U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran may be back in the governor’s race and hoping to unite Kansas Republicans behind his effort.

Earlier this year, it appeared Congressman Jerry Moran was almost ready to announce his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Kansas governor. Moran is well known and highly respected and was looked upon as the GOP’s best chance to unseat the incumbent Democrat, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, if, as expected, she chooses to seek a second term.

All indications were that Moran had checked with various senior Republican leaders in the state and had decided to seek the governor’s seat rather than waiting in the wings hoping to replace Sen. Pat Roberts when he decides to step aside.

Then, word started spreading that Moran had changed his mind and no longer wanted to pursue the governor’s job. Now, the news has changed again. Latest reports indicate that Moran may be back in the race and may even be at the point of considering possible lieutenant governor running mates. The latest speculation on who he might choose is focusing on State Rep. Kenny Wilk of Lansing, Kansas City businessman and former chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents Clay Blair, or former state senator and state Republican Party chairman Mark Parkinson of Olathe.

With Moran enjoying immense popularity in western Kansas, it makes sense he would be interested in balancing the Republican ticket with a well-respected and successful running mate from eastern Kansas. Wilk is recognized as an able state legislator who has helped design some significant legislation. Blair has had a highly successful record as chairman of the Board of Regents and enjoys excellent relations with numerous leaders in both the Republican and Democratic parties. Parkinson has a proven record as a GOP leader.

It seems Moran’s political road map may have taken a change of direction and chances are there will be many other developments in the months to come. Unless there are some totally unexpected events, Sebelius looks like a lock to represent the Democratic Party on the 2006 ballot. She is a skilled campaigner and will be a tough incumbent to dislodge.

If Kansas Republicans are to have any chance of unseating Sebelius, they will have to come together rather than continuing to engage in their deadly and costly civil war. Is Moran the candidate to bring the party together? Or is the split among moderate, conservative and liberal members of the GOP so severe that Republicans will find it impossible to unite behind one candidate in the governor’s race?

Apparently, Moran believes he can pull his party together. There are sure to be others with similar aspirations, and only time will tell who will be heading the Republican ticket in the 2006 Kansas gubernatorial campaign.