I thought I'd just add a comment on the hilarious news out of the Kansas Republic Politburo, err, Party. A lot of people that would otherwise probably be Democrats have signed on with the Republicans because for a long time the Republicans have been the only show in town; when you're almost sure that the Republicans are going to be the ones dispensing jobs and patronage, it makes sense to be on the winning team, whether or not your beliefs actually line up.

Kathleen Sebelius's election was facilitated by a split between moderates and hard-liners during the Republican primary. Now that Sebelius is one of the most popular governors in the country, and now that she's easily won re-election,  the Republicans aren't looking like the only show in town anymore. 

Obviously the move to shun Republicans who support Democrats is intended to keep people on the reservation, but I think it'll probably backfire and have the opposite effect. More Democrats are being elected at all level--we also kicked out Phill Kline, who used the Kansas AG's office to harass innocent women.

Not only did Nancy Boyda (whose been great so far this Congressional term, by the way) win an encouraging victory, but Todd Tiahrt, the Congressman for the Wichita area, is more vulnerable than he gets credit for.

In the last election, a no-name with no credentials and no campaign ended up with about 35% of the vote. It shouldn't be impossible to get that next 16% with a real candidate, plus an organization on the ground. Places like Wichita are where the 'Fifty State Strategy' can pay off, and of course it did pay off in Topeka/Lawrence in 2006.