Roger Marshall stops by Inman in last-minute bid to be reelected

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall emphasized religion during part of his Nov. 2 rally at Inman Harvest Cafe, ahead of Tuesday’s election against Democrat Adam Hamilton.

President Donald Trump rallied for Marshall in Salina on Nov. 1. Hamilton seeks Kansas’ first Democratic Senate victory since the 1930s.

A YouGov poll listed by The New York Times showed Hamilton narrowly ahead, 50%-49%; the latest Times/Siena poll showed Hamilton ahead 49%-44%.

Marshall said only half of Christians vote, urging evangelical participation.

“We have a Christian obligation to go vote,” Marshall said.

Marshall connected his religious message to Trump, recalling supporters’ biblical comparisons.

“I can't tell you how many people have come up to me and said, you know he's our King David,” Marshall said. “He's certainly a sinner and fallen short, but he's certainly a good battle for us.”

Marshall also said he grew up religious.

“I'll speak for myself,” Marshall said. “God, or, you know, my dad taught me to wear my religion on my heart, not my shirt sleeve.”

Marshall attacked Hamilton on multiple fronts, including on his record as a pastor.

“He led the breakup of the Methodist Church. One out of four Methodist churches left his congregation, left the denomination,” Marshall said. “I love the Methodists. My mom and dad and grandparents are Methodist, but a fourth of those churches have left because of his wokeness.”

Hamilton supporters have said churches left the United Methodist Church because of church-wide disagreement on LGBTQ+ inclusion, not because of Hamilton specifically. Hamilton has previously called attacks on his religion "pathetic."

Marshall claimed that Hamilton was attempting to indoctrinate children through his church’s teachings.

“How can we have a person from Kansas who, in his own Sunday school, won't call children boys or girls? That he has to use different pronouns and different nouns as well,” Marshall said.

Citizen Journal has previously reported that Marshall has used allegations that Hamilton’s church used gender-neutral pronouns as a way to groom children, which Church of the Resurrection has flatly denied.

Marshall said religion is important in his campaign and that he was thankful for supporters’ prayers.

“I just thank everybody for their prayers for arming me with the armor of God,” Marshall said.

Nick and Katy Reinecker, the cafe’s owners, hosted the rally. The front half of the cafe was full of people from Inman and surrounding towns, including Sterling, KS.

Nick Reinecker said turnout exceeded expectations despite short notice.

“Make sure that you don’t sit on the sidelines; make sure you get out there and do your duty to keep this republic alive,” Reinecker said.

Emily Wellman, who came from Sterling, attended after going to Trump’s Salina rally.

“He’s a really good senator. Marshall’s always been good. He talks to people, he works hard, he’s done some wonderful things for Kansas,” Wellman said.

McPherson County polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 3. View your polling place through Kansas VoterView or call the county clerk at 620-241-3656.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us