Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The only event in life that lacks a silver lining is the death of someone important to you. Unfortunately, it is a truth that I have been introduced to all too recently (though my pain pales to those closer to this tragedy, my heart aches more for them than itself).
So right now, death is all I can write about, all I can think about, until I can connect this to something I know — politics. (This transition in no way fairly compares the two.)
At the national level, the Republican Party is in disarray. Out of touch. Out of power. Sarah Palin. Rush Limbaugh. And trips to Argentina. The stench of death seems to be here, too.
But even without holding the cards in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government, the Republicans have hope — and I’m not referring to health care as being President Obama’s “Waterloo,” like Senator Jim DeMint.
I’m referring to the state of things here. I’m talking about Kansas.
Seven years ago a Democratic Governor was elected by a 53-45 percent margin with a Republican-turned-Democrat running mate.
Three years ago the same thing happened. This time by a larger margin (17.5 points) with a former state party chairman — of the opposite party — in the number two spot. More importantly, another switch-over, then-Johnson County District Attorney Paul Morrison, defeated conservative stalwart Phil Kline, also by 17 percent of the vote.
Kansas Republicans were splitting apart into two different parties, but somehow, some way, they stopped.
This is probably because the conservatives were losing, the centrists were not or maybe Kathleen Sebelius’ departure and Mark Parkinson’s refusal to run offer such an opportunity that they’ve decided not to screw it up.
Regardless, now, after the turmoil, the party stands strong, as Kansas City Star political columnist Steve Kraske reported in June.
U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback is running for governor next year with former Sen. Bob Dole, current colleague Pat Roberts heading his national team and “the last four GOP nominees for Congress in Kansas… in charge of their congressional districts for [his campaign].”
The unity doesn’t stop at the top. Republican congressmen Todd Tiahart and Jerry Moran, the state’s longest tenured U.S. representatives, are competing to fill Brownback’s seat, with a host of smaller office holders stepping up to replace them and a strong majority in the state legislature that’s sure to stay that way.
Imagine if the Republicans put such an effort together at the national level.
It’s a stretch, but there’s always hope, as long as we live like my friend did — with our priorities in order, an unselfish heart and intense passion (some logic, too).
Great advice for national Republicans, great advice for all of us. That’s the only silver lining I can find.
This column is dedicated to the memory of Mark Boresow.
Holmes is an Overland Park sophomore in political
science.
— Holmes is an Overland Park sophomore in political
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Comments
Holmes: Current Kansas GOP strength: a precursor to national revival?
Nice column. Flying off to liberal-land cannot be sustained in Kansas or the country----we can't afford it. Fingers crossed....
Holmes: Current Kansas GOP strength: a precursor to national revival?
Let's revive the party that destroyed the economy, ruined our national image, and made those with the lowest incomes so poor that they are literally dying on the streets. Good idea! Since Jesus gave my parents lots of money I need to protect it by making sure "government doesn't get too big" i.e. create an equitable society.
Do you REALLY want these people governing Kansas?
Sam Brownback -- Tried to sell Kansas public lands together w/Pat Roberts to private agribusiness firms (you know, the ones that destroyed small towns across the state) in 1995 See HR 2644 Member of C-Street cult "The Family" Sees no inherent problem with basing his political decisions on Biblical evidence Pat Roberts -- Unapologetic land grabber, works in the best interest of a handful of wealthy Kansans while the poor get poorer. Todd Tiahrt -- ANOTHER member of C-Street cult, ignores the needs of working class Kansas in favor of the pro-business, pro-wealth set. Strongly opposed to health care for the uninsured.
Regardless of whether you are wealthy or not, how do you expect to live in a healthy, enjoyable community when so many members are struggling right now? It doesn't matter if the leaders are Republicans or Democrats--- but THESE Republicans have absolutely no concern for anyone except Jesus and large businesses that benefit the few who own them, while draining the vitality from nearly every city outside of KC and Lawrence. Supporting them just because they are Republicans is ridiculous.
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