Johnson County Dist. Atty. Paul Morrison’s announcement that he would switch parties to seek the office of Kansas attorney general was another vivid example of the discord within the Kansas Republican Party.

Morrison, a prosecutor for 25 years, will leave the Republican Party and file as a Democrat to oppose incumbent Republican Phill Kline for the state office.

In making his announcement, Morrison said he was concerned that Kline was using his office to pursue a conservative social agenda. However, Morrison chose not to challenge Kline in a Republican primary, probably because Kline is closely aligned with the conservative end of the party, which historically produces a strong showing in primary elections. Even if Morrison could win the primary it would be a tough, expensive campaign that would deplete his resources for the general election race.

Although it’s still early, both Kline and Morrison are strong enough candidates to discourage others from entering the race. Kline is an effective campaigner and the incumbent; Morrison has far more legal experience and, even running as a Democrat, is likely to draw considerable support from moderate Republicans.

There are far more Republicans than Democrats in Kansas, and Republicans could easily elect any candidate on whom they could agree. But Morrison’s entry into the attorney general’s race is another indication they haven’t reached that kind of consensus yet.