Death Threats Won't Shake Kansas Pol

A gay politician in Kansas told the Wichita police department he found a death threat clipped to the outside of his apartment door over the weekend.

Dan Manning, who is running for the Kansas house of representatives, received a note created with cutouts from newspapers and magazines, reading "Will DIE," "Kill," "MURDER" and "Head OFF," according to The Wichita Eagle. The Kansas Equality Coalition says the letter also read "FaGIT" and "HOMO."

Capt. Joe Dessenberger said the letter is being checked for fingerprints, but there are no witnesses or suspects.

Manning, a West Point alum, is a member of Knights Out, which advocates for LGBT soldiers. Though it has never been a central part of his campaign, Manning's sexual orientation has been used against him in his race for the seat in a swing district, Thomas Witt, chairman of the Kansas Equality Coalition, said in a statement Wednesday.

Manning said even some fellow Democrats have quietly urged him not to be very forthcoming about being gay.

"They just think it would be better for me and better for Kansas politics if I didn't make it known," he said. "I have more faith in the people in my district and the people of Kansas."