My republican state rep just rang my doorbell

[proud2BlibKansan]

She's a moderate republican. In Kansas, that means she'd be a Democrat if she lived in a bluer state.

We had an interesting conversation. I told her I almost felt sorry for today's republicans. She shook her head, said this has been a hard campaign. I asked her what she thought of Romney and she laughed.

We agree on every issue. She's pro-choice, wants schools funded and hates Brownback's tax plan.

I told her I was voting for the Democrat because I just can't support republicans. They've gone off the edge into crazy land. She laughed. I also told her I wish that the moderate republicans would just switch over to the Democratic party. Let the GOP destroy itself. She said I wasn't the first person to suggest that.

FYI, I live in a very red state but my little pocket voted for Obama and Kerry. And our prior state rep was a Democrat. Redistricting brought us into a new district. There are a few sane republicans left in the state legislature. I'm lucky to have one of them representing me. If she had been a tea partier, I doubt we would have had a reasonable conversation. LOL

[hfojvt]

1. "she hates Brownback's tax plan"

but did she vote against it? If so, why didn't she get primaried? If not, then the hate was not stronger than the fear.

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. She didn't vote on that bill

She was absent.

Which is probably as good as voting yes.

[hfojvt]

5. it sure is not taking a strong stand

Maybe she had a good excuse for being absent, otherwise I don't have much respect for people who don't fight for the things they say they believe in.

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. I have no idea why she wasn't there to vote.

So I'm not going to criticize her for that.

[stevenleser]

10. I always have respect for moderates who win seats that otherwise would go teapublican.

I'd much rather have a vote 50% of the time than 0% of the time.

[proud2BlibKansan]

18. Exactly.

[hfojvt]

35. maybe if they stood up and fought

they could defeat the teapublicans. By not fighting, they just give the teapublicans more legitimacy.

[Indpndnt]

2. Why is she in the repub party if she really doesn't agree with those issues?

You did a great job discussing reality with her.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. It's Kansas

We have quite a few republicans who are actually Democrats. My congress rep was a Democrat. He was president of the Young Dems in college. Then he became a republican when he decided to run for office. There's a perception that you have to be a republican to win elections in Kansas.

[hfojvt]

12. I don't think that is true

As an outsider, I see that Kansas has many Democrats who are actually, or for all practical purposes, Republicans. Moderate Republicans, to be sure, but certainly not liberal Democrats.

Which is kinda ironic coming from a conservadem like myself.

[Indpndnt]

13. Was your blue pocket redistricted to overwhelm those votes?

Because that's definitely what's happened here in Texas. If so, then, yes, I understand what you mean.

[proud2BlibKansan]

14. They tried.

But I was moved from a district with a Democrat state rep to a district with a moderate republican state rep. So I'm good.

[xmas74]

8. In Kansas you'd better run as a Repub

or you have no chance to actually win your seat.

[proud2BlibKansan]

15. My previous state rep was a Democrat

He won his seat.

[xmas74]

20. But you're in the most liberal part of the state, outside of Lawrence,

right?

Kansas is just like much of Missouri. The rural areas tend to go Repub and far too much of both states are rural.

[proud2BlibKansan]

25. I'm in Johnson County

Last edited Sun Sep 23, 2012, 09:22 PM - Edit history (1)

It's pretty red but there are a few blue pockets. I'm lucky to live in one of them.

[xmas74]

38. I thought it was red but had a few purplish areas.

At least we have KC, St Louis and Columbia.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

31. "Why is she in the repub party if she really doesn't agree with those issues?"

Mainly because the Democrats have conceded that the Republicans OWN Kansas.

Every time someone mentions a 50 state strategy the Democrats act like it's trespassing on the rival gang members turf.

[ananda]

7. Redistricting is a huge bitch!

nt

[DemKittyNC]

9. So I wonder

what is keeping her from voting Dem then? It seems she has more in common with Democrats than the Repugs. At least I hope she is one of them who fakes it and says she is republican but than secretly votes Democrat.

As a woman I can not fathom how any woman could vote republican. I have tried to see the argument from both sides but they do not have anything sane to argue with or stand on. They would be better off given a gun - aim at foot - and shoot than voting Repug!

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. Because it's Kansas

[DemKittyNC]

22. O K

Never been to Kansas but I guess that is bad then?

[proud2BlibKansan]

26. Kansas hasn't voted for the Democratic presidential nominee since 1964

And we've had republican senators since 1930 something.

It's very very red.

[truebluegreen]

39. Sure sounded like a lot of nervous laughter...

[xmas74]

11. My state rep is a total ass.

I like the Dem running over here for the seat-really nice guy and small business owner involved in the arts scene. And we actually have an Independent running this time for the seat! He's a friend and is very, very progressive. (He knows he'll never win but has had fun debating with the 'pubs in this area!)

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. I love the Dem running in my district

She's young, very progressive and full of enthusiasm. I'm lucky she wants to represent me.

[xmas74]

21. I hope she wins.

We need more Dems on both side of the state line.

[Victor_c3]

19. I feel bad for my local representatives too.

My local NY state assemblyman was one of the few republicans who voted to allow gay marriage in my state. I love the guy and really respect his decision. I believe that when you can take a step back and stand up for what is right regarldess f what your party is telling you to do that this takes a little bit of balls (for a lack of a better term). However, just becuase this guy voted democratic this one time, I don't want to wait another 20 years for him to do it again. As much as I like my local rep, I'm going to vote democrat for that reason

This guy is having a hard time right now. He was shunned by the republican party and isn't being supported by them for this election. His name is Steve Saland, if anyone is interested.

[jwirr]

23. I understand that perfectly having grown up in Iowa.

[bvar22]

24. Many moderate Republicans are very confortable with today's Centrist Democratic Party.

Sad really.
I miss the old Working Class Democratic Party.

[SheilaT]

27. Which district are you in?

Not the 16th, I'm thinking.

[proud2BlibKansan]

34. 21st

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

28. What happened to all those Republicans in Kansas who became Democrats? Did they become Republican

again?

[L0oniX]

30. Damn those ruby slippers anyway.

[L0oniX]

29. I have a restraining order against all republicans.

[judesedit]

32. Aren't we supposed to vote for the PERSON who would best make decisions for us and our country?

Not party. The GOP has already proven itself unworthy and incapable of running this country....unless, of course, we're talking about running it into the ground. And the people it presents as the best they have to offer are anything but presidential material. Stop stumping for these bimbos, lady rep. You sound like a reasonable woman. It's a bad reflection on you.

[WinkyDink]

37. Sorry; let's get real. If the person subscribed to Democratic ideals, he or she would BE a Democrat.

[geckosfeet]

33. Any republican running for office should say whether they support the r0mnbot or president Obama.

They lose either way.

[WinkyDink]

36. Let me know when she changes her Party affiliation.