TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach rejects the idea that a tough stance against illegal immigration is at least partly to blame for fellow Republican Mitt Romney's loss in the presidential election.

Kobach is known nationally for helping to draft laws in Alabama and Arizona to crack down on illegal immigration. He also served as an informal adviser to Romney's campaign.

Romney lost the Hispanic vote by a lopsided margin. Kansas Chamber of Commerce official Eric Stafford sees a link with what he called hard-line views on immigration within the GOP, arguing it hindered Romney in swing states.

Kobach says the idea is ridiculous. He says Romney's stance helped with independent voters and contends Democrats will always go further than Republicans toward endorsing amnesty for illegal immigrants.