Federal Elections in Kansas: Should we give up or try harder?

[LawDem]

As I write this, I feel almost silly -- as though I’m practically just talking to myself. I tell myself, "self, don’t be paranoid." But then it occurs to me that I am practically just talking to myself. This is Kansas, after all, where liberal Democrats are almost as rare as windless days (note to Northeastern Kansans: please forgive wind reference since it applies less to you).

So here’s the question: Do we stand any chance at all of winning additional federal offices here in Kansas in the foreseeable future? I mean, the last Democrat elected to the United States Senate in Kansas was George McGill in 1930. During the last 30 plus years, the party has made only two serious attempts to capture a Senate seat -- Bill Roy back in the 70s and more recently Jill Docking: Both terrific candidates. Both went down in flames. Then we just stopped trying. Last time we didn’t even field an opponent for Roberts and this time it looks like we will end up with a token largely unfunded opponent to Brownback.

We’ve run some fairly serious campaigns for House seats in the second and fourth districts, but we always seem to end up losing by large margins (sadly, we’ve all but given up on the fourth district down here in the Wichita area).

So here’s the question Kansas Democrats: (Quoting the play/movie "1776" Is anybody there? Does anybody care?) Should we send our few precious bucks (those we intend to spend on federal as opposed to state elections) to candidates for federal office here in the Sunflower State, or is that just a waste of resources (with the obvious exception of Dennis Moore), meaning we should either give it all to Dennis, or send it all out of state?

What do you think?

[Racenut20]

1. Just my opinion, but

I think the key to any election strategy is the State Legislature. Read the mess here in Florida where Democrats could save money by phoning in the session.

In Kansas, at least the years I lived in Missouri, elected some "reasonable" Republicans. Brownback (sp) is the first really off the edge one that has gotten elected. But a strong group in Topeka would be a strong move to elect a somewhat Conservate (to us Liberals) Senator or Congressman.

[SheilaT]

2. Here in Johnson County

there are a bunch of new, enthusiastic Dems running for the State House and the State Senate. I'm one of them.

Nancy Boyda in the 2nd District has a chance, although by taking the conservative stand on gay marriage she's lost a LOT of support.

[beyurslf]

3. If you are in Wichita, don't give up.

I work for the KDH here and we are excited by the thought of sending several new Dems to the state house. True, we aren't winning the US Senate race. More than likely, we will not win the House race either. I don't think the 4th District is resigned to the fact that Tiahrt will be there forever though. I think he has his eyes on something else. And we have some outspoken Dems who are up and coming. State Senator Donald Betts is a great candidate and we can expect much from him in the future.

In the meantime, help us in the state house. Help us in the Senate. Wouldn't it be great to send David Clark to the State Senate and send Wagle packing?