Well, we are about to leave 2009 behind us, and sadly, it seems that the Kansas Democratic Party is also going to be saying goodbye to its most surefire contender for a national position. State Senator Laura Kelly, the unchallenged Democratic candidate for the 2nd District of the House of Representatives, currently held by Lynn Jenkins, has announced today that she is withdrawing from the race, citing the incompatibility of the campaign and her duties in the state legislature. The following statement was left on her Facebook page:
Dear Friends, Today I announced that I am ending my Congressional campaign. Given the challenges our state is facing I could not be a full-time candidate for Congress and honor the commitment I made to those who elected me. I want to thank all of you for your wonderful support. I look forward to the coming session and I am optimistic about all that we can achieve in the legislature in 2010. Thank you, Laura.
This means we lose not only a great candidate, one who could have unseated Jenkins in her sleep, but we are now left wondering who will step up and take her place. The KDP has been decidedly low on star-power this year, with the most well-known figures either from other campaigns (Raj Goyle, Steve Six), already out of races (Larry Gates), or committed not to running (Mark Parkinson). One figure who has apparently considered taking Kelly’s place is Tom Holland of Baldwin, but it will probably be a few days before he or anyone else officially declares candidacy.
One thing is clear: Lynn Jenkins is an insult to this state, and we it to ourselves, our friends, and our neighbors to unseat her in 2010. Hopefully somebody’s resolution will be to be the one to do that.
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