Kansas primary elections are only 24 days away, and Kansas Republicans don’t have much time to decide whom they want to lead their party in the state gubernatorial campaign.

Some might suggest that every contest to elect a governor is pretty much the same, year after year, and that just the names on the ballots change. To some degree, that may be true. But every election year presents new issues, or at least warmed-over issues and challenges, as well as new candidates offering new solutions.

It’s likely candidates in each past Kansas gubernatorial contest thought they were presented unique and extremely tough challenges. However, this year’s Kansas fiscal environment may rank among the most hostile and intimidating any past candidate has encountered as he or she moved into the governor’s office.

This is why it is so important that voters nominate a GOP candidate who has the ability to meet serious challenges head on and, if successful in the general election, has the ability and background to lead the state in difficult times.

Kathleen Sebelius, the Democratic candidate, is well-known and she will make her case during the general election campaign. So far in the primary campaign she has stuck to generalities, refusing to be pinned down on important issues.

On the other hand, Republican candidates have to make their case in the next three weeks and tell voters how they would address state affairs. Time is short and potential voters have the responsibility to pay attention to what the candidates are saying, as well as studying their background and past performance.

The state truly is facing critical financial conditions. Because of this, the state is at a crossroads. Money matters are so bad, and likely to get worse, that state services affecting thousands of residents of all ages will be curtailed.

Services probably will be reduced; many people will lose their jobs; taxes probably will be raised; there will be cutbacks in all of the state’s educational programs; health services may be reduced; and less money will be available to maintain the state’s infrastructure. It won’t be easy or pleasant.

With this in mind, Kansas and its residents need an individual who is smart; who has been tested and has a record of performance; a person of the highest integrity; an individual who is honest and trustworthy; a person with an understanding of sound business and employee principles; who has the courage to do what is right; who has vision; a person who can unite rather than divide and who can accept opposing views; and a person who can lead and inspire. Kansas needs someone who can excite the state and rally its people to work for a better state for all its residents.

Most all states, some say 43 out of the 50, are facing severe financial problems. These problems are sure to take a toll. But five, 10 or 20 years from now people will look back at the early 2000s and note which states weathered the financial crisis and eventually came out a winner, while other states floundered and never regained their momentum.

Kansas must be looked to as a winner and an example for the rest of the nation. But to do this the state must have good leaders. It can’t get it done with second-raters. There must be leadership, enthusiasm and courage by an inspiring governor.

Kansas Republicans have a very short time to decide which man  Bob Knight, David Kerr, Tim Shallenburger or Dan Bloom  is best suited and has the talent to challenge for the governorship.