Right now, the Kansas Republican Party is in disarray. The apparent front-runner for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, Carla Stovall, shocked many by withdrawing from the campaign. This triggered immediate speculation about who could pick up the GOP banner and carry it to victory in the upcoming general election.

There were two other GOP candidates in the primary race when Stovall made her announcement: State Treasurer Tim Shallenburger of Baxter Springs and Wichita Mayor Bob Knight. Soon after the political bombshell, Dan Bloom of Eudora announced his intention to seek the GOP nomination.

Democrats have a strong candidate for the governor in Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius, and there is every reason for Republicans to be nervous about their chances of holding onto the governorship.

Republican leaders, at least those in the moderate wing of the party, huddled shortly after Stovall made her announcement to try to arrive at some consensus about how best to reload and get behind a candidate who would have the necessary support to win the governor’s race.

At least publicly, no candidate was anointed, but attention was shifted to House Speaker Kent Glasscock of Manhattan, who had originally announced his intention to seek the Governor’s Office but later agreed to run for lieutenant governor with Stovall. It was thought Glasscock might be the best replacement because many believed from the beginning he was a better candidate than Stovall. Some suggested current Lt. Gov. Gary Sherrer would be a worthy candidate, but he has decided to bypass the race.

It now has been reported that Glasscock underwent a procedure Friday to clear a partially blocked artery in his heart. This news has caused some to wonder whether the health issue could handicap and lessen the Manhattan lawmaker’s chances of winning a tough battle against Sebelius.

If Republicans hope to win the race, they need to have a candidate who has a record of getting things done, a person who not only can visualize and talk about the needs and challenges of the state but who also can take action and get results. The state cannot afford to drift with the tide and tread water.

It appears there is growing interest in encouraging Kansas City businessman and Kansas Board of Regents chairman Clay Blair to enter the race. It is known Blair was invited by one candidate to consider the lieutenant governor’s spot, but he has little interest in that position.

Blair has compiled an impressive record as chairman of the regents and as a successful businessman. He has been tireless in his efforts on behalf of higher education and has traveled throughout the state visiting all community college campuses and regents schools.

Blair, a native of Joplin, Mo., is a 1965 graduate of Kansas University who earned a master’s of business administration from Indiana University. He received a doctorate in higher education from Kansas University in 1970 and has been a member of the Board of Regents since 1999.

One question, or puzzle, is why Gov. Bill Graves has made it known he intends to replace Blair at the end of his first year as chairman of the regents with former Kansas state Sen. Dick Bond, a good friend of the governor.

Whether or not Blair could enter the governor’s race at this relatively late date and put together a statewide organization able to win the primary is one of the big questions. The other is whether he would want to make the sacrifice required to seek the governor’s office.

There’s no question Blair is a mover and doer, and the state needs that kind of person in the Governor’s Office. He is well-known and respected by those in the field of education, particularly higher education. However, the best-qualified candidate often does not win the election.

It is going to be an interesting time in the Republican Party as the August primaries quickly approach. Sebelius does not have to worry about a costly primary battle, and has the luxury of honing her campaign strategy and building her financial war chest while Republicans are in a costly, tiring and possibly bitter primary contest.

Is Blair a genuine, strong dark horse who could end up being the GOP candidate? Republicans are running out of time and out of candidates who will not splinter the party.