Former Kansas Gov. Bill Graves, a Republican, has endorsed Democrat Laura Kelly in the state's race for governor, The Kansas City Star is reporting.
In doing so, he passed over Kris Kobach, the GOP nominee.
"Laura Kelly is the only Democrat I have ever endorsed for public office," Graves said. "And the reason I'm doing that now is because I believe so much is at stake in the state of Kansas.
"I have known Laura for over 30 years. She has all the qualities and all the capabilities that we are looking for to lead the state during this difficult time and to reestablish the state to what it once was."
Graves served as governor from 1995 to 2003.
"No matter what, the former governor who had the highest vote percentage of any governor in Kansas history, to endorse someone from the other party is pretty significant," said Bob Beatty, a political scientist at Washburn University.
Kobach has credited President Donald Trump's endorsement for having a "huge impact" in his narrow primary victory against Gov. Jeff Colyer.
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