State Rep. Peggy Mast of Emporia is trying for the No. 2 spot in the Kansas Republican party. Reluctantly.
“I spoke with (party chair candidate) Mike Pompeo, and he told me he felt I had a lot to offer,” Mast said Friday morning. “I said one thing I can offer is a friendly face for the Republican party. I do want to work with everyone. And if they can’t find anyone better, I’m willing to fill the position.”
Friends had approached Mast about a month and a half ago, initially about trying for the Republican party chair. Her response: no way.
They finally sold her on running for the vice-chairmanship with Pompeo, but even that took some work.
“I’m willing to do what I can, but it’s not a position I want to seek,” she said. “I guess I’m willing to serve in this position if that’s what the people decide to do.”
Pompeo is president of Sentry International, which sells oil and gas equipment, and founded Thayer Aerospace in 1998. His other political involvements: he worked on the campaigns of U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback and departing Attorney General Phill Kline.
Mast has served in the Legislature since 1997, winning her sixth term last fall. She has often positioned herself with the conservative wing of the Republican party, particularly on issues such as school finance, tax policy and the ability to carry a concealed handgun. Mast works for Design Rite Contracting.
The other announced candidate for the chairmanship is State Sen. Tim Huelskamp of Fowler, a conservative Republican who also came into the Legislature in 1997.
The party leadership will be chosen on Jan. 27 during Kansas Days in Topeka.
The winner will succeed former House Speaker Tim Shallenburger of Baxter Springs as chair. Susan Estes of Wichita is the vice-chair.