Camps In Kansas U.S. Senate Race Trade Barbs Over Job Losses

Jobs at Hawker Beechcraft have become a campaign issue in the U.S. Senate race in Kansas, with an official from the Democratic party saying that electing the Republican nominee could mean more job losses.

The Republican, Congressman Jerry Moran, has been endorsed by Bobby Jindal, the Governor of Louisiana. HBC is reported to be considering moving its operations out of Wichita to that state. The Executive Director of the Kansas Democratic Party says Moran should not accept an endorsement from an official in a state that could take jobs out of Kansas.

The Associated Press reports that Moran Spokeswoman Elizabeth Patton said the charge is "outrageous."

In a statement issued Tuesday, Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson (D) said that an agreement in principle had been reached among three parties – the state, the union and Hawker Beechcraft – that could secure Hawker Beechcraft’s future presence in Wichita.

Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson

“We have an agreement in principle that allows the union and the company to resume their contract negotiations," Gov. Parkinson said in the statement. "The state has offered, and Hawker Beechcraft has accepted, an incentive package for product development, workforce training and tuition reimbursement for Hawker Beechcraft and its employees in Wichita. This agreement is contingent upon successful conclusion of a new long-term labor agreement between the union and the company.

 “With this offer, I am glad to report that the company and the union can resume their contract negotiations knowing the state’s commitment.”

FMI: www.governor.ks.gov