WICHITA, Kansas --In the race for state senate the Wichita Chamber of Commerce is switching up its endorsements.
Four years ago the chamber stood by Senators Kelsey, McGinn and Schodorf.
But this year is different.
A few familiar faces will be missing from tomorrow's small business forum hosted by the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce.
"We've supported chamber initiatives 100 percent and it's unfortunate that they have chosen to actively oppose us," says current Senator Dick Kelsey.
This year - the chamber is changing course.
"Why are we dividing our delegation when we've had so much success especially as we've shared about the initiatives we have brought that have helped continue the job creation in our state," questions Senator Carolyn McGinn.
"It really comes down to a change in some of our elected officials' approach to governing," says Jason Watkins, the chamber's head of Government Relations.
The chamber is backing candidates current State Representative Dan kershin, Gary Mason and Wichita City Councilman Michael O'Donnell.
The chamber says the senators' voting records explain it all.
"The difference is, these three senators that held this conference have a record of growing government and increasing taxes whereas the senators we're supporting have an opposite record of trying to cut government spending, trying to lower taxes," says Watkins.
But no matter where the chamber lends its support - both groups say they have one goal in common.
"While we work with the chamber for jobs we also work for the people of Wichita and central Kansas. They are our bosses," says Senator Jean Schodorf.
Watkins says, "Kansans are asking, where are the jobs? We need tax reform. We need regulatory reform. We need a leader of Kansas government."
The chamber says the National Federation of Independent Business report cards on the current senators voting records was also a reason for the change of endorsement.
Senators Kelsey, McGinn and Schodorf say their number one goal is bringing jobs to central Kansas.
