Kansas Democrats to spend another $22,000 to take out Democrat incumbent Senator Gilstrap

New this year in Kansas elections are the pre-primary late contributions and independent expenditure reports. Yesterday, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee reported a $25,000 contribution from the KCMO Carpenter’s District Council, possibly to cover the expense they reported a few days earlier to spend another $22,000 for “Kultala/Gilstrap Primary Democratic Voter ID and GOTV Program.” Kansas Democrats really, really, really, don’t like incumbent Democrat Senator Mark Gilstrap and really, really, really, want to elect Kelly Kultala. Or, are the Democrats now just giving the seat to Republican Steve Fitzgerald? The recent Meadowlark article discussed how ruthless Kansas Democrats can be to other Kansas Democrats over party loyalty.

Here are the figures from the report filed with the Ethics Commission:

Last Minute Expenditure:

The Kansas press will not discuss some of the games played by Kansas Democrats (such as this scheme from 2006). That 2006 article explains that the Senate Democrats Committee is the “recognized party committee” and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, is a political action committee:

To promote more Democrats in the Kansas Senate, Kansas Democrats have BOTH a “recognized” committee and a PAC with a similar name, with the same treasurer at the same address.

The Democrat’s Senate PAC raised $25,000 and spent $22,000 to take out Senator Gilstrap. BUT, the Democrat’s Senate Democrats Committee has another $25,000 ready to go if more money is needed. In their late filing, the Senate Democrats Committee reported receiving $25,000 from the Kansas Trial Lawyer Association:

Late Minute Contribution:

This last minute report shows a $3000 contribution on the summary page, but $25,000 on the detail page. But as discussed in another article published today, there are no consequences in Kansas for making mistakes on campaign finance reports. [UPDATE 8/2: OOPS! The Senate Democrats Committee said the $25K figure was wrong and the $3K figure was right.]

Kansas Democrats are ruthless in taking out their own and may be giving the seat to the Republicans.

UPDATE (8/2)

Senator Chris Steineger, (D, KCK) challengers Senator Hensley and Gov. Sebelius on this matter in a “Stifling freedoms”  letter to the Topeka Capital-Journal:Freedom of speech and freedom of association are rights beloved by all Americans and guaranteed in our Bill of Rights.

The conservative Republican faction in Kansas demands litmus tests on its members, such as requirements to be anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage and pro-gun. It also enforces a rule that disallows anyone who supports a Democrat or any other candidate. The conservative leaders’ absolutism has led to defections from party ranks and dissatisfaction from mainstream voters.

Unfortunately, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Senate Democratic leader Anthony Hensley are resorting to similar tactics within the Kansas Democratic Party by imposing a litmus test that tramples on the right to free speech and freedom of association.

To wit: State Sen. Mark Gilstrap, a 12-year incumbent from Wyandotte County, is a conservative Catholic Democrat who is staunchly opposed to abortion and tax hikes. His voting record demonstrates his personal beliefs on these issues, and having been elected three times, he is clearly supported by the people he represents.

In 2006, Gilstrap chose to support the re-election of former Attorney General Phill Kline - a choice that didn’t set well with Sebelius or Hensley. They have adopted the tactics of conservative Republicans by going against Sen. Gilstrap and supporting his opponent in the Democratic primary.

Most Americans will tell you they “vote for the person, not the party.” Americans don’t like being coerced regarding their vote, choice of party or political candidate they support. It’s a demonstration of our independence.

The governor and Hensley’s absolutism impinges Gilstrap’s right to vote for whom he wishes, it is divisive within the Democratic Party and it tramples the American ideal of freedom of speech and association.

SEN. CHRIS STEINEGER, D-Kansas City

Tags: August 2008 Primary, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Kelly Kultala, Mark Gilstrap, State Senate, Steve Fitzgerald