Kelly to keep on Colyer’s budget director

Kansas’ incoming Democratic governor is keeping her Republican predecessor’s budget director, saying he’s proven he can work with legislators of all political stripes.

Governor-elect Laura Kelly announced Friday that former state Representative Larry Campbell will remain a key adviser on fiscal policy.  Departing GOP Governor Jeff Colyer appointed Campbell to the post in February 2018.

Campbell is a 63-year-old former banker who served 13 years in the House as a Republican before becoming budget director.  He is a former Olathe mayor and a current member of its City Council.

Kelly called Campbell “a team player who wants to find solutions.”

The new governor served 14 years in the Senate and was a key player in budget debates for almost a decade.

Kelly takes office on January 14th.

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