[fieldmarshaldj]

"Doesn't matter when she entered. If Kobach is the one with the greater likelihood of winning, Lightner is the spoiler."

What I'm saying is, is that I don't think it matters of the two leading candidates who wins the primary (whether the RINO Taff or Conservative Kobach), because I believe there will be enough disgruntled supporters of either candidate that will simply either vote for Moore in protest or not at all. I believe Lightner can bridge the gap, and we lose nothing in the process (meaning we don't have to compromise any principles).

"We have to be realistic. The "first in line" principle has often spelled trouble for the GOP -- it was certainly Bob Dole's "turn" in 1996, but he was a lousy candidate."

Mostly because he didn't aggressively try to win. If he had shown more of his acerbic wit (a la "The Tonight Show") on the campaign trail, he might've done better. Interestingly enough, because of the high turnout to support Dole in KS, that kept Dennis Moore from winning that seat in '96 against Snowbarger. Even Dubya with Phill Kline (a Conservative) as the nominee couldn't pull him across.

"If Taff is really about as good as the others, then there's no spoiler at all, and may the best campaign win. But if there's a significant ideological difference, there is no valid excuse for two conservative candidates."

I don't think Taff is anything to crow about. He is pro-abort and having to "moderate" (in this case, move rightward) to try to win the nomination. If Taff wins, a lot of Kobach supporters won't vote for him (I wouldn't vote for a pro-abort RINO, either), and compound that with the fact that Moore will attack him for trying to have it both ways (being unprincipled), isn't going to bode well. I just think if we fail to nominate Lightner, we'll lose it one more time.

[California Patriot]

Sounds like Kansas needs another Reagan: A strong conservative, highly attractive to moderates, who can make both sides see things in a more mature manner.

Where such leaders come from, I don't know. But in principle, there's no reason why there can't be someone like that. It needs to happen statewide, though.

[JohnnyZ]

I don't think nominating Lightner is a realistic option at this time.

With over 600 people in attendance, and over half of those casting votes, Kobach bested both Adam Taff and Patricia Lightner by a total of 240 to 101 to 2 respectively.

The moderates may not be happy with Kobach, but he has a strong base of support, and can raise some money, which puts him two up on Lightner.

[GarySpFc]

"Doesn't matter when she entered. If Kobach is the one with the greater likelihood of winning, Lightner is the spoiler."

I have been a Republican committeeman in the Third District for ten years, and I don't see any way Lightner can win. I am very active in party, well known, and I haven't even met her. She is not very well known. Kobach on the other hand has the smarts, personality and charisma to pull off an upset of Moore.

My 89 year old father is a yellow dog Democrat, and we cannot discuss politics without getting into a hot argument. He has never voted for a Republican in his life, and wouldn't consider it. Was I ever shocked to stop by his house one day and see a Republican sign in the front yard. It belonged to Kris Kobach, and Dad let me know what a nice man Kris was to him.