Mays and others are concerned that several Republican lawmakers also could find themselves on the wrong side of the hog issue in November, when all 125 House seats are up for grabs. For months, lawmakers have been wrangling over how far to go in regulating large hog farms. The debate has pitted those who favor a moratorium against those who argue that with adequate environmental controls, the hog operations would be good economic development for western Kansas. By voting for a change on the council, the residents of Great Bend rejected Seaboard Corp.'s proposal to establish a packing plant outside the city that would butcher 4 million hogs a year. At least 2 million of those hogs would be raised on large farms within a 150-mile radius of Great Bend, located about 115 miles northwest of Wichita.
People are concerned about pollution, the stench of hog farms and water.
Among the lawmakers considered vulnerable on the hog issue is House Majority Leader Robin Jennison, R-Healy, a leading proponent of allowing large hog operations to operate in the state. Jennison, who is thought to be a leading candidate for speaker next year if the Republicans maintain the majority, represents a district located west of Great Bend. Or, I would be perfectly happy to go back and raise cattle. Jennison insists legislation making its way through the Legislature provides adequate environmental safeguards. I think we have responded to people's concerns.