Presidential primaries

The race for the nominations of both parties seem to be tightening. Too bad Kansas isn't involved in this huge decision. It does seem out of balance for 100,000 voters in Iowa to have that much power of who the Democratic nominee will be. I wonder who would fare better if Kansas did have a primary.

Obama's mother is from Kansas, and he's got lots of appeal from independents, which are a growing part of our electorate. But Clinton no doubt would rile up the liberal base and get plenty of voters. I'd like to think that Kansans might buck the trends and boost a lesser known candidate like Joe Biden or Bill Richardson, who really do have more governing experience and seem to talk and think beyond what consultants tell them.

On the Republican side, the local Republican Party held a straw poll (at a fundraiser) and Mike Huckabee got the most support - 52 percent. That tracks with national polls showing Huckabee rising, and especially in Iowa. Looks like the Christian conservatives have finally found their man. Wonder if Sam Brownback is kicking himself for not backing Huckabee, a former Baptist minister.

I'm not much for religious conservatism, but what I like about Huckabee and what might give him some cross over appeal is that he's OK with government action is some areas, like energy independence and the environment. You get the sense that doesn't have the hatred of government that many conservatives do. Plus, he's just likable and doesn't have that jaded, partisan squeal you hear from many others .....