Bloody Kansas-- The GOP Civil War Finds Fertile Ground In The Sunflower State

The tentacles of the Koch Brothers' neo-fascist octopus are everywhere in America. But the heart of their evil empire is in Topeka, Kansas. And they countenance no backtalk from politicians of any stripes. Right now they, along with the local Chamber of Commerce they own, are targeting 8 state senators in the Republican primary. The crime of these 8 was to take seriously their pledge to work for their constituents instead of to blind obeisance to the Kochtopus.

“During the difficult economic downturn, while businesses were tightening their belts to survive, some in the Kansas Senate opted for tax increases instead of responsible spending cuts,” Chamber Political Action Chairman Ivan Crossland said Tuesday.

“Bloated state budgets, increased taxes and growing union and trial lawyer support are not the ingredients for private sector job creation. The candidates we have chosen to support are willing to do what it takes to turn things around in Kansas,” Crossland said.

The Chamber said a majority of Republicans in the Kansas House and Gov. Sam Brownback, a Republican, support a pro-business agenda.

The Chamber PAC’s campaign finance report filed Tuesday illustrates the effort by Brownback’s supporters to wrest control of the Senate from so-called moderate Republicans. The Chamber PAC collected $163,000 in contributions last year with the biggest donors being Koch Industries, which contributed more than $36,000. Among other large contributors was The Lawrence Paper Co., $15,000; and Murfin Drilling Co., $10,000.

The Chamber PAC donated $1,000 and made in-kind contributions to eight Republican challengers, including to state Rep. Larry Powell, R-Garden City, who is challenging Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton.

Asked to respond to the Chamber’s comments, Morris said, “I am proud of my conservative, pro-jobs, pro-business record in the Kansas Senate.

“I have fought to create jobs in my district and in our state-- jobs like the Sunflower power plant and Abenoga ethanol facility. Jobs will continue to be one of my top priorities as the 2012 legislative session begins.”

The other incumbent GOP senators whose challengers received maximum contributions from the Chamber PAC are Pete Brungardt, of Salina; Terrie Huntington, of Fairway; Carolyn McGinn, of Sedgwick; Tim Owens, of Overland Park; Vicki Schmidt, of Topeka; Jean Schodorf, of Wichita, and John Vratil of Leawood.

Legislators in 2010, who supported an increase in the state sales tax, said it was necessary to avoid damaging cuts in schools, social services and public safety. The increase has also helped fund the state highway plan. The chamber opposed the tax increase and is now, along with Brownback, pushing for tax cuts.

"Damaging cuts in schools, social services and public safety?" Who do these people think they are? Socialists? The Kochs don't believe in public education, social services or public safety. They bought themselves a fascist governor last year, and they don't want any backtalk from the peanut gallery. First Kansas... then the world. And North Carolina: