Sad Story

Welp, it's official.

Secretary of State Kris Kobach will seek a second term in his current office.

This depresses me. Rumor had it that Kobach may challenge Sen. Pat Roberts in the primary.

Guess that's out, because Kobach told the Star on Kansas Day that he intends to stay put.

There are two intense and opposite reactions to this news.

First, Establishment-types are rejoicing. They don't like Kris Kobach anyway. Add to that fatigue from the last bloody primary over a U.S. Senate seat -- that of  Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt fame. Three years after the fact, tiny pissing wars over that race continue to reverberate.

The grassroots people should be devastated. There is no institution (outside of Chicago and Detroit) that needs a more thorough house cleaning than the U.S. Senate. Any Senator that has been there longer than I've been alive should probably be returned to sender as soon as possible.

Maybe Kobach's announcement will clear the way for another viable Republican candidate to step up to the plate. Rumor has it that at least one of Kansas' existing Congressman is considering a run at Roberts' seat. I know I've got my fingers crossed. (An aside: Obviously a candidate from the Big First has an advantage in a state-wide race for the U.S. Senate. Hint. Hint.)

Meanwhile, has anyone talked to Todd Tiahrt? A Senate seat could still be his. Although he wouldn't be my first choice for the job, he maintains a vast network of fans across the state. He also won Johnson County the last time he ran. Maybe it's time for a second attempt.

Count me on Team Anybody But Roberts.