Kansas is a Republican state by voter registration.

But two Democrats are leading the way in raising campaign funds, according to finance reports filed Monday.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has banked nearly $2.1 million as she awaits the winner of the Aug. 1 Republican Party primary.

The three leading Republican hopefuls in a field of seven have spent a combined total of approximately $600,000 this year.

And in the attorney general’s race, newly converted Democrat Paul Morrison has $764,839 on hand for his November general election matchup against Republican incumbent Phill Kline, who had $418,492.

“Sebelius has successfully split the Republican Party in Kansas,” said Bob Beatty, political science professor at Washburn University.

“The divide between the moderates and conservatives has just become stark with the phenomenon of Kathleen Sebelius,” he said.

Republican hopefuls

In the GOP gubernatorial primary, state Sen. Jim Barnett of Emporia has the most cash on hand for the final days of the race – $194,213, according to the reports, which cover 2006 through last Thursday.

Former House speaker Robin Jennison had $56,736, and author and consultant Ken Canfield of Overland Park had $6,536 heading into the primary campaign’s final days.

Rounding out the race, attorney Tim Pickell of Prairie Village had $5,026 left for the campaign, and former legislator Rex Crowell of Longton, $829. Attorney Dennis Hawver of Ozawkie and retiree Richard Rodewald of Eudora reported they would each spend under $500 for the entire campaign.

Barnett, a physician, had spent the most so far in the Republican race this year, nearly $300,000. His war chest included $110,000 of his own money.

“I think we have enough money to get our message out in the final week,” said Rodger Woods, a spokesman for Barnett.

The winner of the GOP primary will face Sebelius, who started the year with $1.75 million in campaign funds, raised an additional $1 million and then spent approximately $600,000.

“I appreciate the confidence, prayers and financial support of the people of Kansas. I pledge to continue my commitment to accountability and progress we’ve achieved together,” Sebelius said.

Kline vs. Morrison

While the attorney general’s race featured no contested primaries, Morrison and Kline have been gearing up for a fierce general election showdown Nov. 7.

Morrison, the Johnson County district attorney, touted his campaign finance edge.

“People all across the state are joining our campaign because they share my view that, by electing a new attorney general with the right priorities, we can do more to keep our families safe,” he said.

Kline’s campaign was undaunted.

Sherriene Jones, a spokesman for Kline, said he will run on his record of successfully defending the state’s death penalty before the U.S. Supreme Court and fighting for tougher laws against sexual predators.

Down-ballot races

Further down the ballot, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger of Lawrence reported spending $279,905 this year. She faces state Rep. Eric Carter of Overland Park in the Republican Party primary.

Carter reported spending $78,901, but he has a sizable sum left for the end of the campaign – $92,312 to Praeger’s $8,677. Praeger has had television ads up the past several weeks in the race, and has the backing of former U.S. Sens. Bob Dole and Nancy Kassebaum Baker.

Another Republican incumbent, Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, faces a challenge within his own party. State Sen. Kay O’Connor has $4,466 on hand to spend, while Thornburgh reported having $46,835.