In an interview that aired on Kansas City’s KCMO 710 AM/103.7 FM last week, Sen. Pat Roberts fielded questions about his reelection with host Greg Knapp, which included queries about a debate with the three other candidates vying for the Republican nomination for his Senate seat, his long-tenure in the U.S. Senate, the debate about his residency and what sets him from challenging front-runner Milton Wolf.
On the topic of his residency, which has been subject of controversy, Roberts insisted he was a resident of Kansas and downplayed the importance of actually being in Kansas in order to properly represent Kansas.
However, Roberts did stumble during his explanation when asked where he spends his time when the Senate is not session, which apparently has not been his declared residency of Dodge City, a home that has been rented out. Roberts answer could be interpreted he only Kansas when he is facing a political opponent in an election.
“Well, I think that everybody should understand when you’re in Dodge City, you stay in Dodge City – it’s a very difficult task to get around all over the state,” Roberts said. “Now you could move to Topeka, you could move to Kansas City, you could move where Milt is, which is two blocks from Missouri. We had declared Dodge our residency. My kids went to school there. Every time I get an opponent — I mean, every time I get a chance, I’m home. I don’t measure my record with regard to a senator how many times I sleep wherever it is. We meet all the requirements.”
In a statement on Friday, Wolf blasted Roberts’ response in the interview.
“Pat Roberts has been in Washington for 47 years, and for him now to admit that he comes ‘home’ to Dodge City only when he gets an opponent is a slap in the face to Kansans,” Wolf said.
(h/t Politico)
Follow Jeff Poor on Twitter @jeff_poor
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