A former U.S. senator from Nebraska visited Leavenworth Tuesday to announce his endorsement for a man running for attorney general of Kansas.
Hagel, a Republican who served two terms in the Senate, offered his endorsement of Derek Schmidt.
Schmidt, the majority leader in the Kansas Senate, is the Republican candidate for attorney general.
Schmidt, who is from Independence, said the two men stopped in Leavenworth for the announcement because, “Leavenworth County is very important in this race.”
He also suggested Leavenworth was a fitting location because of the community’s ties to the military. He said Hagel’s public service has had a strong military connection.
Hagel acknowledged people may not like outsiders coming into a state to make an endorsement.
“I have never in my entire career told anybody how to vote,” Hagel said.
But the former senator said he can offer respectful analysis of Schmidt based on how he knows the candidate.
Hagel said Schmidt worked as his legislative director and general counsel during his first term in the U.S. Senate.
“I was always very impressed with him, first as an individual then as a professional,” Hagel said.
Hagel said many times offices such as attorney general get little attention because they’re “down the ballot” from candidates for senator or governor. But he said people can’t overestimate the requirements for a job like attorney general.
“You really need, good competent people,” he said.
The former senator from Nebraska also expressed admiration for the state of Kansas. Hagel said he is a fan of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who grew up in Kansas.
Hagel also said Kansans have always valued their state’s relationship with the military.
After leaving Leavenworth, Schmidt and Hagel planned to visit other parts of the Kansas City metropolitan area Tuesday.
