NationStates Jolt Archive

Kansas is one of those states that has a somewhat deserved reputation as a right-wing, mega-Christian, hyperconservative state. It's certainly no home to liberals outside of a few very small enclaves in the metropolitan areas. In 2004, Bush won there 62-36, and their two senators are Republicans--Pat Roberts (currently best known for not investigating the intelligence failures after 9/11) and Sam Brownback, darling of the religious right and potential 2008 Presidential candidate--as are three of their four members of the House.

So why are prominent statewide Republicans switching parties (http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/14700196.htm) and becoming Democrats?
TOPEKA, Kan. - Former Kansas Republican Party Chairman Mark Parkinson switched his party affiliation to Democrat on Tuesday, fueling speculation that he will be named Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' running mate.

Parkinson came into the Johnson County election office shortly before noon Tuesday and switched parties, said Brian Newby, the county election commissioner. Newby said Parkinson did not say why he was switching parties. But his name has been widely circulated as Sebelius' choice to run for lieutenant governor after she announced Friday she was seeking a second term without a running mate in tow.
This isn't just any Republican switching sides here--this is a former head of the state party. The article goes on to explain why this change may be happening, and I'll give you a hint--it's not just because Sebelius is popular.
For years, Kansas Republicans have been split between moderate and conservative factions, and both Moore and Parkinson are moderates.
Could it be that the Republican party in some conservative parts of the country has given in to the extremists too much and they've harmed their standing with moderates? And it's not like this is happening in a small way either--there are more defectors.
Also among prominent Kansas Republicans who have switched parties is Johnson County District Attorney Paul Morrison, who switched to challenge conservative Republican Attorney General Phill Kline in the November general election. Parkinson is co-chairman of Morrison's campaign.

A former House member also recently switched from Republican to Democrat to challenge the woman who beat her in 2004. Cindy Neighbor of Shawnee filed for office as a Democrat and faces Rep. Mary Pilcher Cook in a rematch in November.
Stuff like this gives me hope--it shows that parties who cave into their extreme factions will eventually suffer a backlash. It also gives me hope that people in the conservative heartland might start to understand that the Democrats are not the demons they're portrayed as on Fox News and Rush Limbaugh.

P.S. The title of this thread is a play on the book of the same name, which examined the question of why Kansas had become such a radically red state. Perhaps that state is deciding, on the local level at least, to become a little bluer, or at least purple.

Oh, maybe even the hardiest of Republicans gets a little bit sickened by 6 years of lies, deceit, corruption, incompetence and stupidity.

*grin*

Ask Eut... ( not that he is a hardened republican ).

Even Corneliu's affection for the Shrub is on the wane.

isn't that where the yellow brick road starts?

Oh, maybe even the hardiest of Republicans gets a little bit sickened by 6 years of lies, deceit, corruption, incompetence and stupidity.

*grin*

Ask Eut... ( not that he is a hardened republican ).

Even Corneliu's affection for the Shrub is on the wane.
Well, in the case of Kansas, the dominance has lasted far longer than 6 years--the article says that the GOP has dominated state politics since the end of the Civil War, which is a pretty hardy run in power--but maybe this is a sign that the party has indeed become too beholden to the religious right. After all, it's not like Sebelius is some San Francisco liberal (to borrow a supposed pejorative). She's a moderate, although she did recently veto a pretty harsh anti-abortion measure unapologetically--an action which would cause many on the right to think she was to the far left of her party.

I'm trying to be careful not to read too much into this--after all, California and New York are both deep blue states and yet have consistently elected Republican governors over the last few decades. Those governors, however, haven't done much for their local parties. New York's congressional delegation may get more blue this year, as may California's. I'm keeping a close eye on the race to replace Duke Cunningham--should Busby win that race, it may presage some dire consequences for the GOP this fall.

isn't that where the yellow brick road starts?

Nope, that's the Land of Oz. ;)

Kansassians are well known for their high number of drug use.

Well, in the case of Kansas, the dominance has lasted far longer than 6 years--the article says that the GOP has dominated state politics since the end of the Civil War, which is a pretty hardy run in power--but maybe this is a sign that the party has indeed become too beholden to the religious right. After all, it's not like Sebelius is some San Francisco liberal (to borrow a supposed pejorative). She's a moderate, although she did recently veto a pretty harsh anti-abortion measure unapologetically--an action which would cause many on the right to think she was to the far left of her party.

I'm trying to be careful not to read too much into this--after all, California and New York are both deep blue states and yet have consistently elected Republican governors over the last few decades. Those governors, however, haven't done much for their local parties. New York's congressional delegation may get more blue this year, as may California's. I'm keeping a close eye on the race to replace Duke Cunningham--should Busby win that race, it may presage some dire consequences for the GOP this fall.

*nods*
Of course, what I was on about is not the length of time the GOP was so empowered,
but instead I was on about the length of time the GOP has been decidedly scumbaggie-ish in behaviour.

Ok I'm in Kansas here's the deal the party has their people in place you want to get elected to something and your a Republican and there is already a Republican in that spot the party will not back you in fact it will do everything it can to stop you ....That leaves only one option switch parties.
The Democrats in Kansas are just whores who want to get elected to a different job. This isn't some grass roots neocon backlash is being a political whore.
The BOTH parties have pander to their extremes too long the center has been neglected for a long time.

Kansas is one of those states that has a somewhat deserved reputation as a right-wing, mega-Christian, hyperconservative state. It's certainly no home to liberals outside of a few very small enclaves in the metropolitan areas. In 2004, Bush won there 62-36, and their two senators are Republicans--Pat Roberts (currently best known for not investigating the intelligence failures after 9/11) and Sam Brownback, darling of the religious right and potential 2008 Presidential candidate--as are three of their four members of the House.

So why are prominent statewide Republicans switching parties (http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/14700196.htm) and becoming Democrats?

This isn't just any Republican switching sides here--this is a former head of the state party. The article goes on to explain why this change may be happening, and I'll give you a hint--it's not just because Sebelius is popular.

Could it be that the Republican party in some conservative parts of the country has given in to the extremists too much and they've harmed their standing with moderates? And it's not like this is happening in a small way either--there are more defectors.

Stuff like this gives me hope--it shows that parties who cave into their extreme factions will eventually suffer a backlash. It also gives me hope that people in the conservative heartland might start to understand that the Democrats are not the demons they're portrayed as on Fox News and Rush Limbaugh.

P.S. The title of this thread is a play on the book of the same name, which examined the question of why Kansas had become such a radically red state. Perhaps that state is deciding, on the local level at least, to become a little bluer, or at least purple.

Kansassians are well known for their high number of drug use.
Really? I thought they were just known for taking the bible way too literally. Well if they're on a whole lot of drugs their credulous acceptance of stories with talking snakes and evil fruit makes sense.

Kansas is one of those states that has a somewhat deserved reputation as a right-wing, mega-Christian, hyperconservative state. It's certainly no home to liberals outside of a few very small enclaves in the metropolitan areas. In 2004, Bush won there 62-36, and their two senators are Republicans--Pat Roberts (currently best known for not investigating the intelligence failures after 9/11) and Sam Brownback, darling of the religious right and potential 2008 Presidential candidate--as are three of their four members of the House.

So why are prominent statewide Republicans switching parties (http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/14700196.htm) and becoming Democrats?

This isn't just any Republican switching sides here--this is a former head of the state party. The article goes on to explain why this change may be happening, and I'll give you a hint--it's not just because Sebelius is popular.

Could it be that the Republican party in some conservative parts of the country has given in to the extremists too much and they've harmed their standing with moderates? And it's not like this is happening in a small way either--there are more defectors.

Stuff like this gives me hope--it shows that parties who cave into their extreme factions will eventually suffer a backlash. It also gives me hope that people in the conservative heartland might start to understand that the Democrats are not the demons they're portrayed as on Fox News and Rush Limbaugh.

P.S. The title of this thread is a play on the book of the same name, which examined the question of why Kansas had become such a radically red state. Perhaps that state is deciding, on the local level at least, to become a little bluer, or at least purple.

Your question answers itself...the damn place is Kansas, now shut up and eat your pancakes and remember that you dont live in the state above the damn place (Like I do)

We should sell Kansas to Cuba.

Well, I still think we need another 'great political party'. Republicans and Democrats are too set in their ways, and in their voting patterns. Other democracies around the world have three, four or even six parties, which run against each other and each espouse a different view. America is nearly unique among the old and successful democracies in that it has only two.

As we've seen, fewer political parties don't mean less confusion, just more polarizaton. Either we need more, somehow, or people need to stop identifying themselves as 'democrats' and 'republicans', and start thinking about the issues as they come.

Ok I'm in Kansas here's the deal the party has their people in place you want to get elected to something and your a Republican and there is already a Republican in that spot the party will not back you in fact it will do everything it can to stop you ....That leaves only one option switch parties.
The Democrats in Kansas are just whores who want to get elected to a different job. This isn't some grass roots neocon backlash is being a political whore.
The BOTH parties have pander to their extremes too long the center has been neglected for a long time.
Seems to me that there aren't very many liberal extremists for the Democrats to pander to in Kansas. Sebelius has had the success she's had by appealing to moderate Republicans who feel disenfranchised by their party.

Really? I thought they were just known for taking the bible way too literally. Well if they're on a whole lot of drugs their credulous acceptance of stories with talking snakes and evil fruit makes sense.
They like thier LSD tabs.

We should sell Kansas to Cuba.
I agree.

I think Kansas is a good example of one of the...'problems' is the wrong word, so perhaps 'issues'...with American politics. For all the Conservative complaints about the overbearing nature of the federal administration, it's grassroots politics that tend to actually make a difference. With Kansas, the obvious example is the school boards/evolution/etc.

Which of course works the other way here. Prominent Republicans jumping ship probably reflects more on the particular party politics at work, than it does of any demographic shift to the left.

the GOP has dominated state politics since the end of the Civil War

yup, they're one of those places that missed the memo.

twice.

The BOTH parties have pander to their extremes too long the center has been neglected for a long time.

anybody know where this ridiculous meme came from? it's one of those stupid talking points that americans like to say to sound more politically aware than they actually are - which means they must have gotten it from somebody.

anybody know where this ridiculous meme came from? it's one of those stupid talking points that americans like to say to sound more politically aware than they actually are - which means they must have gotten it from somebody.
I think it's mainly an outgrowth of the on-the-one-hand-ism found in modern journalism--everything presented in dichotomies because it's easier that way.

Could it be that the Republican party in some conservative parts of the country has given in to the extremists too much and they've harmed their standing with moderates? And it's not like this is happening in a small way either--there are more defectors.

Politicians are, first and foremost, opportunists. They rarely go down with the ship and are bailing out of the Republican party like so many rats. Just remember that when you go to the polls. No ex-neo-con is getting my vote...EVER.

The Democrats in Kansas are just whores ...

I beg your pardon sir. I am in Manhattan, Kansas and well known outspoken liberal. I am not a whore. Well, not much of one anyway. I have been known to put out after a few drinks. OK, but I'm not a crack whore. I have teeth.

Well, theres THAT, and then tehres the tornadoes. Look at what happened to Dorothy and Toto.

We should sell Kansas to Cuba.

We already have a town called Havana in Kansas. Google Havana, Kansas. It's in the SE-Central part of the state just above the Oklahoma line, on HWY 75 between Independance and Caney.

=D

In Kansas a Liberal is anybody not part of the Xtian Right


Seems to me that there aren't very many liberal extremists for the Democrats to pander to in Kansas. Sebelius has had the success she's had by appealing to moderate Republicans who feel disenfranchised by their party.

http://www.cityofliberal.com/images/slices/aboutliberal/slices_r3_c7.gif

Its a town. Its an oxymoron. It's.....LIBERAL KANSAS!!!

Really ?.... where is the liberal wing of the Republican party once strong under the likes of Rockefeller and where is the once proud conservative wing from the Democratic side Zell Miller and Joe Liberman are the last traces of that,show me the pro 2nd amendment Dems the pro choice Repubs...... well???


anybody know where this ridiculous meme came from? it's one of those stupid talking points that americans like to say to sound more politically aware than they actually are - which means they must have gotten it from somebody.

In Kansas as Liberal is anybody not part of the Xtian Right

A few. Most of the liberal, free-thinkers in Kansas keep their mouth shut for fear of loosing their holier-than-thou fundementalist christian right-wing neo-con customers. But those of us who don't give a fuck represent a small vocal left-ist minority who are generally considered 1) gay, 2) feminist, 3) tree-huggin 4) crazies. We enjoy the opportunity to whack the moron-filled republican hornets nest every chance we get. It's so much fun! :p

Really ?.... where is the liberal wing of the Republican party once strong under the likes of Rockefeller and where is the once proud conservative wing from the Democratic side Zell Miller and Joe Liberman are the last traces of that,show me the pro 2nd amendment Dems the pro choice Repubs...... well???
You know, I know the Republicans like to beat the drum about Democrats all being gun-haters, but the fact is that the NRA won that war, and it's hard to find serious gun control advocates outside the largest urban centers in the US. Most Democrats are quite content to make gun control a state and local issue, which is what the NRA has been fighting for all along.

As to the pro-choice Repubs, there are a number (in name at least)--Arlen Specter, Lincoln Chaffee, OLympia Snowe, Susan Collins, Rudy Giuliani--I could go on.

I'm an old school atheist conservative(not a neo con johnie come quickly I was baptised into being Conservative by Shawn hannity types) from NY I live in friggin Johnson county and I fit right in....like a turd in a punch bowl. :rolleyes:

A few. Most of the liberal, free-thinkers in Kansas keep their mouth shut for fear of loosing their holier-than-thou fundementalist christian right-wing neo-con customers. But those of us who don't give a fuck represent a small vocal left-ist minority who are generally considered 1) gay, 2) feminist, 3) tree-huggin 4) crazies. We enjoy the opportunity to whack the moron-filled republican hornets nest every chance we get. It's so much fun! :p

The fact that you could list them says alot in itself......but do you see where I going ...there was a time when both parties had Liberal and Conservative wings .....that is almost completely gone. When I see a Dem be openly pro gun and make it part of there platform dito a Repub on choice (those that are pro choice usually hold their tongues then I know a change has occured.

You know, I know the Republicans like to beat the drum about Democrats all being gun-haters, but the fact is that the NRA won that war, and it's hard to find serious gun control advocates outside the largest urban centers in the US. Most Democrats are quite content to make gun control a state and local issue, which is what the NRA has been fighting for all along.

As to the pro-choice Repubs, there are a number (in name at least)--Arlen Specter, Lincoln Chaffee, OLympia Snowe, Susan Collins, Rudy Giuliani--I could go on.

I knew this would happen, ever since Lex Luther lost the race for State Senate

Kansas is changing because Missouri screwed up. Kansas City Missouri has had 40 years of some of the worst schools in the nation. Because of that all the business and anyone with money moved across the line into Kansas. The growth has been so great that the counties on the Kansas/Missouri border now contain a large percent of the entire population of Kansas. Throw in Wichita and the college towns of Laurence and Manhatten and you're just short of a majority. The other 95% of the state is so conservative they make Alabama look liberal. But, this opens opportunity for moderates who will automatically get the "liberal" vote out of default and with a few "moderates", maybe that 51%.