Taking Back Kansas: New poll shows central battle with Religious Right is too close to call

By Diane Silver

The struggle for the political soul of Kansas is being played out this year in the race for attorney general. According to a new poll that battle between the darling of the Religious Right, incumbent Republican Phill Kline, and moderate Democrat Paul Morrison is already neck and neck.

The Wichita Eagle reports:

Kline edged Morrison 51 percent to 48 percent in Survey USA's poll of 583 likely voters across the state. But the result was well within the poll's 4.1-point margin of error.
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Kline holds a 59 percent to 39 percent lead in the city (of Wichita), according to the poll. And he enjoys a 63-35 lead in western Kansas.

Morrison holds a 56-43 lead in the eastern part of the state.

The poll also disclosed a substantial gender gap. Kline leads 55-43 among men, while women were 52- 46 in Morrison's favor.

The race is likely to hinge on the "ground game" -- which candidate can get more supporters to the polls on Election Day, said Jay Leve, editor of the poll.

The poll illustrates once again that the Religious Right CAN be beaten -- even in Kansas. I think the poll is also significant because it shows Morrison's strength as the campaign is just beginning. Morrison is not a well known figure in Kansas. He has never run for statewide office and is little known outside of his home county.

To be running neck and neck with a well-known incumbent says something about Morrison and says even more about how much the average Kansan is running out of patience with Kline and his ideas.

The key to victory in this race is to get out and get involved. Give money. Give time. Vote. Get your friends to vote.