JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Republican Party is questioning the legality of a Democratic nominee’s withdrawal from the race against three-term GOP U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts.

Democrat Chad Taylor sent a letter to the Kansas secretary of state Wednesday saying he was withdrawing. He issued a separate statement saying he had terminated his campaign, without an explanation.

State GOP Chairman Kelly Arnold issued a statement Thursday questioning whether Taylor complied with a state law allowing nominees to withdraw.

The law says candidates may withdraw if they declare they are incapable of fulfilling the duties of the office.

The secretary of state’s office still listed Taylor as a candidate on its website Thursday.

Roberts’ campaign called Taylor’s withdrawal a “corrupt bargain” between Democratic leaders and a viable independent candidate, Olathe businessman Greg Orman.