Endorsement of a candidate is a thorough and rigorous process. The KFL Political Action Committee evaluates candidates based on several criteria, including:
Candidates who are also incumbents are given higher priority over challengers. Kansans for Life PAC believes that incumbents should be rewarded for their support of pro-life legislation and issues. In a political race where there is a pro-life incumbent and a pro-life challenger, an incumbent with a perfect pro-life voting record will likely receive the endorsement unless there are other extenuating circumstances from one of the categories outlined below. This applies to state and federal races, not normally local races. Incumbent is defined as the person currently serving in the office who was elected in a general election for that office.
Each candidate is sent a comprehensive candidate questionnaire asking a variety of questions on pro-life issues. All candidates, including incumbents, must return the survey if they wish to be considered for endorsement. Questionnaires might not be used in smaller, local elections.
A candidate’s voting record is an important consideration when evaluating an endorsement. Very little speaks louder than a voting record as it reflects a candidate’s philosophy and commitment to pro-life issues. The voting record should also confirm a candidate’s questionnaire responses. The voting record includes more than just votes on pro-life bills. It can include votes for leadership, votes on committees, votes on party platform, etc.—any vote that exemplifies that the candidate is willing to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Also considered is opposition to pro-life legislation or activities so that a vote is not taken.
Kansans for Life PAC sometimes has very tough endorsement situations when there are multiple pro-life candidates in a race with a pro-abortion candidate who could win. In situations like this, it unfortunately may be necessary for KFL PAC to endorse just one of the prolife candidates so that the pro-life vote is not split, causing the pro-abortion candidate to win.
If there are multiple pro-life candidates in a race with no pro-abortion candidate who can win, KFL PAC may decide to wait until the general election to endorse a candidate so that the strongest primary candidate moves onto the general election. Other times, KFL PAC may endorse multiple pro-life candidates in a race.
Sometimes it may be necessary for KFL PAC to endorse one pro-life candidate over another if the KFL PAC believes one of the candidates is not able to win the general election.
Candidates who do not exhibit a temperament for public office might not be endorsed. Candidates with serious or questionable legal or personal problems will also most likely not receive an endorsement. Oftentimes, issues will be brought to the attention of KFL PAC by pro-life supporters or discovered during the interview process. KFL PAC is very protective of its reputation as an authority on pro-life issues and the political process.
Past involvement in the pro-life movement and activities, as well as past involvement and support of abortion providers and supporters, will be considered regarding endorsements. Donations to Kansans for Life or KFL PAC will not be considered beyond indication of involvement with a pro-life organization.