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Laura Smith-Everett

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Laura Smith-Everett
Image of Laura Smith-Everett
Elections and appointments
Last election

November 6, 2018

Education

Bachelor's

William Jewell College

Graduate

University of Kansas

Personal
Profession
Educator
Contact

Laura Smith-Everett (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Kansas House of Representatives to represent District 17. She lost in the general election on November 6, 2018.

Smith-Everett completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Laura Smith-Everett earned a B.A. in elementary education from William Jewell College in 2002 and an in MA in Curriculum and Instruction and TESOL from the University of Kansas in 2016. Her professional experience includes working as an Educator.[1]

Elections

2018

See also: Kansas House of Representatives elections, 2018

General election

Incumbent Tom Cox defeated Laura Smith-Everett and Michael Kerner in the general election for Kansas House of Representatives District 17 on November 6, 2018.

General election

General election for Kansas House of Representatives District 17

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Tom Cox
Tom Cox (R)
 
49.7
 
5,772
Image of Laura Smith-Everett
Laura Smith-Everett (D) Candidate Connection
 
46.8
 
5,442
Image of Michael Kerner
Michael Kerner (L)
 
3.5
 
402

Total votes: 11,616
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Democratic primary election

Laura Smith-Everett advanced from the Democratic primary for Kansas House of Representatives District 17 on August 7, 2018.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Kansas House of Representatives District 17

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Laura Smith-Everett
Laura Smith-Everett Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
2,110

Total votes: 2,110
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Incumbent Tom Cox defeated Jim Eschrich in the Republican primary for Kansas House of Representatives District 17 on August 7, 2018.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Kansas House of Representatives District 17

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Tom Cox
Tom Cox
 
75.5
 
2,625
Jim Eschrich
 
24.5
 
850

Total votes: 3,475
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2018

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Candidate Connection

Laura Smith-Everett participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on August 30, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Laura Smith-Everett's responses follow below.[2]

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Fully funding our Kansas Public Schools

Expanding Medicaid

Renewing our commitment to a balanced tax system, including lowering consumption taxes[3][4]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

Education is a personal passion of mine as it has been my career for 15 years. Understanding what actually affects schools, teachers and students is critical perspective that is missing in the Kansas State House. Secondarily, being a mother of a special needs child I am an advocate for healthcare and wrap around support for families.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]

Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Laura Smith-Everett answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

My grandmother. Despite growing up very poor she raised 6 successful children and became an incredible champion for children and families in her community.

Secondly- John McCain. John was an independent thinker, a dedicated public servant and person who wouldn't let politics dictate his decisions. I admire Senator McCain's authenticity and maverick spirit.[4]

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
A strong moral compass that isn't swayed by political consequences but by what is right for the people of Kansas.[4]
What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?
Throughout my career I've been known as a strong voice that works within a variety of groups to ensure the very best outcomes for the school children I serve. My independent streak and dedication to getting the right thing done are skills that are a great fit for a state legislator. Hon[4]
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Ensuring that Kansas meets it's constitutional responsibilities to the people of Kansas including adequately and equitably funding our schools. Additionally, Kansas legislators need to be willing to invest in and set policies that ensure a vibrant and secure tomorrow for Kansans.[4]
What legacy would you like to leave?
A legacy of compassion and integrity would be something I'd be proud of.[4]
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I was a "bagger" at my local grocery store! I believe I worked there for 2 years, including have to go back when I quit.[4]
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
Not necessarily. I think it's important to have experiences similar to those you represent. Legislating can generally be learned.[4]
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
Keeping and attracting our young Kansans in Kansas West of Johnson County.[4]
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
A collaborative and constructive one. We don't have to agree on everything, but we should be able to sit down together and ensure that we put Kansans first and find solutions to get us towards our goals.[4]
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Absolutely. Kansas used to be a common sense state that had great bipartisan success. I'm a natural collaborator and think it's essential to quality legislation and the success of our state![4]
What process do you favor for redistricting?
A non-partisan commission.[4]

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted on Ballotpedia’s biographical information submission form on September 5, 2018
  2. Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
  3. Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "Laura Smith-Everett's responses," August 30, 2018
  4. 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.


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