Hayden was chosen as chair of the
Republican Governors Association. His term saw tax cuts and programs to combat
substance abuse. A split in the Kansas Republican Party between moderates and conservatives considerably reduced other accomplishments. He was perceived as a moderate; on
abortion, for instance, he took a
pro-choice position. Because of the legislative gridlock, he did not reinstate the
death penalty. It is speculated that Hayden lost his re-election bid primarily because of voter passage of a property reclassification amendment in Kansas which resulted in property reappraisals – the first in some cases in 20 years – and the resulting property tax increases when market values were applied to properties for tax purposes. ==Candidates==