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Home , Alf Landon, Arthur Capper, Bill Graves, Bob Dole, Bob Whittaker, Carla Stovall

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY

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The Dominant of Kansas

The has dominated Since the 1968 election, Kansas has Kansas politics since Kansas gained consistently voted for the Republican statehood in 1861. Kansas has had 45 Presidential candidate and since 1860 has governors: 32 Republicans, 11 Democrats voted for the Republican presidential and 2 Populists. Kansas has had 33 US candidate 20 times, the Democrat six times Senators: 28 Republicans, 3 Democrats, and and the Populist once. 2 Populists. The last time a Democrat was elected to the U.S. Senate from Kansas was Kansas is one of the only states with all its in 1932. Since 1960, the Republicans have current federal and statewide elected officials won 106 of 135 Congressional elections; from the Republican Party. have won all 20 U.S. Senate elections; and Of the 1.74 million registered voters in have won 69 of 90 state-wide elections. Kansas, about 45% affiliate with the The Democrats have won control of the Republican Party, about 25% registered with only in the 1912 election and the Democratic Party, and about 30% are control of the Kansas House only three times, unaffiliated with any political party. in the 1912, 1976, and 1990 elections.

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PART I: Early Party History 1854 to 1974

TERRITORIAL KANSAS (1854–1860) 35 Republicans and 17 Democrats. It produced the , Kansas and the Republican Party owe their making Kansas a free state and was ratified mutual existence to the passage of the by the people of Kansas on October 4, 1859. Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which , campaigning to be the new repealed the Compromise that had Republican Party's presidential nominee, outlawed above the 36⁰30' latitude in visited Kansas in November and December the territories. This left the 1859, speaking in Elwood, Troy, Atchison, question of whether Kansas would be a slave and Leavenworth. or free state up to the Kansas voters. Anti- slavery and pro-slavery settlers hurried into Shortly after Lincoln's visit, John A. Martin, Kansas to influence the outcome of the first Atchison journalist and future , election. The conflict was violent, known to noted "We have formed a Republican history as . In 1855, the anti- Constitution, adopted it with Republican slavery settlers organized themselves as the votes, sent a Republican delegate to bear it to Free-State political party, which, in 1859, the National Capital, [and] elected became the Kansas Republican Party. Republican State Officers and a Republican State Legislature." No place, he added, was The Kansas Republican Party was organized "as thoroughly Republican" as Kansas.” on May 18, 1859, at a convention held at the Jillson Hotel in Osawatomie (below), attended by . EARLY STATEHOOD (1860–1890)

After statehood, Kansas remained a solidly Republican state for the next thirty years. The initial free-state movement established a core foundation of Republicans. During the Bleeding Kansas period many had died and towns had been sacked;– Kansas, Lincoln, John Brown, abolition, the and the Republican Party were woven together in

a state narrative. Kansas sent a higher Jillson Hotel- Where it All Began proportion of its eligible men to serve in the When the Wyandotte Constitutional Union Army than any other state. Union Convention met in July 1859, it consisted of veterans settling in Kansas after the Civil

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War were usually Republican and their One of the major issues facing the veterans' organization, the Grand Army of the Republican Party during this time was Republic (GAR), was a strong supporter of prohibition. While most Republicans Republican candidates. Farmers acquired supported temperance, prohibition – legal land through the Homestead Act of 1862, restrictions on alcohol – was more passed by Republicans. Veterans' pensions problematic. came from the national Republican administration. Railroads, and the towns they In the late 1870s, the party split into two helped create, were generally supportive of factions over the issue – those opposed to Republicans. Members of the Republican outright Party controlled not only local school boards prohibition led by and judgeships, but also won the vast John Martin and majority of state legislative, governor and the prohibition congressional positions. supporters led by John St John. The Between the 1860 and 1888 elections, of the St John faction 45 Congressional races, Republican won out, St John candidates won 44, of the 14 gubernatorial was twice elected races, Republicans won 13, and Republicans Governor in 1878 held solid majorities in the State Senate and and 1880, and Gov. John St John House every year through 1889. The Kansas imposed Presidential election of 1860, won by prohibition by Constitutional amendment in Abraham Lincoln, was Kansas' first 1880. During the 1882 election, St John tried participation in a national election and 79% for a third term but was defeated when many of its vote went to Lincoln. Kansas voted for "wet" Republicans backed an acceptable the Republican Presidential candidate in Democrat. every election between 1860 and 1888. In 1884, the state The first Governor was Republican party convention Robinson, the first US Senators were nominated John A. Republicans James Lane and Samuel Martin by Pomeroy, the first Congressman was acclimation and Republican Martin F. Conway, and placed upon him Republicans in the first the responsibility of held 29 of 36 state senate seats and 63 of 74 rehabilitating the state representative seats. party and reconciling Gov John Martin factional conflicts which had developed over prohibition. Martin endorsed prohibition arguing that his goal was to elect

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Republicans and prohibition had passed with a majority vote of the people. Martin was elected Governor in 1884 and in 1886 was re- nominated by acclimation at the state Republican Convention and re-elected as Governor.

Social Reforms

During the 1880s Republican Kansas led the Above: McCabe nation in social reforms, often receiving the Above Right: Fairfax derision and condemnation of the east coast establishment. Right: Waller

In 1887, Susanna Salter, Republican, became the first woman elected as a city mayor and probably the first woman elected to any executive political office in the . On April 4, 1887, she won the election for mayor of Argonia, Sumner County, Kansas. Republicans vs Populists (1890–1898) For some time she was one of the The political movement called “populism”, most famous represented by the People’s Party, exploded politicians in onto the Kansas political scene in the 1890s. America with east Its primary base were farmers suffering from coast newspapers a combination of bad weather and poor railing against the economic conditions. It took the form of crazy people of radical agrarianism hostile to banks, Kansas and “rule railroads, established interests and political Susanna Salter by petticoat.” parties.

In 1882, Kansas Its general political agenda called for a pro- elected the first African American to debtor money supply through the adoption of statewide office when Republican Edwin a silver standard and the abolition of national McCabe of Graham County was elected state banks; a graduated ; political auditor. In 1888, Kansas elected Republican reform through the direct election of Senators Alfred Fairfax of County as the and civil service reform; and regulation of first African American in the state legislature monopoly pricing through Government and Republican John Waller of Leavenworth control of all railroads, telegraphs, and County was the first and only African telephones. American to serve as Presidential Elector.

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In the 1890s the Populist movement had great electoral success in Kansas, but its inability to organize for effective legislative action doomed it to failure. The Republican Party responded by characterizing the Populists as wild-eyed socialists generally not competent to hold elected office, by relying on their depth of support among leading citizens, by organizing at the grassroots level through Commercial and Republican Clubs, and by Armed members of the House adopting an agenda that co-opted some issues In the 1893 Session, the Populist members raised by the Populists. The result was wide and the Republican members held swings in political control between the simultaneous sessions, each claiming to have Populists who prevailed in 1890, 1892 and the majority. The Populist Governor called 1896 and the Republicans who regained out the militia, but since most of them were control in 1894 and then permanently Republicans they refused to obey orders. The defeated the Populists in 1898. dispute was resolved by the Supreme Court, 1890 Elections: In the 1890 election, the which, in a partisan vote, gave the majority to Republicans went from 121 State the Republicans. Representatives to 26, a loss of 95 seats, and 1894 Elections: In the 1894 election, the from holding all seven Congressional seats to Republicans gained 27 more House seats for holding two. The Kansas legislature then a total of 92; won seven of eight elected a Populist as US Senator. The Congressional seats, and regained the Populists probably would have elected a Governorship. The Populists, however, still Governor also, but a confused effort allowed held a majority in the state senate. the Republican candidate to win. There were several reasons for this electoral 1892 Elections: In the 1892 election, the turn-around. First, there was a public Republicans gained 39 House seats for a total backlash to the circus-like antics of the 1893 of 65 seats, a bare majority; went from 38 legislative session. Second, the Populists Senate seats to 15; held only two of eight sought to ease off on Prohibition and Congressional seats, lost the Governorship, women's . Last, the Republicans and Kansas voted for the Populist candidate successfully prevented a fusion ticket of for President. The makeup of the House was Populists and Democrats. Populists were in disputed resulting in the “Populist War.” favor of woman's suffrage while Democrats opposed it and Republican operative Cy Leland convinced the Democrats to run their own Governor candidate.

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1896 Elections: In the 1896 between May and September. The election, the Populists and the Convention was usually in Democrats merged efforts to form Topeka. This State Convention a Fusion Party and the consisted of delegates, the number Republicans lost 43 House seats determined by a formula. For winning a total of 49; won only instance in 1890, there were 564 two of eight Congressional seats; State Convention Delegates – one lost the Governorship; the delegate at-large from each legislature elected a Populist to county and one delegate for every the US Senate seat; and Kansas 400 votes or fractional part of 400 voted for William Jennings cast for Republican presidential Bryan, the Democratic candidate, electors in 1888. for President. In August 1896 Cy Leland, Jr. Republican political operative , editor of the Until the advent of primary Emporia Gazette, wrote his famous editorial elections in August 1908, the “What’s the Matter with Kansas” criticizing Convention would nominate the Republican the Populist movement. candidates for all statewide offices, such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney 1898 Elections: In the 1898 election, the General, and at-large Congressman. Every Republicans regained power, gaining 43 four years the Convention would selected the House seats for a total of 92; won seven of Republican Presidential electors and the eight Congressional seats; and won the Kansas delegates to the Republican National Governorship when William Stanley Convention. Until 1912, U.S. Senators were defeated populist incumbent John Leedy. elected by the state legislature. The Mort Albaugh, Chairman of the Republican Convention created committees for State Committee, and Cy Leland were resolutions and the party platform, which responsible for organizing the Republican were voted on by the Convention. effort that overthrew the Populist movement in Kansas. Obtaining the nomination for a statewide office required the support of a majority of As a final step, the Republicans won a large the state convention delegates, which, in turn, majority in the 1900 State Senate election. required diligent detailed effort by a network The Populists, as a political organization, of supporters to obtain the support of the faded away after 1898 but their ideas and the majority of precinct committeemen in issues that provoked this political uprising enough counties to win a majority of the remained. delegates. An example of this process occurred in January 1904 when Governor Basic party organization (1859–1908) Willis Bailey was working for re-nomination. State Conventions: At the state level the On January 26, Reno County, elected a party would hold one, sometimes two, delegation that planned to support Edward conventions every election year, usually Hoch as governor, followed immediately by

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Sumner County with the same result. A withhold support to anyone considering a run reform group called the Kansas Republican for office, in effect, determining if there League had diligently recruited pro-Hoch would be a primary. Furthermore, the precinct committeemen. On January 30, tradition in Kansas was that county chairs Governor Bailey announced he would not controlled who received state patronage jobs seek re-election as Governor. in their counties. The system was, however, susceptible to change from below, if the State Officers, Central & Executive voters installed new precinct committeemen Committees: The state convention also who elected different county or district elected the officers of the state party's central chairs. Committee – a chair and a secretary. The state party central committee generally National Committeemen: The National consisted of one person per congressional Committeeman was elected by Kansas’ district (7 or 8) and one person per judicial National Convention delegates for a four- district (around 30). The state party's year term, took office immediately after the executive committee generally had about National Convention, and tended to hold eleven members. The Central and Executive officer for long periods to build seniority and Committees had powers designated to them work up the National Party hierarchy. For by the Party Constitution. instance, John A. Martin was National Committeeman from 1872 to 1884; Cy County and District Committees: Counties Leland, Jr., was National Committeeman and Congressional Districts also had central from 1884 until 1900, having served on the committees with officers. Districts held national Republican executive committee; conventions to nominate congressmen and and was followed by David W. Mulvane who counties held conventions to nominate served from 1900 to 1912 and again from county officials, candidates for the Kansas 1920-1932, and also served on the national House, and delegates to the state convention. Republican executive committee. Until the late 1960s each of the 105 counties had one designated state representative, with the other 20 representatives distributed to counties with larger populations, resulting in STANDPATTERS VS INSURGENTS: several counties have two or three PROGRESSIVE PERIOD (1900–1918) representatives. Senate districts consisted of The Kansas Republican Party that emerged in one or more entire counties and held 1900 from the Populist period was a changed conventions to nominate the Republican organization. The new reality was that it Senate candidates. could no longer rely on "waving the bloody As a result, district and county chairs held shirt," that is, recalling the Civil War period, immense power. Before 1908, they strongly as most voters no longer had personal influenced who the delegates would select as experience with the War. Moreover, the the Republican candidate and after the advent demographic and economic make-up of of the primary system, they could give or Kansas was changing, creating new political

Page 8 of 41 issues and new constituencies. Changes that They generally favored the use of fueled the Populist movement, were still government power to restrain people’s self- strong in Kansas and Republicans needed to destructive behaviors, favoring, for instance, address them. strict prohibition of alcohol, banning cigarettes, and restricting dancing. They The Republicans successfully met the sought to use government power to limit the challenge of this new environment. From the concentrated economic power of large 1900 to 1910 elections, Republicans won monopolies like the railroads and every Governor and US Senate election, 47 Standard Oil. They tried to use government of 48 Congressional elections and solid power to improve public health by majorities in the Kansas House and Senate. implementing modern scientific techniques. The Republican Party, however, developed Last, they favored modernizing government factions. to make it more efficient and effective. An The Factions early faction leader was David Mulvane (although by 1910 he changed factions) and One Republican faction, known variously as members included Governors Edward Hoch, the “Old Guard,” “Standpatters,” “Regulars,” Walter Stubbs, , and Henry or “the Bosses,” were the older established Allen; US Senator Joseph Bristow; party leadership. Key leaders of this faction Congressmen and James were political operatives or party bosses Cy Madison; and newspaper editor William Leland, Jr., and Mort Albaugh. Other Allen White. members were Governor Willis Bailey; Younger members Congressman and U.S. Senator Chester later rising to Long, and Congressman, US Senator, and prominence included Vice-President . Governor and presidential A second Republican faction were the “Boss- candidate Alf Busters,” or “Insurgents,” later called the Landon and “Progressives.” This faction started as Governor and US supporters of J.R Burton’s effort to become Rep Victor Murdock Senator Clyde Reed. US Senator, but soon became the faction of political and economic reform. They pushed A third group of Republicans were grassroots for more direct grassroots involvement in organizations that focused on contemporary government, favoring, for instance, primary social issues like prohibition, Carrie Nation elections over convention-nominated and her hatchet attacks on saloons were candidates to minimize the influence of emblematic of this group. political bosses, recall elections, lobbyist reform, campaign finance reporting, and civil Another powerful political force were those service reform to reduce political patronage. who supported woman's suffrage. In 1912, with the support of all parts of the Republican Party, the Kansas Constitution was amended

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to give women the Primary elections were adopted in a special right to vote in all legislative session in state elections. In March 1908 and the 1918, Kansas elected first republican Minnie held in August 1908. Grinstead of Seward In 1908, Walter County as the first Stubbs was elected woman legislator in Governor and Joseph Minnie Grinstead Kansas. Bristow, a progressive, was Elections 1900 - 1908 Sen. Joseph Bristow Until 1908, when primary elections were first elected to the US used, a party’s candidates were nominated by Senate after defeating party conventions composed of delegates. incumbent The factions fought for control of the establishment convention delegates by electing supporters Republican Chester as precinct leaders who would vote for Long in the first delegates to the District and State Kansas primary. Conventions. These nominating conventions became fierce battlegrounds for influence 1910 Elections: In August 1910, and vote trading. Each faction formed factionalism reached new intensity and there splinter organizations with names such as the were fierce primary battles for every federal “Boss Buster League,” "the Republican and statewide office. The 1910 Club," the "Kansas Republican League," and Congressional general election slate went the "Square Deal Club." from six "Regulars" and two "Insurgents" to two "Regulars" and six "Insurgents." One In 1900, the Insurgents controlled the state commentator observed: "Kansas fired a shot party convention and William Stanley was that will be heard around the country. The again elected Governor. In 1902 the Old prairies are afire with insurgency. What does Guard was back in it profit a Standpat Congressman if he saves control, and Willis his face in Washington and loses his hide in Bailey was elected Kansas?" Walter Stubbs won re-election as Governor. In 1904 Governor. and 1906, the Insurgents regained 1912 Elections – fractured party: In 1912, control of the state factionalism exacerbated by the national party convention and Howard Taft – split, Edward W. Hoch caused the two Kansas Republican factions to was elected and re- split the party with some members of the elected Governor. Gov Edward Hoch Insurgent faction running their own

Page 10 of 41 candidates in some elections in opposition to support from the grassroots by making the Kansas Republican Party’s official Kansas a “bone-dry” state (no alcoholic candidate. Many Republican voters did not beverages at all). He gained support from the vote, resulting in lower voter turnout than in establishment by imposing fiscally 1908. As a result, the Republicans lost the conservative policies such as paying off all Governor race, by 29 votes, lost control of the state debt in 1916. He retained support from State Senate and House, and lost five of eight progressives by signing, for example, Congressional seats. Democratic presidential legislation strengthening Bluesky securities candidate won Kansas. laws and workers compensation. Former Governor Walter Stubbs defeated incumbent US Senator Charles Curtis in the Capper was the first Governor to describe primary election, but then lost to the government reforms using business concepts Democrat in the general election. In such as being in favor of "modern scientific December, some Kansas Republicans business methods, in the elimination of attended a meeting in Chicago to form a useless positions and requiring the highest separate Progressive Party. efficiency on the part of every public servant" and noted that the burden of taxation had 1914 and 1916 Elections, party reuniting "increased at an alarming rate without commensurate benefit to the public." In 1914, most of the Progressive faction rejoined the Kansas Republican Party, Campaign operations although some, like Henry Allen, broke away and joined a new, separate "Progressive In the 1918 Governor campaign, the Party". As a result, in 1914 the Republicans Republican candidate, Henry Allen, was still regained control of the State House. In 1916, serving in France. after the break-away progressives rejoined His campaign republican ranks, the Republicans regained manager, Harvey control of the State Senate and won seven of H. Motter of eight Congressional seats. Wichita, a traveling salesman, Arthur Capper, a decided, through former newspaper necessity, to forego editor and member the traditional of the progressive campaign of Gov Henry Allen faction, was elected personal visits by Governor in 1914 the candidate and campaigning through and again in 1916 surrogates – prominent local citizens – and (he had lost in instead relied on networks of local volunteers 1912) and brought and numerous local contributions. The new the two factions campaign style succeeded and was copied by Gov. Arthur Capper together. Governor future candidates of both parties. Capper gained

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OPTIMISM, PROSPERITY AND THE NEW “progressive,” which manifested itself in CONSERVATIVES (1918–1930) gubernatorial election politics. Between 1904 and 1920, all Republican governor Throughout the 1920s, Kansans held an candidates had come from the progressive optimistic belief that the material aspects of wing. But a new generation of conservatives life were steadily improving, evidenced by, entered Kansas politics, most World War for instance, higher incomes, higher crop One veterans and members of the American yields, science, industry, better roads, Legion. John D. M. , Clifford R. schools, more efficient farming, electricity, Hope, and Frank "Chief" Haucke were and cars. They believed that thrift, self- representative members of this new group sufficiency and wholesome living were keys who challenged the older progressive to this success. Republicans positioned politicians. themselves as the party of the proud past and the architects of the current and future In the 1918 and 1920 elections, Henry Allen, prosperity. They were the party of prosperity, a progressive, was elected Governor. good roads, child welfare, and public safety, with necessary periodic reforms of In 1922, after a 7-way primary, the government to keep taxes low and programs Republican candidate was conservative effective. William Y. Morgan. He lost to the Democratic candidate, a victim of a short, The voters agreed with this proposition. severe farm recession and probable desertion Between 1918 and 1930, Republicans held of some progressive the Governorship for all but one term, their Republican voters. In majority in the State Senate never dropped 1924, conservative below 30 and was as high as 37 of 40 seats, Benjamin Paulsen in the Kansas House the number of beat out progressives Republicans was never below 90 and was as Clyde Reed and high as 113 of 125 seats. Republicans held at former Governor least seven of the eight Congressional seats Walter Stubbs to win every election and held both US Senate seats. the nomination. Among several reforms enacted in the 1920s Paulsen went on win were government funded kindergarten, the governorship creation of the Board of Regents, and, after a defeating both the Gov Benjamin Paulsen major political battle, a constitutional Democrat and amendment in 1928 that allowed the state William Allen White, who ran as an government to pay for a highway system. independent attacking the . Until then, roads and other internal Paulsen was re-elected easily on 1926. improvements were county and township responsibilities. In 1928, Kansas U.S. Senator Charles Curtis was elected as ’s Vice In the 1920s, the party still consisted of two President. Back in Kansas in 1928, Clyde factions, usually labeled “conservative” and Reed, a progressive, won out in a 6-way

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primary, with his a de facto assistant Governor, fending off job closest opponent seekers, coordinating state and federal being John D. M. patronage, serving as a liaison with Hamilton, a young legislators and party officials, and gathering conservative war political intelligence to help the legislative veteran and Speaker program. At this time the legislature met of the House. every two years, in the non-election year. In January of the election year, candidates In 1930, as the would network and announce their Gov and Sen Clyde Reed depression and candidacies at the Kansas Day social events drought began, in Topeka, an event the party chair would Governor Reed was defeated in the primary attend. This would initiate the primary by Frank Hauke, a young conservative war election campaigns and the cycle would start veteran and head of the , again. who was supported by David Mulvane, John D. M. Hamilton, John W. Breyfogle, and William Y. Morgan. Hauke lost the Governor race to the Democratic candidate by 200 DEPRESSION AND THE votes, in a race that also included John R. (1930–1936) Brinkley, the "goat gland doctor", running as The stock market crash of October 1929 an independent. , future governor marked the start of the decade-long economic and presidential candidate, started firmly in downturn known as the , the progressive camp, helping the Allen and which took hold in Kansas between the 1930 White campaigns, and serving as Reed's and 1932 elections. Kansas voters concluded campaign manager in 1928, but by the end of that the Republican agenda of rigorous the 1920s had become disenchanted with austerity in government, cutting government overly rigid progressive ideology. size, and reducing taxes was not working and needed to be supplemented by other Role of the state party chair programs – programs of the type offered by In the first half of the twentieth century, the the national Democrats. state party chair was elected every two years at the August party convention, which was Between 1930 and 1938 the Kansas held two weeks after the primary. The Republican Party sustained a period of accepted practice was that the Republican political decline. Republicans lost the gubernatorial candidate selected the chair, Governorship in 1930 and 1936. who was elected and then served as the campaign manager for the governor's campaign. The chair would raise funds, accompany the candidate, and work with county chairs to turn out the vote. Once the campaign ended, the state party chair became

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Alf Landon, elected Governor in 1932, had government entities to use a standard managed to balance the state’s budget and to accounting and auditing system. be re-elected in 1934, the only Republican Governor in the In 1937 women were added to the statutory nation re- party structure by the addition of three elected. On that provisions: (1) each precinct would now elect basis he became one precinct committeewoman in addition to the Republican the committeeman, (2) county, district and Presidential state committees would now elected a vice- Gov Alf Landon candidate for chair, in addition to the chair, secretary and 1936, but lost treasurer with the requirement that the chair his home state in the election. His and vice-chair be of opposite gender, and (3) presidential campaign manager, John D.M. the National Committeewoman was added to Hamilton, a conservative and former Speaker the party council. This was codified in KS of the Kansas House became Chairman of the Statute 25-221, with the opposite gender RNC. requirement at 25-221a.

A Democrat won a special election in 1930 and in 1932 was re-elected as US Senator. LANDON’S REPUBLICAN ESTABLISHMENT The Republicans held four of the seven (1938–1955) Congressional seats in 1932–36. In the State House, Republicans dropped from 101 After the loss of the Governor's race in 1936 Representatives after the 1928 election to and wanting a solid anti-New Deal front, the between 65 and 75 seats, a bare majority. In Republican gathering for the 1937 Kansas the Senate, they dropped from 37 seats to 26 Day became a major planning session to seats in 1932 and 24 seats in 1936. regroup and reorganize the party. The leaders of this effort turned the tide and then ran the In response, Kansas Republicans changed to party for the next 15 years. reflect the popular will and adopted more expansive government-backed economic Prominent behind-the-scenes players agenda, while maintaining strict prohibition, included Dane G. Hansen of Logan, Harry even after national prohibition was removed Darby (future national committeeman) and in 1932. Landon, a self-described "pragmatic Lacy Haynes of Kansas City, Harm Voss of progressive", demonstrated the Kansas Downs, Walter Fees of Iola, Dick Robbins of Republican Party’s capacity to adapt to the Pratt, Lester McCoy of Garden City, and Jess new realities of the Depression and remain Harper of Sitka. Other leaders of the the majority party. Some of the reforms rejuvenation were Blake Williamson, Ed instituted by Republicans were passage of a Boddington, and Art Stanley from Kansas state income tax in 1933, passage of a state City; Dolph Simons, Sr., and Charles Stowe sales tax in 1937, and forcing all local of Lawrence; Drew McLaughlin of Paola; Senator Harris from Ottawa; Watson Marple

Page 14 of 41 of Fort Scott; W.R. Hagman of Pittsburg; By November 1938, Kansas voters were Mrs. Effie Semple of Columbus; Rolla disenchanted with the aggregation of power Clymer, Dick Woodward, and Gale Moss of in Washington and the marked tendency of Eldorado; Ernie Shawver, Edward Arn urban dwellers on the east coast to belittle (future governor), Pat Patterson, George A. Kansas, as “backward," “unprogressive,” Brown, and Wash Loston of Wichita; Stewart “unsophisticated," and “antediluvian." While Newlin of Sumner County; Kirke E. Dale and some parts of the country continued to George Templar of City; Wes support the New Deal, the common opinion Roberts (future party chair) of Oskaloosa; in Kansas was to view it as a wasteful Paul Wunsch (future state senate president intrusion of government bureaucracy by pro tem) of Kingman; Wayne Rogler of arrogant and ignorant easterners. An October Chase County; Hugh Edwards of Eureka; 1938 poll indicated that 59% of Kansans Jess Denious of Dodge City; Lester McCoy disapproved of Roosevelt. and Cap Burtis of Garden City; Ernie Briles of Stafford; Andy Schoeppel (future This feeling burst out in the 1938 elections governor and US Senator) of Ness City; where Republicans regained the US Senate Congressman (future governor seat, when former Governor Clyde Reed and US Senator)and Edward Burge of defeated the Democratic incumbent, won six Concordia; McDill "Huck" Boyd (future of seven Congressional seats, and went from national committeeman) of Phillipsburg; 74 seats to 107 of the 125 seats in the Kansas (future Congressman) of House. In the 1940 election Republicans Mankato; Henry Buzik of Sylvan Grove; Ben went from 24 to 35 of the 40 seats in the Bernie of Hill City; Tuffy Lutz of Sharon Kansas Senate. Springs; Frank "Chief" Haucke of Council Throughout the 1940s and early 1950s Grove; Warren Shaw, Mark Bennett and Republicans firmly controlled Kansas Harry Crane (future party chair) of Topeka; Government. Every Governor was Casey Jones of Olathe; Jay Parker of Hill Republican and won re-election: Payne City; Ross Beach, Murray Eddy and Ed Ratner (1938 and 1940 elections), Andrew Flood of Hays; Charles Cushing of Downs; Schoeppel (1942 and 1944 elections); Frank Albert Cole of Jackson County (later 1st Carlson (1946 and 1948 elections), and District Congressman); William Beck of Edward Arn (1950 and 1952 elections). Holton; Dick Becker of Coffeyville; John Wall of Sedan; Charles Arbuthnot of Lebanon; C.I. Moyer (future party chair) of Doniphan County; Lloyd Ruppenthal (future party chair) and Adrian Smith of McPherson; Lee Larabee of Liberal; Roy Smith of Edmund, O.O. Osborne of Stockton; and August Lauterbach of Colby.

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republican leader and, until 1948, generally controlled the Kansas Republican Party. He backed , Andy Schoeppel and his former campaign manager, Frank Carlson for governor, as well as Clyde Reed for US Senator in 1938 and 1944. He was the Kansas Republican national convention delegation leader in 1940 and 1944 and selected the Gov Payne Ratner Gov Andy Schoeppel delegation's members.

Landon’s Fall from Power: In 1948, Landon was challenged by Andrew Schoeppel who announced that he would run for US Senate against Landon's choice, the aging Arthur Capper. This dispute resulted in a fracture in the state party, with many of Landon's former supporters refusing to back the aging Capper. Gov Frank Carlson Gov Ed Arn In January 1948, the state party central committee changed the rules for selecting After US Senator Clyde Reed died in office national delegates in a way that diminished on 1949, Henry Darby was appointed to Landon's influence, resulting in only six of finish the term and former Governor Frank the 18 delegates being Landon supporters. Carlson was elected in 1950 as US Senator , a Schoeppel supporter, was re- and went on to serve three complete terms, elected national committeeman and elected before retiring. US Senator Arthur Capper, chair of the delegation. Senator Capper, aged having served five full terms was succeeded 83, then decided not to file for re-election and by former Governor Andrew Schoeppel who Landon was left without direct political won the 1948 election and served two power, but remained an elder statesman for complete terms before dying in office during years. his third term. In the State House, of the 125 seats Republicans always held between 90 and 107 seats; in the State Senate, of the 40 seats, Republicans held between 34 and 39 seats.

This smooth continuity was the result of intense behind-the-scenes efforts by party leaders to achieve consensus. Landon, as Governor from 1932 to 1935, and Presidential candidate in 1936, was a national

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"YOUNG TURK" INSURGENTS (1952–1960) candidate George Templar. He did not owe his election success to the party Emergence of the Young Turks establishment, clashed with, and refused to The 1952 election saw the emergence of a work with party leaders. Exacerbating this new Republican faction – the “Young Turks” new factional fighting, was President – which included state senator and future Eisenhower's January 1953 appointment of Governor John Anderson; Lieutenant C. Wesley Roberts as Chair of the Governor and future Governor ; Republican National committee. Roberts was Senator John Woelk; Senator William a Kansas newspaperman, former Kansas state Weygand; Senator John Crutcher party chair, US Senator Frank Carlson's 1950 (Hutchinson), future State Party Chair and campaign manager, and an old-fashioned US Senator James Pearson; Representative party loyalist who could work the patronage John Glades; and future state party chair system. A KC Star article, however, exposed Donald Schnacke. They took on the "Old that Roberts possibly improperly took money Guard" establishment, which included to transfer property to the state and he Governor Edward Arn, US Senator Frank resigned, giving the Young Turks more Carlson, US Senator Andrew Schoeppel, ammunition in their fight with the Congressman Ed Reese, Wesley Roberts, establishment. State Senators Steadman Ball and Paul The effects of these disputes were felt in the Wunsch (who was President Pro Tem of the 1954 election where the Republican hold on Senate from 1949 to 1964), McDill "Huck" the Kansas House dropped from 105 to 89 Boyd, and Harry Darby (National seats. The 1954 election was also the first to Committeeman from 1940 to 1964), and who make use of political advertising on controlled the patronage system and party television. structure. The Young Turks resented the perceived abuses of patronage, political deal- 1956 Elections: As resistance to Governor making, and cronyism as well as the power Hall grew, he sought to control the party county party chairs had to control patronage structure. The state chair, Lloyd Ruppenthal, and influence elections. A common had been his campaign manager and a motivation was to "clean-up the mess in supporter, but fought Hall's attempts to take Topeka." control of state patronage away from county chairs, supporting the traditional power of Fred Hall was elected county chairs to control patronage. Hall Lieutenant Governor in sought to oust National Committeeman Harry 1950 and again in 1952, Darby and control the delegates going to the defeating Wayne Ryan a veteran senator and friend of Governor Arn. In 1954, Hall was elected Governor, Gov Fred Hall beating Old Guard

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1956 National Convention. The State party, the right-to-work Constitutional Convention, however, re-elected Darby as amendment was on the ballot in 1958 which National galvanized Democratic union turnout, Committeeman and demographic changes undercutting the Mrs. Semple as Republican base resulting in fewer farms and National a decline in rural population, growth of larger Committeewoman towns and cities; an economic shift towards – breaking tradition non-agricultural trade and industry. by doing it before the convention. Additionally, successfully They also elected positioned himself as more fiscally Chair Ruppenthal Harry Darby conservative than his Republican opponents, as a delegate and he defining himself as a stringent fiscal refused Governor Hall's demand that he conservative, seeking fiscal sanity, supporter resign as state chair. of law and order, but a social moderate. In 1958, Docking campaigned on repealing the In the 1956 legislative session, the 0.5% increase in the state sales tax enacted by Republican legislature passed Right-to-Work the Republican legislature. legislation only to have Governor Hall it. The Republican State Committee passed a 1958 Elections: In the 1958 election, voter resolution supporting "Right to Work", support for Republicans continued to condemning the Governor for his veto. Hall diminish. Republicans won only three of six was soundly defeated in the 1956 primary, Congressional seats and lost 14 seats in the which was particularly vitriolic in tone, but Kansas House, leaving them with just 69 out this helped Democrat George Docking win of 125 seats. The voters of Kansas, however, the Governorship in the 1956 election. In remained conservative in outlook. In 1958, January 1957, with two weeks left in his despite opposition from Democrats, unions, Governor's term, Hall resigned and his some clergy and university professors, and former Lt. Governor, now Governor, John Governor Docking, Kansas voters approved McCuish, appointed Hall to a recent Kansas a constitutional Right-To-Work Amendment, Supreme Court vacancy. This insider deal a proposition rejected by many other states. became known as the "Triple Play" and 1960 Elections: In 1960, John Anderson, one brought more embarrassment to the of the Young Turks, Republican Party. was elected Governor Republican dominance continued to decline defeating McDill with the 1958 election. George Docking "Huck" Boyd, the became the first two-term Democratic party establishment's Governor in Kansas history. There were candidate, in the several reasons for this –serious intra- primary and Republican factional fighting distracted the Democrat George Docking, trying for a

Page 18 of 41 third term, in the general. This victory half of the decade. The state school system restored Republican control and consolidated was completely re-engineered with a generational shift to new Republican thousands of school districts consolidated, a leadership. The Republicans continued to new State School Board created, and a new hold both US Senate seats, five of six educational finance system implemented. Congressional seats, a gain of two, 32 State Redistricting, based on one-man, one-vote, Senate seats, and gained 13 seats in the became a major topic in the legislature. To House. Anderson's campaign manager, pay for the education reforms, state income James Pearson, became the State Party chair. tax withholding was imposed and the state The 1960 election was when was sales tax was increased. There were also a first elected to Congress with the support of plethora of social issues before the legislature establishment Republicans including his including , civil rights, and fair mentor McDill "Huck" Boyd and Dane housing. Hansen, in the Sixth District – northwest Kansas.

FIRST CONSERVATIVE INSURGENCY, THE 1964 ELECTIONS SOCIAL CHANGES AND AN EXPANDING In the Kansas Republican party, a new FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Conservative faction emerged that was (1960–1974) inspired by Senator Barry In the 1960s, new issues came to the forefront Goldwater. This faction, taking the approach – the Vietnam War, international of other insurgent factions, recruited new communism, government’s expanded role in precinct leaders and managed to gain social welfare, changing sexual morality and working control of the state party by 1964. gender relations, and civil rights for minorities. Throughout the 1960s, the The part of Goldwater’s message that Republican Party maintained a working resonated with many Kansans Republicans majority in state government. They held both was ineffective and wasteful big government US Senate seats, almost always held all five programs and interference in the Congressional seats, held majorities in both marketplace. It was similar to the message legislative chambers, with around 85 seats in articulated by Arthur Capper and Alf Landon the House and 30 seats in the Senate. in the 1930s. The arguments, however, were Republicans won the Governorship in the now stronger, with much higher taxes and 1960, 1962, and 1964 elections, but lost it in much large social welfare programs. 1966, 1968, and 1970 to Democrat Bob Goldwater’s national supporters included Docking. and .

One of the contributing factors to the loss in 1966 was the magnitude of change achieved by the Republican administrations in the first

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Barry Goldwater did not win the Kansas Presidential vote in 1964, but he won a substantial minority (45%). His loss motivated his core supporters to create a distinctively conservative voice in Kansas, but after 1964, the conservative faction lost support. The average Kansas voter had contradictory feelings on federal programs. While they voiced support for individual self- sufficiency and attacked government interference and high taxes, they took full advantage of social security and for 1964: Bob Dole and the elderly, farm subsidies, small business Republican leadership in Kansas was split on loans, and road and community development the Presidential choice for 1964. At the April funding. 1964 party convention in Topeka, Governor The 1964 Kansas Republican Governor's John Anderson and Senator James Pearson primary, which chose Governor Anderson's supported , Congressman successor, was probably the most "power- Clifford Hope favored , packed" in state history. There were eight Jr., Congressman Bob Dole and conservative candidates with six being political powers: business leader Gorden Greb supported William Avery, Congressman, who won the Goldwater. primary and the general elections; Paul The Kansas Republican Party delegates Wunsch, state senator, former Speaker, and threw their support to Goldwater. In an 28-year legislative veteran; Harold Chase, unprecedented move, the party denied its the Lieutenant Governor; McDill "Huck" own Governor, John Anderson, a position as Boyd, newspaper publisher, activist, and ally a voting delegate to the 1964 Republican of Congressman Bob Dole; William National Convention held in San Francisco, Ferguson, the Attorney General; and Grant and described as the ugliest since 1912, as Dohm, three-term legislator. entrenched moderates faced off against 1966 Elections: In the 1966 elections, conservative insurgents. In an era in which a Congressman Bob Dole and US Senator national consensus seemed to have coalesced James Pearson, both prevailed in their around advancing civil rights, containing primaries. Pearson suspected that the Communism and expanding government, the conservative faction encouraged moderates believed they had to win to Congressman Ellsworth, from the party's preserve the Republican Party. The liberal wing, to run against him in the conservatives wanted to contain the role of primary. the federal government and roll back Communism. In the same election, Republican Governor William Avery lost his re-election bid to

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Democrat (son of Governor delegates. In contrast, the Democrat George Docking). Docking campaigned on Docking, with total control of the Kansas an agenda of lower taxes, austere democratic party structure, had run a government, and thoroughly modern and focused campaign law and order. with polling, mass media advertising, and Avery, the effective use of TV. Republican, campaigned on The conclusion drawn by most Kansas the major candidates was that mass media was better at expansion of voter mobilization than party precinct education organizations and that the party organization funding under was being replaced by individual political his entrepreneurs and consultants running candidate-centered campaigns. administration Gov William Avery but was left 1970 Elections defending the increase in sales taxes, the imposition of income tax withholding, and ♦U.S. Senate: There was no U.S. Senate higher liquor and cigarette taxes. Election.

1968 Elections: In 1968, at the urging of ♦U.S. Congress: Republican incumbent retiring Senator Frank Carlson, Congressman won re-election in the 1st Bob Dole defeated former governor William District; Democrat Bill Roy upset Republican Avery in the primary and went on to be incumbent Chester Mize in the 2nd District, elected U.S. Senator. In 1968, Kansas voted Republican incumbent won re- for Nixon in the presidential race. election in the 3rd District; Republican Republicans won all five Congressional incumbent Garner Shriver won the 4th seats, gained five seats in the State Senate, District, and Republican incumbent Joe gained 11 seats in the State House, but lost Skubitz won re-election in the 5th District. the Governor's race to Robert Docking who ♦Kansas Statewides: Democrat Robert ran on an agenda of fiscal responsibility, tax Docking won re-election as governor for an reform, and executive branch reorganization. unprecedented third term, defeating Kent Party as a campaign organization (late Fizzell; Republicans Reynolds Schultz was 1960s and early 1970s) elected Lt Governor; Elwill Shanahan was re- elected as ; William After the election losses to Robert Docking, Fletcher was re-elected as Insurance the state party was viewed as an ineffective Commissioner; and Walter Peery was re- campaign organization, having lost focus on elected as Treasurer. its primary role of electing Republicans and instead serving as a battleground where each ♦Kansas Senate: There were no State Senate faction fought to get supporters elected as elections. precinct leaders, county officers, and

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♦Kansas House: The Republicans won 84 ; and Tom Van seats, a loss of three. Calvin Strowig was Sickle was elected as Treasurer. elected Speaker. ♦Kansas Senate: Republicans won 27 seats, a ♦State Party: In August 1970, the State net loss of 5 seats since the 1968 election. Committee elected William Falstad as Chair. Robert Bennett was elected Senate President. Huck Boyd was re-elected as National Committeeman. ♦Kansas House: Republicans won 80 seats, a loss of four seats. Pete McGill was elected 1972 Elections Speaker.

♦President: Republican candidate Richard ♦State Party: William Falstad continued as Nixon carried Kansas and won the election, state party Chair until January 1973 when the defeating George McGovern. The national state committee elected Jack Ranson Chair. Republican convention was held in Miami The change in dates reflected the changeover Beach, FL. from 2-year to 4-year terms for the Governor and other statewide elections. R. Doug Lewis ♦U.S. Senate: Republican James Pearson was was the Executive Director. re-elected to the US Senate. Statutory party organization (1972-1992) ♦U.S. Congress: Republican incumbent Keith Sebelius won re-election in the 1st In 1972, the legislature further regulated the District; Democrat Bill Roy was re-elected in structure and operations of political parties. the 2nd District, Republican incumbent Larry The changes added additional detailed Winn was re-elected in the 3rd District; guidance on filling precinct vacancies, Republican incumbent Garner Shriver was requiring county committees to reorganize re-elected in the 4th District, and Republican within two weeks of the primary, that district incumbent was re-elected in the committees would reorganize within 90 days 5th District. of the primary, that the state committee would consist of 22 delegates from each ♦Kansas Statewides: Democrat Robert district (eliminating the old provision that Docking won re-election as governor for each county chair was a delegate), that the unprecedented fourth term, defeating Morris executive committee would include the state Kay, who had prevailed in the Republican officers, district chairs and vice-chairs, and primary over former Governor John the primary federal and state elected officials Anderson, Ray Frisbie, and Lt Governor or their designees, and it re-designated the Reynolds Schultz; Republican David C. party council as the platform committee. This Owen, a close associate of Bob Dole, was statute was amended somewhat in 1977, elected Lt Governor; Republicans Elwill 1980, 1988, and 1989 adding the chairs of Shanahan was re-elected as Secretary of affiliated groups to the executive committee. State; William Fletcher was re-elected as

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PART II: Modern Party History: 1974 to today

The modern political POST-WATERGATE DECLINE begins in the early 1970s as a result of two (1974–1978) major structural changes. First, in the late 1960s, one-man one-vote became the legal 1974 Elections standard governing redistricting. Before this, ♦U.S. Senate: Bob Dole experienced an each of Kansas' 105 counties had one state extremely close race from challenger two- representative, regardless of population, with term Democrat Congressman Bill Roy. the remaining 20 representatives allocated to Senator Dole, for the first time in Kansas a county based on population. The House politics, made a central campaign reapportioned the 20 extra legislators in 1909 issue, using it to win over Wichita. Bill Roy and 1959. State Senate districts had no campaigned intensely around Kansas City requirement to be of roughly equivalent linking Dole to Nixon, Watergate, and Ford's population and consisted of groups of entire pardon of Nixon. counties. The old system heavily weighted the legislature in favor of rural areas and ♦U.S. Congress: Republican incumbent diluted the political power of the new Keith Sebelius won re-election in the 1st population centers in Wichita, Topeka, and District; Democratic incumbent Johnson County. was elected in the 2nd District, beating John C. Petersen; incumbent Larry Winn won re- The new redistricting paradigm for election in the 3rd District; Republican legislative districts caused substantial incumbent Garner Shriver was re-elected in changes to state legislative districts and the the 4th District, and incumbent Joe Skubitz composition of the legislature, increasing the was re-elected in the 5th District. political power of cities and suburbs at the expense of the rural areas. ♦Kansas Statewides: The 1974 statewide office elections were Second, the Kansas Constitution was the first for the new amended in 1972 to make the term for 4-year terms. statewide office, such as governor, starting Republican Bob with the 1974 election, four years instead of Bennett won the two years. Additionally, the Governor and Governorship, after Lieutenant Governor would henceforth run as winning a close 3- a single ticket, not as separate campaigns. way primary he defeated Democrat and former Attorney general, . Republican Shelby

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Smith was elected Lt Governor; Elwill ♦U.S. Congress: Republican incumbent Shanahan was re-elected as Secretary of Keith Sebelius was re-elected in the 1st State; and William Fletcher was re-elected as District; incumbent Larry Winn won re- Insurance Commissioner. election in the 3rd District; and incumbent Joe Skubitz was re-elected for the eighth time ♦Kansas Senate: No election. After Robert in the 5th District. Democratic incumbent Bennett resigned from the Senate to become Martha Keys was re-elected in the 2nd Governor, Richard Rodgers served as Senate District, beating Ross Freeman. Democrat President for the 1975 session, and Ross defeated 8-term incumbent Doyen for the 1976 session. Republican Garner Shriver in the 4th District.

♦Kansas House: Republicans won 72 seats, a ♦Kansas Senate: Republicans won 21 seats, a net lose of eight seats. Pete McGill was re- net loss of 6 seats since the 1974 election. The elected Speaker Senate elected Ross Doyen as Senate ♦State Party: In 1975, the State Committee President and Norman Gaar as Majority elected Jack Ranson as Chair. Huck Boyd Leader. was re-elected as National Committeeman. ♦Kansas House: Republicans lost the Irene Whitlock was the Executive Director. majority in the House to the Democrats for 1976 Elections only the second time in Kansas history, winning only 60 seats, a net loss of 12. One of the worst election cycles for Kansas Republicans since the depression, often ♦State Party: In January 1977, the State called “the debacle” due to the fallout from Committee re-elected Jack Ranson as Chair. Watergate and a general anti-incumbent Huck Boyd was re-elected as National mood with the voters. The Republicans lost Committeeman. George Van Riper was control of the Kansas House and a Executive Director. Congressional seat. Major reduction in party patronage ♦President: Republican candidate Gerald (1975–1980s) Ford, with Kansas Bob Dole as his vice- A profound change for party power and presidential running mate, carried Kansas, influence in Kansas was the substantial but lost nationally to Democrat Jimmy reduction in the extent of political patronage, Carter. The Republican Vice-Presidential that is, the practice of elected officials filling candidate was Kansas Senator Bob Dole. The government positions with political allies of national Republican convention was held in his or her own choosing. From the party's Kansas City, MO. perspective, the reduction in party patronage, ♦U.S. Senate: There was no U.S. Senate materially reduced the power and influence Election. of the county chair position, which, in-turn, weakened the entire party organization.

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In Kansas, since the 1860s, newly elected Sometimes they tried to play it and officials had always had broad discretion in sometimes they didn't even do that." the hiring of state and local employees and Democratic Governor Carlin (1979–86) had used this power to reward political allies. similar observations on the change "county Elected officials would work with and on the chairs across the state were very, very recommendation of local county party chairs. unhappy . . . They didn't follow issues, they The patronage system not only rewarded followed patronage. They followed what they political supporters for past support, it also had run on to become county chair. And, you encouraged future support, because persons know, people were asking, what's going on who have a patronage job try to retain it by here?". campaigning for the party at the next election. Patronage maintained strong political organizations by offering campaign workers BOB DOLE’S REPUBLICAN ESTABLISHMENT rewards. More importantly, patronage put (1978–1992) people into government who agreed with the political agenda of the victor. Cooperation, The next 14 years lacked continual or loyalty, and trust flowed from this substantial Republican control. After Bob arrangement. The issue surrounding Bennett failed to win re-election as Governor, patronage was not whether elected officials Democrat John Carlin held it for two terms should have the discretion to hire certain (1979–1986), Republican then government employees, but how far down the held it for one term (1987–1990), but failed organizational chain that power should to be re-elected, Democrat held extend. Too far down the chain could result the Governorship for one term (1991–1994) in inefficiency and too little creates a class of and did not run again, then Republican Bill state bureaucrats unresponsive to the officials Graves held it for two terms (1995–2002). elected by the people. The Democrats always held one or two Congressional seats. The Republicans lost Over time in Kansas civil service reforms had the House majority in the 1990 election and reduced the extent of patronage, up to the their numbers in the House ranging from 62 early 1970s it was still common, politically to 76 of the 125 seats. The Republican astute, and a generally accepted practice. The majority in the Senate ranged from 22 to 24 substantial reduction in patronage from the of the 40 seats. mid-1970s to the early 1980s was a result of post-Watergate reforms. Governor Bennett During this period, U.S. Senator Bob Dole remarked that "[In 1974] we campaigned on was the most influential leader of the Kansas the promise that we were going to operate the Republican Party. He effectively ensured that government on a very efficient and his supporters and former staff were in economical basis - that we were not going to influential positions throughout Kansas. rely on patronage. So that sort of foreclosed the party from a very active role in appointments. They had a passive role.

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Party campaign operations (1974–1990) Senate seat in her own right (not as Two developments merged in the mid-1970s a widow of a to redirect the state party's campaign focus Senator) and techniques. First, before 1974 the state party had been a temporary organization ♦U.S. Congress: focused primarily on electing Governors. Keith Sebelius Once the Governor's term was extended to was re-elected to four years, the party was able to spread its the 1st District; focus to supporting other races. James Jeffries Sen was elected to the Second, as part of the post-Watergate 2nd District after the Democratic incumbent reforms, the Republican National Committee did not run; Larry Winn was re-elected to the funded efforts to professionalize state party 3rd district and was re-elected operations and to develop statewide voter, to the 5th district. Democrat Dan Glickman volunteer, and contributor lists. By the late was re-elected to the 4th District. 1970s, the party was actively helping state legislative, congressional, and other ♦Kansas Statewides: Democrat John W. statewide races by swapping volunteer and Carlin was elected governor after defeating contributor lists. incumbent Republican Bob Bennett; Democrat Paul Dugan was elected Lt The state party also had the resources to Governor; Bob Stephan was elected Attorney conduct direct mail fund raising. By the early General; Jack Brier was elected Secretary of 1980s, the state party was able to provide State; Fletcher Bell was re-elected as some financial support to candidates. By Insurance Commissioner; and Democrat Joan 1990, for the first time, the party ran training Finney was re-elected as Treasurer. seminars for vulnerable incumbent candidates, trained all candidates on ♦Kansas House: Republicans won 69 seats, a campaign finance laws, and conducted some net gain of 9 seats, and recovered the majority polling. The party also started doing in the Kansas House. The House elected telemarketing fund raising. Wendall Lady as Speaker and Robert Frey as Majority Leader. 1978 Elections ♦State Party: In January 1979, the State ♦U.S. Senate: After incumbent Republican Committee elected Morris Kay as Chair. Senator James Pearson retired, Nancy Meryln Brown was Executive Director. Kassebaum was elected to the U.S. Senate after defeating Democrat Bill Roy and 1980 Elections winning an 8-way primary that included future Congresswoman . ♦President: Republican Presidential Kassebaum was the first woman to win a candidate Ronald Reagan easily won Kansas and the Presidency. Kansas held its first presidential preference primary, won by

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Ronald Reagan. The national Republican was re-elected to the 4th District, defeating convention was held in Detroit, Michigan. Jerry Caywood.

♦U.S. Senate: Bob Dole was re-elected to the ♦Kansas Statewides: Democrat John W. U.S. Senate with 64% of the vote. Carlin won re-election as governor; Democrat Thomas Docking was elected Lt ♦U.S. Congress: Keith Sebelius was re- Governor; Bob Stephan won re-election as elected for the sixth time to the 1st District; Attorney General; Jack Brier was re-elected James Edmund Jeffries was re-elected in the as Secretary of State; Fletcher Bell was re- 2nd District, Larry Winn was re-elected to the elected as Insurance Commissioner; and 3rd district and Bob Whittaker was re-elected Democrat Joan Finney was re-elected as to the 5th district. Incumbent Democrat Dan Treasurer. Glickman held the 4th District, defeating Clay Hunter. ♦Kansas House: Republicans held steady winning 72 seats. The House elected Mike ♦Kansas Senate: Republicans won 24 seats, a Hayden as Speaker and Joseph Hoagland as net gain of 3 seats. The Senate elected Ross Majority Leader. Doyen as Senate President and Robert Talkington as Majority Leader. ♦State Party: In January 1983, the State Committee elected Mary Alice Lair as Chair, ♦Kansas House: Republicans won 72 seats, a but she gave it up in favor of Robert Bennett. net gain of 3 seats. The House elected The Executive Director was Vern Chesbro. Wendall Lady as Speaker and Robert Frey as Majority Leader. 1984 Elections

♦State Party: In January 1981, the State ♦President: Republican presidential Committee re-elected Morris Kay as Chair. candidate Ronald Reagan swept Kansas and The Executive Director was Merlyn Brown won the presidency. The national Republican for a second 2-year term. convention was held in .

1982 Elections ♦U.S. Senate: Nancy Kassebaum was re- elected as U.S. Senator. ♦U.S. Senate: There was no U.S. Senate race. ♦U.S. Congress: held the 1st ♦U.S. Congress: Pat Roberts won the 1st District; Jan Meyers was elected to the 3rd District after Keith Sebelius retired; Larry district, defeating Democrat John Reardon, Winn was re-elected to the 3rd district and after a five way primary, and Bob Whittaker Bob Whittaker was re-elected to the 5th was re-elected to the 5th district. Incumbent district. Democrat won the 2nd Democrat Jim Slattery won the 2nd District District by defeating Morris Kay after defeating Jim Van Slyke. Incumbent incumbent Republican James Edmund Democrat Dan Glickman won the 4th District Jeffries did not run. Democrat Dan Glickman defeating William Krause.

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♦Kansas Senate: Republicans won 24 seats, Fletcher Bell was re-elected Commissioner holding even. The Senate elected Robert of Insurance. Democrat Joan Finney was re- Talkington as Senate President and Paul elected as State Treasurer. "Bud" Burke as Majority Leader. ♦Kansas House: Republicans won 74 seats ♦Kansas House: Republicans won 76 seats, a for a net loss of 2 seats. The House elected net gain of 4 seats. The House elected Mike James Braden as Speaker and Joe Knopp as Hayden as Speaker and James Braden as Majority Leader. In 1987 a fiscal Majority Leader. conservative group, the Republican Reform Caucus, formed consisting of 12 Republican ♦State Party: In , the State lawmakers who banded together in Topeka to Committee elected Vern Chesbro as Chair. challenge the establishment moderate The Executive Director was . leadership. Its leaders were Kerry Patrick, 1986 Elections Bob Vancrum, David Miller, J.C. Long, and Gayle Mollenkamp ♦U.S. Senate: Bob Dole won re-election to the U.S. Senate with 70% of the vote. ♦State Party: In January 1987, the State Committee elected Fred Logan as Chair. The ♦U.S. Congress: Pat Roberts held the 1st Executive Director was Catherine Whitaker. District; Jan Meyers held the 3rd district, and Bob Whittaker held the 5th district. 1988 Elections Incumbent Democrat Jim Slattery won the ♦President: Republican candidate George 2nd District beating . Incumbent H.W. Bush won Kansas and the presidency. Democrat Dan Glickman won the 4th District Kansas held a presidential caucus. The beating Bob Knight. national Republican convention was held in ♦Kansas Statewides: Mike Hayden, defeated . Democrat Tom Docking, to be elected ♦U.S. Senate: There was no election for the Governor, after U.S. Senate. winning a 7-way primary that ♦U.S. Congress: Pat Roberts held the 1st included Jack District; Jan Meyers held the 3rd district, and Brier, Larry Jones, Bob Whittaker won the 5th district. and Gene Incumbent Democrat Jim Slattery won the Bicknell. Jack 2nd District, defeating Phil Meinhardt. Walker was Incumbent Democrat Dan Glickman won the elected Lt 4th District, defeating Lee Thompson. Governor. Bob Stephan was re- ♦Kansas Senate: The Republicans won 22 seats, for a net loss of 2 seats. The Senate elected as Gov Mike Hayden Attorney General. elected Bud Burke as Senate President; Eric was elected Secretary of State. Yost as Senate Vice-President; Fred Kerr as

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Majority Leader; and Ben Vidricksen as "equal and uniform" rate". The result was Assistant majority Leader. substantially higher commercial property rates. Governor Hayden, therefore, suffered a ♦Kansas House: The Republicans won 68 similar fate as Governor Avery did in 1966 – seats, for a net loss of 6 seats. The House being held accountable for the tax elected James Braden as Speaker; Dale implications of decisions made by the Sprauge as Speaker Pro Tem; Bob Miller as previous administration. was Majority Leader, and Max Moomaw as re-elected as Attorney General. Bill Graves Assistant Majority Leader. was re-elected as the Secretary of State. ♦State Party: In January 1989, the State Ronald Todd was elected Insurance Committee elected Rochelle Chronister as Commissioner. Democrat Sally Thompson Chair. The Executive Director was Catherine won the State Treasurer race. Whitaker. ♦ Kansas House: For only the third time in 1990 Elections Kansas history, the Republicans lost their majority in the Kansas House. They held 62 ♦ U.S. Senate: Nancy Kassebaum easily won seats, a net loss of 7 seats, giving the re-election to the U.S. Senate. Democrats a majority by one vote. The Republican Caucus elected Bob Miller as ♦ U.S. Congress: Pat Roberts held the 1st Minority Leader, and Wanda Fuller as District; Jan Meyers held the 3rd district, and Assistant Majority Leader. won the 5th district. Incumbent Democrat Jim Slattery won the 2nd District ♦State Party: In January 1991, the State defeating Scott Morgan. Incumbent Committee elected Kim Wells as Chair; Janet Democrat Dan Glickman won the 4th Boisseau as Vice-Chair; Sara Ullman as Congressional District, defeating Roger Secretary, and Duane Nightingale as Grund. Treasurer. The Executive Director was Steve Brown. ♦ Kansas Statewides: Democrat Joan Finney won the Governor's office, defeating 1992 Changes to party organization incumbent Republican governor Mike Hayden, who had defeated Nestor Weigand In 1992, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in the primary. Governor Hayden was a statutory scheme, similar to handicapped by substantial changes to the Kansas', which regulated party structure and property tax system resulting from operations. After 1992, state parties were free Constitutional changes made before his term to organize and operate free of government began, including the first property value regulation, other than a bare minimum assessment in 20 years and the regarding election of precinct committeemen implementation of classification, i.e., and women and filling vacancies in elected assigning different tax rates based on the office. "class" of property as opposed to the traditional system of taxing all property at an

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The major changes enacted by the party since requests of Bob Dole and Governor Bill 1992 were to increase the state committee to Graves, ran for and won the US Senate seat 37 delegates from each Congressional district vacated by Dole, defeating Shelia Frahm, the and specifying that the platform committee choice of Dole and Graves. Conservatives would be composed of two to four , and Jim individuals from each district selected by the Ryun were elected, and was re- state committee chair. elected, to Congress. In 1998, the conservative tide ebbed and the moderate faction regained control of the State

THE SECOND CONSERVATIVE INSURGENCY Committee. (1992–1998) 1992 Elections

The new conservative wave was a result of ♦ President: Republican George H. W. Bush two distinct political agendas that merged won Kansas, but lost the national election to into one force. The first force was fiscal . Kansas held its second and last conservatism, which opposed what was seen a presidential preference primary won by as a state government grown too large, that George H.W. Bush with taxed, spent, and borrowed too much. It first second. The national convention was held in appeared in 1987 in the form of the Houston, . The Presidential Electors "Republican Reform Caucus" a group of 12 were: Shari Caywood, James Bolden, Bruce legislators pushing for fiscal restraint. Mayfield, Carlos Mayans, Charles Rayl, and The second force, was the pro-life Adolph Howard. movement. In 1991, the pro-life movement ♦ U.S. Senate: Bob Dole easily won re- showed its political power in Kansas during election to the US Senate with 62% of the the "Summer of Mercy" when daily vote. blockades of abortion clinics and a large rally took place in Wichita. In 1992, the ♦ U.S. Congress: Pat Roberts and Jan Meyers conservative movement began a systematic held the 1st and 3rd Congressional seats. effort to take over the party, recruiting Democratic incumbent Jim Slattery won the precinct leaders with a goal of gaining control 2nd District, defeating Jim Van Slyke. of the State Committee. Democratic incumbent Dan Glickman won the 4th Congressional district, defeating Eric In 1994, the conservative movement Yost. Kansas lost its fifth Congressional achieved several successes. It elected David district to reapportionment. Miller as State Party Chair and conservatives Todd Tiahrt and to ♦ Kansas Senate: Running in newly Congress. Conservative redistricted districts, the Republicans held 27 became Speaker of the House. seats, a gain of 5. The Senate elected Paul "Bud" Burke as Senate President; Jerry In 1996, David Miller was re-elected as State Moran as Senate Vice President; Sheila party chair. Sam Brownback, ignoring the

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Frahm as Majority Leader, and Ben ♦ Kansas Statewides: Bill Graves won the Vidrickisen as Assistant Majority Leader. governor's office defeating Jim ♦ Kansas House: Running in newly Slattery. Sheila redistricted districts, the Republicans Frahm won Lt regained the majority, with 66 seats, a net Governor. After gain of 4 seats. The House elected Bob Miller she resigned in as Speaker; Tim Shallenburger as Speaker 1996 to run for Pro Tem; Vince Snowbarger as Majority the US Senate, Leader; and Robin Jennison as Assistant she was replaced Gov Bill Graves Majority Leader. by Gary Sherrer. ♦State Party: In January 1993, the State won the Attorney General's Committee re-elected Kim Wells as Chair; office. Ron Thornburgh won the Secretary of Janet Boisseau as Vice-Chair; Sara Ullman as State's office. The Republicans lost the Secretary, and Duane Nightingale as Treasurer race to Sally Thompson and the Treasurer. Mike Harris was elected National Insurance Commissioner race to Kathleen Committeeman and Mary Alice Lair was re- Sebelius. When Sally Thompson resigned as elected National Committeewoman. The State Treasurer in 1998, Clyde Graber (R) Executive Director was Steve Brown. was appointed State Treasurer.

1994 Elections ♦ Kansas Senate: There were no senate elections, but when resigned to ♦ U.S. Senate: There was no U.S. Senate race. become Lt Governor, Jerry Moran became Majority Leader and Alicia Salisbury became ♦ U.S. Congress: All four Congressional Senate Vice President. seats were won by Republicans, a net gain of two seats. Pat Roberts was re-elected in the ♦ Kansas House: The Republicans held 81 First District and Jan Meyers was re-elected seats, a net gain of 15 seats. The House in the Third District. The Second District was elected Tim Shallenburger as Speaker; Susan won by Sam Brownback, defeating former Wagle as Speaker Pro Tem; Robin Jennison Democratic Governor John W. Carlin, after as Majority Leader, and Doug Mays as the incumbent Democratic Congressman, Jim Assistant Majority Leader. This constituted a Slattery, ran unsuccessfully for Governor. conservative leadership slate. Todd Tiahrt won the Fourth District defeating 9-term incumbent Democrat Dan ♦State Party: In January 1995, the State Glickman. Committee elected David Miller as Chair; Barbara Lissendem as Vice-Chair; Mary Jane Bradley as Secretary; and Paul Rosell as Treasurer. This state party election was a victory of the 'pro-life,' conservative faction. The Executive Director was Kris Van Meteren then Karen Casto.

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1996 Elections Leader, and Ben Vidricksen as Assistant Majority Leader. ♦ President: Republican Presidential candidate Bob Dole easily won Kansas, but ♦ Kansas House: The Republicans held 77 lost the national election to Bill Clinton. seats, a net loss of 4 seats. The House elected There was no presidential caucus or primary, Tim Shallenburger as Speaker; all delegates were directed by the state as Speaker Pro Tem; Robin Jennison as committee to vote for Bob Dole. The national Majority Leader; and Doug Mays as Republican convention was held in San Assistant Majority Leader. Diego, California. The Presidential Electors were: Timothy Golba, Michael Harris, Betty ♦State Party: In January 1997, the State Hanicke, Marynell Reece, Marjorie Robards, Committee re-elected David Miller as Chair; and John Watkins. Kate Carty as Vice-Chair; Mary Jane Bradley as Secretary; and Bill Adams as Treasurer. ♦ U.S. Senate: When Bob Dole resigned his Dwight Sutherland was elected National Senate seat in June 1996 to run for President Committeeman and Mary Alice Lair was re- and Nancy Kassebaum decided not to run for elected as National Committeewoman. David re-election as a U.S. Senator, there were open Miller resigned in 1998 to run against Gov elections for both Kansas US Senate seats. Graves in the primary and was replaced by Pat Roberts easily won the seat previously . The Executive Director was held by Kassenbaum, defeating Democrat John Potter. Sally Thompson, the State Treasurer. Sam Brownback first won a primary against

Sheila Frahm, who had been appointed to the MODERATE FACTION REGAINS CONTROL seat by Governor Bill Graves. Then, in a (1998–2006) special election, Sam Brownback defeated Jill Docking to win the seat previously held 1998 Elections by Senator Bob Dole. ♦ U.S. Senate: Sam Brownback won re- ♦ U.S. Congress: Republicans continued to election to his US Senate seat in the regular hold all four Congressional seats: Jerry election. Moran won the 1st district after Pat Roberts ♦ U.S. Congress: Jerry Moran in the 1st vacated the seat to run for the U.S. Senate, District, in the 2nd District, and Jim Ryun won the 2nd district, Vince Todd Tiahrt in the 4th District won re- Snowbarger won the 3rd district after Jan election. The Republicans lost the 3rd Meyers decided not to run for re-election, and Congressional district when incumbent Todd Tiahrt was re-elected in the 4th District. Vince Snowbarger lost to Democrat Dennis ♦ Kansas Senate: The Republicans held even Moore. with 27 seats. The Senate elected Dick Bond ♦ Kansas Statewides: Bill Graves, after as Senate President; Tim Emert as Senate defeating David Miller in the primary, won Vice-President; Alicia Salisbury as Majority

Page 32 of 41 re-election as governor in a landslide. Gary ♦ U.S. Senate: There was no United States Sherrer won Lt Governor. Carla Stovall won Senate race. re-election as Attorney General. Ron Thornburgh won re-election as Secretary of ♦ U.S. Congress: The Republicans held three State. Tim Schallenberger won the election Congressional seats with Jerry Moran in the for State Treasurer. Democrat Kathleen 1st, Jim Ryun in the 2nd, and Todd Tiahrt in Sebelius won the election for Insurance the 4th winning re-election. Phill Kline lost Commissioner. to incumbent Democrat Dennis Moore in the 3rd District, after beating Greg Musil in the ♦ Kansas House: The Republicans held 77 primary. seats, a net loss of 4 seats. The House elected Robin Jennison as Speaker; Doug Mays as ♦ Kansas Senate: The Republicans held 30 Speaker Pro Tem; Kent Glasscock as seats, a net gain of 3 seats, of whom 15 were Majority Leader; and Shari Weber as freshman. The Senate elected David Kerr as Assistant Majority Leader. Senate President; Sandy Praeger as Senate Vice President; Lana Oleen as Majority ♦State Party: In January 1999, the State Leader; and Les Donovan as Assistant Committee elected as Chair; Majority Leader. Margie Canfield as Vice-Chair; Wanda Morrison as Secretary; and Steve Martens as ♦ Kansas House: The Republicans won 79 Treasurer. This election was a victory of the seats, a net gain of 2 seats. The House elected moderate faction. Starting in 1997 the Kent Glasscock as Speaker; Clay Aurand as moderate faction financed by the Graves Speaker Pro Tem; Sheri Webber as Majority family and led by Steve Cloud, among others, Leader; and John Ballou as Assistant had recruited hundreds of precinct leaders Majority Leader. and elected a sufficient number in August ♦State Party: In January 2001, the State 1998 to gain control of the party's state Committee re-elected Mark Parkinson as committee. The Executive Director was Kari Chair; Margie Canfield as Vice-Chair; Austen. Wanda Morrison as Secretary; and Brad 2000 Elections Stout as Treasurer. Calvin James and June Cooper were elected National ♦ President: Republican Presidential Committeeman and woman. The Executive candidate George W. Bush easily swept Director was Kari Austen. Kansas. There was no presidential caucus or primary, all delegates attended the 2002 Elections convention uncommitted. The national ♦ U.S. Senate: Pat Roberts won re-election to Republican convention was held in the US Senate without opposition. Philadelphia, . The Presidential Electors were: Shari Caywood, Richard ♦ U.S. Congress: The Republicans held three Eckert, Mark Heitz, Gene Eastin, Susan Congressional seats with Jerry Moran in the Estes, and Charles Hostetler. 1st, Jim Ryun in the 2nd, and Todd Tiahrt in

Page 33 of 41 the 4th winning re-election. Adam Taff lost McCain-Feingold campaign finance to incumbent Democrat Dennis Moore in the reforms 3rd District. In the 1980s and 1990s the state party often ♦ Kansas Statewides: Republican Tim had a paid staff of six to ten, each with Shallenberger and David Lindstrom lost the specific responsibilities. The Campaign race for Governor against . Finance changes severely limited the amount Phill Kline won the Attorney General's office of funds ultimately available to the state party defeating . Ron Thornburgh won and marked a major change in resources re-election as Secretary of State. Sandy available to the party to use to support Praeger won election as the Insurance candidates. Commissioner. won election as State Treasurer. 2004 Elections

♦ Kansas Senate: There were no senate ♦ President: Republican Presidential elections, but John Vratil became Senate candidate George W. Bush carried Kansas by Vice President after Sandy Praeger resigned a wide margin. There was no presidential to become Insurance Commissioner. caucus or primary, all delegates were to vote for George Bush. The national Republican ♦ Kansas House: House candidates ran in convention was held in , New new districts after redistricting. The York. The Presidential electors were: Ruth Republicans held 80 seats, a gain of one. The Garvey Fink, Bernard "Bud" Hentzen, House elected Doug Mays as Speaker; John Dennis Jones, Wanda Konold Jack Ranson, Ballou as Speaker Pro Tem; Clay Aurand as and Patricia P. Smith. Majority Leader; and Ray Merrick as Assistant Majority Leader. ♦ U.S. Senate: Sam Brownback easily won re-election as US Senator. ♦State Party: In January 2003, the State Committee elected Dennis Jones Chair; Pat ♦ U.S. Congress: The Republicans held three Ranson Vice-Chair; Pat Smith as Secretary; Congressional seats with Jerry Moran in the and Morey Sullivan as Treasurer. This was 1st, Jim Ryun in the 2nd, and Todd Tiahrt in the third election where the moderate faction the 4th all winning re-election. controlled the party. The Executive Director lost to incumbent Democrat Dennis Moore in was Scott Poor. In 2002, the Chair tried to the 3rd District after defeating Adam Taff in make the party's primary an "open" primary, the primary. allowing unaffiliated voters to vote in the ♦ Kansas Senate: Senate candidates ran in Republican primary. After a lawsuit brought new districts established by the 2002 by Susan Estes and others, the Court ruled redistricting. The Republicans held steady that unless the state committee amended its with 30 seats. Steve Morris was elected Constitution, the primary would remain Senate President; John Vratil as Senate Vice closed. President; as Majority leader;

Page 34 of 41 and as Assistant Majority Kansas, but came up short, losing the Second Leader. Congressional District to Lynn Jenkins and showing no consequential gains in state ♦ Kansas House: The Republicans held 83 legislative races. Republican success in 2008 seats, a net gain of 3 seats. Doug Mays was was due to an energetic slate of candidates re-elected as Speaker; Ray Merrick as and to the state-wide campaign organization Speaker Pro Tem; Clay Aurand as Majority of US Senator Pat Roberts. The Roberts Leader; and Joe McLeland as Assistant organization, under campaign manager Majority Leader. David Kensinger, invested in and developed ♦State Party: In January 2005, the State a statewide structure to conduct an effective Committee elected Tim Shallenburger as grassroots campaign, registering and Chair; Susan Estes as Vice-Chair; Beverly identifying Republican voters and then Caley as Secretary; and Emmitt Mitchell as effectively getting them out the vote. Treasurer. Steve Cloud and Alicia Salisbury 2006 Elections were elected National Committeeman and woman. The Executive Director was Dereck ♦ U.S. Senate: There was no United States Sontag in 2005 and Ron Freeman in 2006. Senate election.

♦ U.S. Congress: The Republicans lost one US Congressional seat. Jerry Moran in the 1st REPUBLICAN LOW POINT AND RECOVERY District and Todd Tiahrt in the 4th District (2006–2008) held their seats. Incumbent Jim Ryun in the The Republicans hit a low point in the 2006 2nd District lost to Democrat . election when Kathleen Sebelius won re- Chuck Ahner lost to incumbent Democrat election as Governor, Phill Kline lost his re- Dennis Moore in the 3rd District. election bid as Attorney General, and Jim ♦ Kansas Statewides: After a seven-way Ryan lost his re-election bid for the Second primary, Jim Barnett and Susan Wagle lost Congressional District. Moreover, Mark the gubernatorial election to incumbent Parkinson, former state party chair, became a Democrat Kathleen Sebelius. Phill Kline lost Democrat and ran as Sebelius' Lt Governor. his re-election bid for Attorney General to This left the Republicans holding only three Democrat Paul Morrison, who later resigned of the six statewide offices and only two of in a scandal and was replaced by Steve Six. four Congressional seats. Intra-party Ron Thornburgh won re-election as Secretary factional feuding between moderates and of State and after he resigned in 2010 was conservatives reached new intensity with replaced by Democrat Chris Biggs. Sandy some moderate leaders openly endorsing Praeger won re-election as the Insurance Democrat candidates. Commissioner. Lynn Jenkins won re-election In 2008, however, the Republicans regained as Treasurer. She resigned as State Treasurer the initiative. The Kansas Democrats, in the after winning the 2nd Congressional District year of Obama, poured money and effort into

Page 35 of 41 in 2008 and was replaced by Democrat the only Republican to defeat an incumbnet Dennis McKinney. democrat in 2008. Nick lost to incumbent Democrat Dennis Moore in the ♦ Kansas House: After the election and some 3rd District. defections to the Democrats, the Republicans held 78 House seats, a net loss of 5 seats. The ♦ Kansas Senate: The Republicans gained a House elected Melvin Neufeld as Speaker; seat in the Kansas Senate winning 31 seats. Don Dahl as Speaker Pro Tem; Ray Merrick The Senate re-elected Steve Morris as Senate as Majority Leader, and Jene Vickrey as President; John Vratil as Senate Vice Assistant Majority Leader. President; Derek Schmidt as Majority Leader, and as Assistant ♦State Party: In January 2007, the State Majority Leader. Committee elected Kris Kobach as Chair; Sharon Meissner as Vice-Chair; Beverly ♦ Kansas House: The Republicans held their Caley as Secretary; and David Thorne as ground but lost a seat to a subsequent Treasurer. The conservative faction defection, leaving them with 77 seats. The continued to control the party. The Executive House elected, in a surprise upset, Michael Director for 2007–2008 was Christian O'Neal as Speaker over the previous Speaker Morgan. Melvin Neufeld; as Speaker Pro Tem; Ray Merrick as Majority Leader; 2008 Elections and Peggy Mast as Assistant Majority ♦ President: In the year Democrat Barack Leader. Obama was elected president, Republican ♦State Party: In January 2009, the State candidate John McCain carried Kansas by a Committee elected Amanda Adkins as Chair; wide margin. In the Kansas Presidential as Vice-Chair; Caucus, Mike prevailed. The as Secretary; and as national Republican convention was in St Treasurer. Helen van Etten and Paul, . The Presidential electors were elected National Committeeman and were: , David Kensinger, Mike woman. The Executive Director was CiCi Pompeo, , Kris Kobach, and Rojas in 2009 and Ashley McMillan in 2010. Helen Van Etten.

♦ U.S. Senate: Pat Roberts won re-election to the Senate by a large margin defeating former "THE CLEAN SWEEP": Democratic Congressman Jim Slattery. CONSERVATIVE FACTION TAKES CONTROL (2010–2016) ♦ U.S. Congress: Jerry Moran, in the 1st District, and Todd Tiahrt, in the 4th District, The 2010, 2012, and 2014 elections were won re-election to Congress. In a close race, watershed elections for the political history Lynn Jenkins defeated incumbent Democrat of Kansas. The Conservative faction swept to Nancy Boyda to win the 2nd District, after and then held power in all federal, statewide defeating Jim Ryun in the primary. She was

Page 36 of 41 and legislative elections. They proceeded to ♦ U.S. Senate: implement an aggressive reform agenda. Jerry Moran became the 2010 Elections - Watershed new U.S. The 2010 election was a decisive victory for Senator, the Republican Party in the year of the "Tea replacing Sam Party", a grass roots, fiscally conservative Brownback, after a tough movement that formed in early 2009. Led by Sen Jerry Moran the Brownback Campaign under campaign primary manager David Kensinger, the Republicans victory over Todd Tiahrt. developed and ♦ U.S. Congress: Republicans won all four implemented the Congressional districts for the first time since "Clean Sweep" the 1996 election with program focusing winning the first, after a seven-way primary; on early, detailed incumbent Lynn Jenkins winning re-election voter identification in the second; winning the third, and a systematic after a 13- data driven get-out- way the-vote effort. The primary; Republicans won David Kensinger and Mike all six statewide Pompeo offices for the first winning in time since the 1966 election, all four the fourth, Congressional seats for the first time since after a the 1996 election, and gained 16 seats in the four-way House, for 92 total seats, a number last primary. equaled in the 1954 election. ♦ Kansas Statewides: The party swept all six As a result, the conservative faction firmly statewide elections for the first time since the held the executive branch and the House. In 1964 election. Sam Brownback became the Senate, the moderate and conservative Governor, Jeff Colyer Lieutenant Governor, Republican factions were of roughly equal Kris Kobach Secretary of State, Derek number, allowing the Democrats, who usually aligned with the moderate faction, to control the outcome on divisive issues.

Schmidt Attorney General, Sandy Praeger

Page 37 of 41 was re-elected as Insurance Commissioner, election, endorsed Democrats. A completely and Ron Estes State Treasurer. new leadership took over the Kansas Senate.

♦ Kansas Senate: There were two special 2012 began with a state party Convention. senate elections both won by Republicans, Speakers included Governor of and was elected Majority Leader Texas, Governor of Louisiana, after Derek Schmidt resigned to become state Governor Bob McDonnell of , and attorney general. publisher Steve . On March 10, the state party held its presidential preference ♦ Kansas House: Republicans picked up 16 caucus at 96 locations in 90 different seats in the Kansas House of Representatives, counties. Over 32,000 people showed up to resulting in 92 Republican representatives, vote. won 33 delegates and the highest number since 1953–54. Of the 92, won 7 delegates. 33 were freshman of whom 9 were elected by precinct leaders to fill post-election The 2012 general election was the first time vacancies. The House re-elected Michael in Kansas history when three factors aligned O'Neal as Speaker; Jene Vickrey as Speaker on the same election (1) there was no US Pro Tem; Arlen Siegfreid as Majority Leader; Senator on the ballot, (2) there were no and Peggy Mast as Assistant Majority statewide offices on the ballot, and (3) both Leader. state Senate and House candidates ran in newly redistricted districts. ♦State Party: In January 2011, the State Committee re-elected Amanda Adkins as ♦ Primary Election: The primary, held on Party Chair and elected Kelly Arnold as Vice August 7, 2012, was a decisive battle Chair, Michelle Martin as Secretary and T.C. between the moderate faction, particularly Anderson as Treasurer. In a special election, those in the State Senate aligned with the Todd Tiahrt was elected National Senate leadership, and the conservative Committeeman, after Mike Pompeo resigned faction, primarily challengers to Senate after winning a seat in Congress. The incumbents aligned with Governor Executive Director in 2011-2012 was Clay Brownback. Of the 32 Republican senate Barker. seats, 29 had primaries.

2012 Elections The primary election had several unique features. First, there was no US Senate or The 2012 election did not change the overall statewide office race on the ballot, and, as it number of Republicans in the legislature, but turned out, no Republican congressional it radically changed the composition of the primaries. This lack of marquee races Senate. After bitter primaries, the resulted in an emphasis on legislative races. conservative Republican candidates Second, when the legislature was unable to prevailed in most races and then went on to pass redistricting maps, the matter ended up win in the general election. Some moderate before the federal court. senate incumbents, who lost in the primary

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A 3-judge panel issued new district lines for elected Chair of the National Republican the congressional, state senate, state house, Senatorial Committee. and state school board districts. The court was required to make the state legislative ♦ U.S. Congress: For the first time in over 40 districts with a 1% population deviation from years, the Kansas Democrats failed to mount the perfect district and did not include a serious challenge to any of the Republican incumbent locations as a criteria in its candidates. As a result, Tim Huelskamp won determination. The result were radically new the 1st District with no opposition, Lynn maps, issued Friday, June 8, 2012. Jenkins won the 2nd District will minimal opposition, Kevin Yoder won the 3rd District Candidates had to file by Monday, June 11 at with only a Libertarian as an opponent, and noon. Consequentially, over that weekend Mike Pompeo won the 4th District. Lynn there was a rush to recruit candidates to fill Jenkins was elected Vice Chair of the districts without an incumbent. Republican House Conference.

Last, this election brought independent ♦ State Senate: The Republicans won a record expenditures by non-party political groups to 32 seats. Of the 11 open seats, Republicans levels not before seen in Kansas. When the won 10. The Republican Caucus elected last county reported its results early on Susan Wagle as Senate President, Wednesday, August 8, the conservative as Senate Vice President, as candidates had won a substantial majority of Majority Leader, Julia Lynn as Assistant the Republican senate primary races. Majority leader, and as Whip. This was a complete break with past The general consensus is that the moderate leadership, none of the leaders for the 2013 candidates and PACs outspent their Session had previously been in Senate conservative counterparts, but the leadership. conservatives had a superior ground operation, with better data indicating which ♦ State House: In an unprecedented republican voters they had to turn out to vote. accomplishment, after gaining 16 seats in 2010 for a total of 92, the Republicans won ♦ President: The National Convention was 92 seats again in 2012, defying the general held in Tampa, Florida. Mitt Romney easily rule that after large gains, losing some seats won Kansas with 62% of the statewide vote. was normal (the “dead cat bounce” effect). Of Obama only managed 37%. The Kansas the 35 open seats, Republicans won 26. members of the Electoral College were Republicans won 34 seats with no Amanda Adkins, Todd Tiahrt, Helen Van Democratic challenger. The House Ettan, Randy Duncan, Kelly Arnold, and Lt Republican Caucus elected Ray Merrick as Governor Jeff Colyer. Speaker, Peggy Mast as Speaker Pro Tem, ♦ U.S. Senate: There were no U.S. Senate Jene Vickrey as Majority Leader, David races. After the election, Jerry Moran was Crum as Assistant Majority Leader, and Brian Weber as Whip.

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♦ State School Board: Republicans won four Tim Huelskamp prevailed over Alan of the five races. LaPolice. There were 30 primaries for Kansas House seats, of which 15 were ♦ State Party: In February 2012, the State strongly contested. After substantial funds Committee meeting in Johnson County, re- were expended in these races there was little elected Todd Tiahrt as national or no net change in the ideological - committeeman and Helen van Etten as conservative / moderate - make-up of the national committeewoman. In January 2013 Republican slate of general election at the State Convention in Hutchinson, Kelly candidates. Arnold was elected Chair, Michelle Martin Vice-Chair, Derek Kreifels Secretary, and ♦ U.S. Senate: Senator Pat Roberts was T.C. Anderson re-elected treasurer. initially challenged by Democrat and Independent . In a bizarre twist, Chad Taylor dropped out after 2014 Election winning the The 2014 election saw a concentrated, but Democrat ultimately unsuccessful, effort by Democrats primary, to win the Governor's race. Many leaders of leaving the the older moderate faction, including those field to who lost positions in 2010 and 2012, formed Orman. Senator Pat Roberts groups to support liberals like democratic After governor candidate Paul Davis or Orman gained an early lead in the polls, the independent U.S. Senate candidate Greg Roberts team launched an effective Orman. These groups were unsuccessful in persuasion and voter turnout effort that saw bringing the Kansas electorate along with numerous national republican leaders coming them and only succeeded in further to Kansas. Roberts won the election with diminishing their influence in state politics. 53% to Orman's 43%. Bob Dole, aged 91, visited all 105 Kansas Counties in a thank you tour and campaigned ♦ U.S. Congress: The four Republican constantly for Governor Brownback and incumbents swept to victory with double Senator Roberts. digit wins over their weak democratic opponents. Tim Huelskamp won the 1st ♦ Primary Election: The primary, held on District, Lynn Jenkins won the 2nd District, August 5, 2014, featured several major Kevin Yoder won the 3rd District, and Mike contests. U.S. Senator Pat Roberts faced a Pompeo won the 4th District. strong challenge from Dr. Milton Wolf, and two other candidates. Roberts prevailed with ♦ Kansas Statewides: After a very tough and 48% of the vote. Congressman Mike Pompeo contentious race, Sam Brownback was re- was unsuccessfully challenged by National elected as Governor with Jeff Colyer as his Lt Committeeman Todd Tiahrt. Congressman Governor with 50% of the vote to 46% for Democrat Paul Davis. The other four

Page 40 of 41 statewide races were less contested with Kris Kobach re-elected as Secretary of State, Derek Schmidt re-elected as Attorney General, Ron Estes re-elected as State Treasurer, and Ken Selzer elected as the new Insurance Commissioner.

♦ State House: Republicans took five democrat-held seats for a total of 97 of 125. No Republican incumbents lost and no open seats previously held by a Republican were won by Democrats.

♦ State School Board: Republicans won four of the five races.

♦ State Party: In January 2015, the state party committee re-elected Kelly Arnold as chairman, Ashley McMillan as Vice Chair, Derek Kreifels as Secretary, and TC Anderson as Treasurer. Clay Barker stayed on as Executive Director.

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