State Sen. Peggy Palmer (Augusta - R) has withdrawn as a candidate for re-election in Kansas Senate District 16.

Palmer cited the need for increased flexibility in her schedule in order to accompany her husband on business-related travel and  personal reasons as the primary causes of her withdrawal.

Senate District 16 includes all of Butler County and a portion of Greenwood County.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of the 16th District and to be their voice in the State Senate,” Palmer said.

Palmer was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2004 and has served on the Senate Transportation, Health Care Strategies and Public Health and Welfare committees, as well as the Joint Committee on Arts and Cultural Resources. Her legislative accomplishments include tax relief for seniors, the passage of the Marriage Amendment, efforts to reduce the budget and immigration reform. Prior to her service in the Kansas Senate, Palmer served three terms in the Kansas House as the State Representative from the 77th District.

Initially it was reported that David Crum, State Representative of the 77th District, would run in her stead, but Crum opted to keep the focus on his current seat and optometry practice, citing a two-county campaign as too time-consuming.

“A campaign in southwest Butler County is much more manageable,” Crum said. “I am committed to doing my best to represent our district and state.”

Crum praised Palmer’s work throughout her senatorial career.

“Not only has Peggy represented our 16th district in an effective manner, but our state is a better place to live as a result of her efforts,” he said. “She has sacrificed a great deal and now deserves to spend more time with her family.”