The problem is not Kobach, the problem is Kansas. Kansas and the Republican Party were born together and both existed because of the other. The original Kansas Republicans came from New England, most of them from Massachusetts. Since the beginning, Kansas Republicans were a different breed, they came to the prairie to set it on fire with the fervor of the abolition movement. Those who came to Kansas to farm were just looking for rich soil and a plow that could turn the sod. Plantation agriculture was never going to work in Kansas, so the New England abolitionists and the arriving farmers were natural partners. They kicked out the bushwackers and became the Free State and a solid Republican State.
When the Republican Party became conservative, most of the original abolitionist families left and became Democrats, but quite a few remained Republicans and are a force to be reckoned with. They hate Trump and they hate Kobach. Many voted for the Democrats in 2016 and more of them may well vote for the Democrats in 2020, especially if Kobach wins the Republican primary for the Senate seat.
The Democrats will only win Wyandotte, Douglas, Sedwick, and perhaps Johnson County. But that may be enough to win the state.
I touched on some of that earlier. I’m curious, however, on your statement here: “When the Republican Party became conservative, most of the original abolitionist families left and became Democrats.” What time frame are you referring to here ? Terms of “Liberal” and “Conservative” by 19th century standards are not how they are today.
No, the problem in this case is Kobach.