Kansas Rep. Mark Samsel, back in Topeka after alleged classroom battery, avoids questions Jonathan Shorman, Sarah Ritter, and Katie Bernard, The Kansas City Star May 3—TOPEKA — Kansas Rep. Mark Samsel showed up in the Capitol on Monday for a series of high-stakes veto override votes following his arrest last week on allegations of battery after students filmed him engaging in bizarre behavior while substitute teaching. The Wellsville Republican provided a critical vote to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of tax cut legislation after voting against the measure earlier this year. Monday marked the first time lawmakers have gathered in several weeks.