
THOMAS BEAUMONT, Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The big-name Republicans parading through Kansas call Sen. Pat Roberts the key to breaking Democratic control of the chamber, but seldom do they mention his record over 34 years in Congress.
On Friday, it was New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie who — like other GOP stars before him — provided a pitch for the incumbent without much elaboration.
Charlie Black, a veteran Republican presidential strategist, calls such appearances by celebrity politicians a “long tradition designed to demonstrate party loyalty.” He says they’re often more beneficial to the visitors — many of whom have national ambitions.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush are among other Republicans who have been on the campaign trail with Roberts.