Super PAC targets Kan. districts

Republicans in Washington, D.C., are deploying field operations in two Kansas districts to safeguard against the threat of a blue wave in November.

The Congressional Leadership Fund, a GOP super PAC, has set up offices in 40 districts nationwide, including recent additions in Kansas' 2nd and 3rd congressional districts.

Each office is set up for a full-time employee to work with a dozen volunteers who are tasked with determining the issues that resonate with local voters. After surveying the landscape, they target registered voters who need to be motivated to get out on election day. Then they craft a message supporting the work of Republican candidates.

Michael Byerly, a CLF spokesman, said the investment is part of the group's effort to protect the Republican majority in the House.

"Our unprecedented field program will play an important role in ensuring these two seats remain in Republican control," Byerly said.

Democrats see the investment as a reason to be optimistic about their chances.

In the 2nd District, Democrat Paul Davis faces Steve Watkins, a newcomer who won a seven-way GOP primary for the seat Rep. Lynn Jenkins held for 10 years.

"We always knew national Republicans would pour enormous amounts of money into the 2nd District once a candidate emerged from the Republican primary field," said Ethan Corson, executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party. "And they need to, given that even Republican primary voters showed deep misgivings about Steve Watkins."

Watkins, an Army veteran, won the GOP nomination with 27 percent of the vote. His primary opponents attacked him for his sparse voting record, spending from his father and a meeting he had with Democrats last year.

Following the election, Republican leaders urged the party to fall in line behind their nominee or risk a reprise of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as speaker of the House.

"If we can’t keep these seats, it would be indicative of a blue wave," said Rep. Roger Marshall, who is favored to be re-elected in his 1st District race against Democrat Alan LaPolice.

In the 3rd District, Rep. Kevin Yoder faces a challenge from Democrat Sharice Davids, who would become the first openly gay Native American elected to Congress.

Corson said it didn't surprise him that Yoder would need help from colleagues in D.C. The congressman, Corson said, is working to advance the president's agenda at the expense of working Kansans.

"That is why there is so much excitement around Sharice Davids," Corson said. "Voters in the 3rd District are excited about the opportunity to have a congressperson who will listen to them and represent their interests."

Marshall said Davids is promoting socialist policies. He referenced Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a congressional candidate from New York and self-described socialist who flew to Kansas last month to rally Democrats. Marshall wants her to come back because he thinks she would scare most Kansans.

"I would pay for her ticket if it was legal," Marshall said. "I want people to hear her message."

The CLF began setting up field offices 18 months ago. Overseeing the operation is Corry Bliss, who worked in Kansas to re-elect Sen. Pat Roberts four years ago.

"With over 6,000 CLF interns and volunteers, we’re knocking on doors and making calls to ensure voters know how their member of Congress is getting results for them," Bliss said, "and we’ve been doing this since February 2017. CLF will continue these efforts throughout the fall as we work to ensure Nancy Pelosi does not become speaker."