OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Donald Trump, Jr. was in Overland Park Tuesday to host a fundraiser for Kansas Secretary of State of Kris Kobach's campaign for governor.
Kobach has built a national reputation on his tough stance for immigration similar to President Donald Trump's. He also served on Trump's transition team as he moved into the White House.
It's no surprise the president's son is helping him campaign, but will it help Kobach's chances or cause more division?
"Immoral, unfair. We think he's used conquer tactics," said Reverend Rodney Williams, the president of Missouri Faith Voices.
Here protestors are picketing on the corner of the Double Tree lot. Some are unhappy w/ Kobach as SOS, others unhappy w/ Trump @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/G8Q8TWhavV
— Belinda Post (@Belinda_Post) November 29, 2017
Williams rallied against Kobach with the group "United We Stand." About 40 people showed up on the corner of the DoubleTree in Overland Park holding up signs.
Williams doesn't agree with Kobach's stances on voter fraud and immigration.
"They seem unjust, unfair. They have this elitist quality. 'You're not one of us so, get out,'" said Williams.
Kobach has been the Secretary of State for two terms in Kansas.
Since 2013, to register to vote in Kansas, you must show evidence of US citizenship, provided by a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers.
Critics said that's led to many minorities being disenfranchised.
Kebab also worked on the strict immigration law in Arizona – Senate Bill 1070.
That allowed for officers to question people they suspect are here illegally and asked for immigrants to carry their papers with them at all times.
Now, Kobach is running against 10 other Republicans including Jim Barnett, a former State Senator and doctor in Topeka.
“I think the secretary has a limited base of reverent supporters," said Jim Barnett, Republican candidate for Kansas governor.
One such woman is Cindi Lombardo. The Bonner Springs pastor was giving the benediction at the fundraiser Tuesday night.
"I love his character, his integrity. He has a love for family and the word of God and that's what I want to see," Cindi Lombardo.
Kobach was not available for an interview, but his office to give this statement:
"We are looking forward to tonight's event with Donald Trump Jr. It's always exciting when a member of the first family makes a campaign stop to support a candidate. We appreciate the support we have received, and are looking forward to what the future holds."
A future some residents think will take effort to solve.
"I think what Kansans are looking for somebody to solve problems. Make government work again. Whoever is going to be governor will have to rebuild a functioning state government," said Barnett.
