The Republican Party war over public schools and taxes that raged during the recent legislative session has found a new battleground: the Aug. 6 primary.

So-called moderate Republicans are trying to defeat conservative Republican incumbents in numerous state House races across Kansas.

While it is common for moderate and conservative Republicans to fight for open political seats in Kansas, it is unusual to have moderates challenging conservatives who already are in office and seeking re-election.

Steve Cloud, former state legislator from Lenexa and the current Republican National Committeeman from Kansas, has been one of the main organizers of the effort. He formed Johnson County Republicans for Education, a political action committee making endorsements and contributions in the GOP primary.

“Clearly, the goal is to elect in the August primary a larger percentage of representatives that would be more pro-education than what the existing makeup of the House is,” Cloud said. Currently, the House is made up of 79 Republicans and 46 Democrats, although the Republicans are split between conservatives and moderates.

‘Simplistic phrase’

During the past legislative session, lawmakers, facing record revenue shortfalls, increased taxes by about $300 million and kept flat general tax-fund spending on public schools. Schools were appropriated a $20 increase in per-pupil spending  an increase of less than one-half percent  by taking funds from the state’s tobacco settlement.

Many lawmakers, educators and parents said the school funding level was inadequate and that it forced districts to make cuts to compensate for increased costs.

But those who find themselves targeted by Cloud say he is misleading voters.

“They are using that simplistic phrase that if you don’t increase taxes you are against education,” said Rep. Mary Pilcher Cook, R-Shawnee. Cook’s opponent, Cindy Neighbor, is supported by Cloud’s group.

Cook said she had voted against tax increases because they would hurt economic growth. “We have to grow our small businesses. If we can’t do that, we are not going to have the revenue to grow our schools,” Cook said.

Cook and other conservatives say the state needs to consolidate school districts to achieve savings that could be used for the rest of public education.

Following blindly?

Cloud also has targeted Rep. Karen DiVita, R-Overland Park, who did vote for the tax increases. But Cloud said his group endorsed Jim Yonally, a former legislator and school lobbyist, because DiVita voted against an earlier proposal that would have given schools more than what they eventually received.

DiVita, however, said Yonally’s campaign was simply an attempt by moderate Republicans to replace her because she doesn’t kow-tow to Republican leaders.

“The reality is, I have one of the strongest records for education, but I won’t get credit for that. I’m not part of the powerhouse of moderate Republicans. Moderate Republicans don’t question, they just follow the leader. I question,” she said.

The conservative-moderate battle is going on in numerous races statewide.

In northwest Kansas, Doug Sebelius is challenging conservative Rep. John Faber of Brewster, who opposed increasing taxes.

Sebelius said he was upset by the performance of lawmakers during the past legislative session.

“I didn’t like what I saw. I feel I am somebody who can reach across the aisle and be more focused on getting results rather than seeing how you can irritate and frustrate opposing legislators,” he said.

Wichita battle

And in Wichita, Rep. Todd Novascone, a conservative Republican, faces a primary challenge, and if he survives that, will face a teacher in the general election.

“They’re going to say I didn’t support schools. The conservatives get labeled and it is totally wrong,” Novascone said. He said schools could devote more funds to students by trimming administrative expenses, which he said were too high.

But Charles Jenney, the Democratic science teacher who is gearing up for a possible general election race against Novascone, said Novascone was an ultra-conservative who was out of step with what the district wants.

“There are tons of things I would like to do for students, but I can’t because of a lack of school funding,” Jenney said.