Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach is defending his role as an advisor to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Kobach has been giving the candidate advice on immigration issues and advocating for Trump on national news programs. Kobach says his role as secretary of state is both elected and partisan, so he doesn't see any conflict between his Kansas job and his open support of Trump.
“For a secretary of state to express positions, in particular ones where I might have some expertise outside of my official capacity, I think that’s perfectly fine,” Kobach. says
Others disagree, including Kerry Gooch, the executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party.
“It’s highly inappropriate for our chief election official to be making endorsements for people that are going to be on the ballot. I fear for the safety and the fairness or our elections,” Gooch. says
Kobach has also endorsed other candidates, including those running for seats in Kansas Legislature.