Optimism At Kansas Gop Convention
“Nationally, Republicans lost much ground and were swamped by a wave of enthusiasm for Obama, but you should be proud of yourselves: Kansas beat back the tide and showed what Republicans can do when they were united.” This sentiment, voiced by Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss at the keynote banquet closing the Kansas Republican Convention on January 31st, was echoed by many during the 117th annual Republican convention and celebration of Kansas’ admission to the union. Although Republicans nationwide may be demoralized and in disarray, Kansas Republicans did not shy away from attending this year’s convention. In fact, attendance was up by more than 20 percent.
Kansas Republicans have good reason to be more upbeat than their counterparts. Last November, they re-elected Sen. Pat Roberts by a wide margin and gained a Republican voice in Congress by replacing incumbent Democrat Nancy Boyda in the 2nd District with Republican Lynn Jenkins. Moreover, Kansas Republicans posted a net gain of one seat in the state senate, while all the Democrats had to show for their unprecedented fundraising and organizing efforts was a net gain of one seat in the state house.
As in previous years, KS elected officials hosted their own receptions for supporters and constituents, although this year the receptions took on a more urgent and politically-competitive tone due to the number of contested primaries expected in 2010. In one of the most high-profile races, Sen. Sam Brownback will square off against Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh for the governor’s seat, a contest that Brownback is expected to win handily.
Congressmen Jerry Moran (KS-1) and Todd Tiahrt (KS-4) will face off as they seek to fill Brownback’s vacated senate seat, and outgoing GOP state chair Kris Kobach and J.R. Claeys will face off to fill the Secretary of State position vacated by Thornburgh. Claeys will face significant challenges, as he is not very well known in Kansas. One long-time Republican activist from Salina, where Claeys is from, noted that no one from the area knew very much about him. He had left the state shortly after college to take a job in Washington, D.C., and has some distance to go in order to establish name recognition.
Most attendees conveyed a sense of cautious optimism: it is expected that the GOP should hold Brownback’s seat, and without a well-known Democrat running for governor, the governor’s mansion should also be a Republican pick-up. However, Kansas Republicans are all too familiar with the damage that can be done in a bruising primary season that leaves the Republican candidate unable to effectively confront their Democratic opponent in the fall.
Thirty-four year old Amanda Adkins, Brownback’s former campaign manager, was selected to lead the Kansas GOP, becoming the state party’s first female leader and one of its youngest leaders ever. Adkins, a former College Republican and Young Republican, promised to use technology and new media vehicles to re-vamp the party. Amanda Adkins was elected by acclamation, and most delegates seemed happy that the party was able to unite behind one leader.
Delegates left the convention feeling energized, but were cautious about the upcoming primary battles and the still unknown role Obama’s Democratic machine would play in Kansas. With many electoral races taking place, 2010 will be an exciting and critical year. The best is yet to come, if Kansas Republicans work hard, organize and unite.
By Brandon Kenig, with files from Earl F. Glynn.