ELECTION/GOP/TRUMP PEOPLE: “The evolution of the Kansas Republican Party mirrors that of the national party, a rightward shift from the moderation of Dwight D. Eisenhower to the mainstream conservatism of Bob Dole to the small-government absolutism of former Gov. Sam Brownback and Wichita-based Koch Industries. Now the party appears to be shifting once more: toward the hard-line nationalism of President Trump. And that has delighted Democrats who see an opening to make significant gains in a conservative-leaning state. A crucial moment will come in Tuesday’s [8-7-18] primary election when Kansas’ secretary of state, Kris Kobach — a Trump ally who has become a national lightning rod for his views on immigration and voting rights — could snatch the nomination for governor from the incumbent, Gov. Jeff Colyer. If Republicans select a candidate as polarizing as Mr. Kobach, it could have profound political implications for both local and national Democrats. Not only could they take back a Great Plains state governorship — winning veto power in the next round of redistricting — but they could also pick up a pair of House seats, making Kansas as pivotal to the battle for control of the House as more traditional, and more liberal, battleground states.”
–Jonathan Martin,”Democrats See an Opening in Kansas if Trump Ally Wins Primary,” The New York Times online, August 3, 2018