Memo to Amanda: Quit flapping your jaws

State party chair Amanda Adkins is out with a new message today: Elect conservatives.

In a letter to Republicans statewide, Adkins said GOP voters must not squander the trust that has been put in the Republican Party in Kansas. She questions some of the PACs who made large donations to moderates.

“For example, it has come to my attention that one organization active in the primary has labeled itself a “Jobs” PAC but it is merely a shell for other entities that are not supportive of our philosophy or our plan for pro-growth change. Another labeled itself “Kansas” and “Republican” but was funded by out-of-state interests and hired a Sebelius operative,” Adkins wrote.

While I appreciate her message (and agree!!), I think it was in poor taste to send a screed against fellow Republicans – even if they are Republicans In Name Only. I know I’ve said this here before, but some of the so-called moderates are going to win their races. This is just a regrettable reality. Conservatives may well need their assistance at some point in the future, and they’re going to be much less likely to help after this difficult nasty campaign season.

I personally believe the time in the sun for the mods is about to come to an abrupt end, but it is highly unlikely that end will be permanent. Remember 1994, when the Republicans swept to power in Washington?

I remember thinking, conservatism has won the day, and I must not have been alone, because for the next 16 years, conservatives fell asleep at the wheel. Those in power in Washington grew complacent – or worse, they “grew” in office.

Should conservatives take over the Senate, and even Steve Rose seems to think they will, there is no guarantee that we’ll stay in control – or that we’ll be any good at maintaining our conservative principles when in power. That’s the nature of the beast, and we would all do well to remember that fact.

The head honchos of the party would be wise to shut their traps publicly. In private, yap as loudly and proudly as possible about your favorite candidates, but if you’re Amanda Adkins, you lead the entire Kansas GOP – not just the members with whom you agree. Work quietly from the inside to move the party right. Try to do it in a way that doesn’t make full blown enemies within the party.

I was also quite disappointed to see Adkins’ statement, “in partnership with Gov. Sam Brownback…” I realize that Brownback is our highest elected official in the state. BUT the state party is losing any ability it may have to hold him accountable to our principles if and when the need arises.

Adkins’ newsletter makes it perfectly clear that she is nothing if not the handpicked maiden of the Governor, and that is wrong. The Governor works at the pleasure of and for the people of Kansas. Adkins works at the pleasure of and for the members of the Republican Party. She would do well to remember that Brownback isn’t her boss. We are, and some among us, are more liberal than we would like.

Maybe I’m naïve, but the old saying that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar seems appropriate in this instance. Let’s quietly influence our friends and family to vote for the conservatives while spreading the honey on thick with the moderates. We may pull them in our direction if we leave the vinegar at home.