Kansas State Fair Debate – US Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman 9-6-14

After the Governor Candidates’ debate, I stuck around for the debate for the US Senate seat.

This debate took on new significance late in the week as the Democratic Nominee, Chad Taylor, withdrew from the race. That development left only two people on the stage, the incumbent US Senator, Pat Roberts, and businessman Greg Orman who is running as an Independent.

The close nature of the race brought National media to Hutchinson as reporters from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and MSNBC attended.

Below are some of the pictures I took at the debate:

Click here to purchase prints or downloads of these pictures.

Greg Orman speaks during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman stand on the stage during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman listens to a question during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts speaks during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts responds to a questionduring the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts speaks during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts drives home a point during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts speaks during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts responds to a question during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts speaks as Greg Orman listens during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

A view of the attire of United States Senator Pat Roberts, front, and Greg Orman, background, during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts speaks during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman speaks during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman speaks during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman responds to a question during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts responds to a question during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman speaks during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Members of United States Senator Pat Roberts’ staff watch during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman speaks during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Supporters of United States Senator Pat Roberts hold up a US Marine Corps flag during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman responds to a question during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts responds to a question during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Supporters of Greg Orman hold up signs during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman listens to United States Senator Pat Roberts during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman chuckles during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts speaks during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Supporters of United States Senator Pat Roberts hold up a US Marine Corps flag during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman responds to a question during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Supporters of Greg Orman hold up signs during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Supporters of United States Senator Pat Roberts hold up signs during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

A new crew interviews a voter during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts responds to a question during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Supporters of Greg Orman hold up signs and cheer during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman speaks during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman responds to a question during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts laughs during the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman shake hands following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts laughs while shaking hands with Greg Orman following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman shake hands following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman embrace following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman meets with supporters following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman talks to supporters after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman talks to former State Senator Rip Gooch following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman pauses following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts holds his Grandson as he walks out to talk to the media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts points to his Grandson while talking to the assembled press after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts addresses the media following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts addresses the media following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts addresses the media following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts addresses the media following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

United States Senator Pat Roberts addresses the media following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman steps out to address the media following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman addresses the assembled media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman addresses the assembled media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman addresses the assembled media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman addresses the assembled media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman addresses the assembled media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman addresses the assembled media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman addresses the assembled media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman addresses the assembled media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman addresses the assembled media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman addresses the assembled media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman addresses the assembled media after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman walks to meet voters following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman walks to meet voters following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman meets with voters after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman meets with voters after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman meets with a voter after the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Greg Orman takes a picture with two voters following the WIBW 2014 Kansas State Fair Senate debate between United States Senator Pat Roberts and Greg Orman at Bretz-Young Injury Lawyers Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas on September 6, 2014. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Click here to purchase prints or downloads of these pictures.