All eight Democratic senators in the Kansas Senate have joined together to write President Barack Obama a letter stating they do not want Guantanamo Bay detainees to come to Leavenworth.
The letter includes concerns over the lack of high security and the possibility Kansas might be targeted by terrorist groups.
Not everyone agrees with the letter, including Kansas City, Kansas, Sen. David Haley. He feels Leavenworth can handle the worst of the worst.
"Historically there are some very dangerous people who have already been convicted of the crimes that are currently housed in that facility," said Haley.
Haley says the reason he signed the letter to Obama voicing concerns was to create unity in his party. Another reason he signed the letter was to create a new language on legislation passed earlier this week.
"The Kansas Senate Democratic Caucus wanted to have language less inflammatory," said Haley.
Some of the wording included "the president continually sought to weaken our standing in the world" and that the president "has demonstrated willingness to violate American law."
Minority Leader Sen. Anthony Hensley said that besides the language in the resolution, he agrees Gitmo detainees should not be brought to Kansas.
"I know in the community of Leavenworth, there are, you know, Republicans and Democrats who have expressed concerns about these prisoners being transferred to Leavenworth, so I don't view this as a real partisan issue, I think it's a matter of safety and security," said Hensley.
Haley says he does not share the same concerns.
“We will be prepared if in fact the president does make the decision and the Congress concurs to house them at Leavenworth," said Haley.
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Ali Hoxie can be reached at ali.hoxie@kshb.com.
