Tom Arpke (born February 6, 1952) is a former Republican member of the Kansas Senate, representing the 24th district from 2013 to 2017. The American Conservative Union gave him a lifetime rating of 84%.

Tom Arpke
Member of the Kansas Senate
from the 24th district
In office
January 9, 2013 – January 10, 2017
Preceded byPete Brungardt
Succeeded byRandall Hardy
Member of the Kansas House of Representatives
from the 69th district
In office
January 10, 2011 – January 9, 2013
Preceded byDeena Horst
Succeeded byJ. R. Claeys
Personal details
Born (1952-02-06) February 6, 1952 (age 72)[1]
El Paso, Texas, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseBeth Arpke
Children5
ResidenceSalina, Kansas
Alma materFlorida State University
ProfessionTravel agent, consultant

Arpke is a Salina travel agent and consultant,[2] and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from Florida State University. He and his wife, Beth, have five children including Kellan Arpke, who is a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. Arpke was elected to the Kansas House in 2010 and filed for the Senate race in 2012.[3]

Elections

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2009

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Arpke was elected to the Salina city commission in 2009, receiving a total of 2,386 votes, winning by 332.

2010

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Arpke defeated incumbent Deena Horst in the House District 69 Republican primary on August 3, 2010 by a margin of 1,205-898. Horst was seeking her ninth term. He defeated Gerrett Morris (D) in the general election on November 2, 2010, by 3,733 to 2,106 votes.

2012

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Arpke defeated incumbent Pete Brungardt in the Republican Senate primary on August 7, 2012 by a 5,413-4,354 margin.[4][5] He defeated Democratic nominee Janice Norlin in the 2012 general election.[6]

2016

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Arpke lost the Republican primary to Randall R. Hardy, when he ran for reelection to the state senate.[7]

Committee assignments

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Sen. Arpke served on these legislative committees:

  • Ways and Means
  • Education (vice-chairman)
  • Natural Resources
  • Legislative Educational Planning Committee[2]

Major donors

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Some of the top contributors to Arpke's 2012 campaign, according to Project Vote Smart:[8]

In addition, a number of contributors gave $1,000 each.

Personal life

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References

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  1. ^ "Tom Arpke's Political Summary". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Senator Tom Arpke". Kansas Legislature. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  3. ^ "Tom Arpke". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  4. ^ Kansas Secretary of State, "Candidates for the 2012 Primary (official),"
  5. ^ Kansas Secretary of State, Official 2012 Primary Results Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  6. ^ Kansas Secretary of State, "2012 Kansas General Election Results,"
  7. ^ Kansas Secretary of State, "2016 Kansas General Election Results,", Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  8. ^ Project Vote Smart campaign contributions
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