For Payne, good news means opportunity delayed

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A candidate for the Republican party nomination for the Kansas House of Representatives from the 87th district is withdrawing from the race. But it’s really good news for Eric Payne and his family, as his wife is expecting triplets sometime in the fall.

With the filing deadline being today, the Republican nomination appears to be uncontested, with realtor Joseph Scapa the apparent nominee.

The 87th district is in east and southeast Wichita. Democrat Raj Goyle is the incumbent. He is not seeking re-election to this position, running for the Democratic Party nomination for United States Congress from the fourth district of Kansas instead. Om Chauhan has filed as a Democrat for the 87th district seat.

Payne, 31, who works for a family business, appeared to be making a fast start in Kansas politics. On his most recent campaign finance report filed in January, Payne listed over $24,000 in contributions from many donors across Kansas and from out-of-state. He said he is refunding all contributions.

In two public speaking events, Payne impressed the audience with both his political positions and delivery. My coverage of an appearance by Payne and Scapa is at Eric Payne, Joseph Scapa address county Republicans.

Reacting to Payne’s withdrawal, Scapa said he wished the Payne family well, and that he’s looking forward to the campaign and winning in November.