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SEK Freedom urges supporters to oppose campaign finance bill

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — SEK Freedom, a local organization formed in opposition to “a permanent, undeclared state of emergency” during the COVID-19 pandemic, is urging supporters to oppose a new bill, HB-2391, proposed by Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Republican from Hutchinson. 

“HB2391 proposed by Rep. Paul Waggoner allows big money interests to work directly with campaigns and spend unlimited amounts of money while staying hidden,” SEK Freedom said in an email blast Tuesday. 

“The bill removes subpoena powers from the Governmental Ethics Commission making it almost impossible to investigate campaign finance violations,” the email added. 

“HB2391 also allows making contributions in another person's name, potential limitless campaign contributions, coordination between candidates & PAC's, as well as removing subpoena powers from the Governmental Ethics Commission.” 

The email also included sample language that supporters could include in emails to legislators in opposition to the bill. 

“We need you to vote against HB2391 and stop it from going further. Passing it will drown out the voice of regular Kansans with a flood of unregulated hidden money and allow campaign finance activities that have long been illegal for very good reason,” the sample email to legislators said. 

“Leave current laws unchanged and preserve the power of the Governmental Ethics Commission to keep our elections clean.” 

The email also listed several legislators to contact, including Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, Rep. Pat Proctor, Rep. Waggoner, Rep. Brandon Woodard, Rep. Emil Bergquist, Rep. Ken Collins, Rep. Michael Dodson, Rep. Robyn Essex, Rep. Allison Hougland, Rep. Leah Howell, Rep. Cyndi Howerton, Rep. Cindy Neighbor, Rep. Melissa Oropeza, and Rep. Jeff Underhill.