David Graham
LibertarianQ1 How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?
“I would give scientific evidence great weight in deciding what my economic, ethical, and policy preferences are. Evidence does not compete with preferences; it informs preferences.”
KEYWORDS: Information; Great weight
Q2 Federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) fund a substantial share of the scientific research conducted at Kansas universities, hospitals, and research institutions (approximately $195 million per year). What policies, if any, do you support regarding federal funding for scientific research agencies like the NIH and NSF?
“I do not support federal funding of either organization. I support incentivizing private companies to do research.”
KEYWORDS: Incentivizing private companies.
Q3 What role do you believe science, research, and innovation should play in Kansas’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in infrastructure and services?
“The free market will best determine the role science, research, and innovation play in Kansas’ economy. It will be a large roll because we have a service economy and rely heavily on technology.”
KEYWORDS: Technology; Economy; Kansas
Q4 Kansas, as well as other states, experiences severe weather and natural disasters in many forms including tornados, flooding, fires, and winter storms, all of which can impact lives, property, and the environment. In what ways, if any, will you consult with scientists and experts to prevent/ mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters and in the response to natural disasters?
“I will consult with scientists and weather experts by meeting with them, listening to them, and helping them communicate their messages regarding the best way to prevent or mitigate the risk and damage from natural disasters. I shall do the same in response to any natural disasters.”
KEYWORDS: Consult; Meet; Listen
Q5 Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are becoming increasingly prevalent in Kansas waters. At high levels, these can pose public health risks, contribute to algae blooms, and have other off-target consequences. What do you think the balance between limiting chemical exposure and maintaining necessary uses should be, and what policies do you support to accomplish this?
“Education about this issue the first step. Chemical users should be encouraged to limit their use of chemicals to that which is absolutely necessary.”
KEYWORDS: Education; Limits; Use
Q6 In 2025, Kansas experienced its largest measles outbreak in over 30 years, with 91 total cases reported that year by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). What policies, if any, would you implement to prevent and/or control a measles outbreak in the future?
“I would promote voluntary vaccinations and voluntary quarantines.”
KEYWORDS: Vaccinations; Quarantines; Prevention
Q7 Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers are increasing electricity demand and placing new pressures on energy and water infrastructure. Kansas has recently decided to use tariffs on large energy consumers to address the economic aspect of increased energy needs (Chilson, 2025), although this is just one of the issues associated with data center development. What policies, if any, would you support to balance technological growth with infrastructure reliability and environmental sustainability?
“No data center should receive any tax break or tax subsidy from the government. Data centers must pay their own way and be subject to all local zoning laws.”
KEYWORDS: Zoning; No subsidies.
Q8 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What are your reasons for supporting these policies?
“People must protect their privacy. There are many ways to thwart AI from tracking you, then storing that information in a data center. One easy way to maintain privacy is to pay with cash rather than plastic or a payment app.”
KEYWORDS: Privacy; Cash; Payment