterwards, Davids spoke with Kansans about her work to make life more affordable in every community.

Davids stopped at a local barbeque restaurant in Paola that received federal pandemic relief aid. Davids stopped at We B Smokin and met with the owner, Terry Bright. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Davids is committed to helping small businesses grow and thrive across the Kansas Third.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, KS – Today, Rep. Sharice Davids visited Franklin County as part of her tour of all five counties in the new Third Congressional District. Davids met with community members, business owners, and families across the county to discuss her work to get things done for Kansas families.

“It was great to connect with Franklin County families and business owners and talk about how we can support the local economy and lower costs by working on concrete solutions—like suspending the federal gas tax and supporting domestic manufacturing,” said Davids. “Folks are looking for real leadership to take us forward, not another politician who is only looking out for themselves and their wealthy friends.”

Davids visited with small business owners on Ottawa’s Main Street. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Davids works to support Kansas small businesses. Davids met with the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce before stopping in a music store, a homemade soapmaker, and a family-owned cafe.

Davids stopped at the Ottawa Library to speak with families and volunteer at a free meal program. Davids spoke with several Kansas families as she helped distribute meals. She talked about her work to lower gas prices and make life more affordable for Kansas families.

Davids toured Kalmar USA, a manufacturing plant that recently expanded in Franklin County. Kalmar produces electric vehicles that are used at warehouses and logistics centers to keep our supply chains moving. Davids shared her work to support domestic manufacturing and reduce inflation as a leader on bipartisan supply chain legislation making its way through Congress.

Davids stopped at a local restaurant, Smoked Creations, and met with the Franklin County Farm Bureau. Davids stopped at Smoked Creations and met with Allen Campbell, Vice President of the Franklin County Farm Bureau. Davids was recently named to the House Agriculture Committee, where she will serve as a voice for Kansas producers as the House prepares to consider the next Farm Bill.

JOHNSON COUNTY, KS – Today, surrounded by supporters in a local brewery, Rep. Sharice Davids launched her campaign and kicked off a tour of all five counties in the new Third Congressional District. Over the next week, Davids will meet with community members, families, business owners, farmers and ranchers across the Third District to hear their priorities and discuss her work to lower costs for Kansas families.

“Tonight proved that Kansans want an independent representative who is going to stay focused on the issues that matter and work together to get things done. We’re not going back to the Brownback days of failed economic experiments that bankrupted our schools and infrastructure–we’re going forward, to a stronger economy that’s made in Kansas,” said Davids. “I’m looking forward to bringing folks together and sharing that vision across the entire Third District.”

At Sandhills Brewing in Mission, Davids spoke to a crowd of over 100 Kansans about her work to tackle surprise medical billing, pass a historic bipartisan infrastructure law, make more in America, and lower costs for Kansas families. Tonight’s event kicked off her tour of all five counties in the Kansas Third District, which now includes Anderson, Franklin, Johnson, Miami, and Wyandotte Counties.