Archive for Tuesday, January 30, 2007
GOP hopes to reclaim 2nd Congressional District seat
Ryun suggests he may challenge Boyda in 2008; state Treasurer Jenkins also considered a contender
January 30, 2007
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Topeka — U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, a Democrat, has been in office less than one month, but potential Republican opponents in 2008 are starting to angle for a shot at making her a one-term congresswoman.
GOP festivities last weekend for Kansas Day propelled the names of two possible challengers: Jim Ryun, the five-term congressman that Boyda upset in November, and State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, who just won a second four-year term.
The 2nd Congressional District includes west Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan and much of southeast Kansas.
Kris Kobach, new chairman of the Kansas Republican Party, said Boyda was one of the most vulnerable freshmen Democrats in the nation.
"Republican leaders in the 2nd District are very confident that that congressional seat can be taken back," Kobach said.
In November, Boyda defeated Ryun 51 percent to 47 percent.
"That is an extremely narrow margin in a year that Democrats did exceptionally well. Ms. Boyda is not going to have much of a margin to play with," Kobach said.
Ryun, of Lawrence, could not be reached for comment. He made some statements during the GOP's annual Kansas Day weekend that suggest he may run again.
Also in recent days, Ryun has issued a written opinion piece critical of the new Democratic majority in Congress and criticized the media for coverage he received during the campaign.
Jennalea Linn, a spokeswoman for Jenkins, of Topeka, said Jenkins "was not shutting the door, but right now is focused on being state treasurer."
Boyda said she didn't want to speculate on the Republican jockeying.
"I was just sworn into office three weeks ago, and I'm focusing on serving my constituents," she said.
In her first weeks in office, Boyda sponsored a bill that would ban taxpayer-funded pensions to members of Congress who are convicted of wrongdoing.
National Republican strategists have targeted Boyda as vulnerable because President Bush carried the 2nd District in 2004 with 59 percent of the vote.
Democratic leaders are helping Boyda, giving her plum assignments on the Agriculture and Armed Services committees, two panels seen as key in the district.
More like this
- House majority leader says 2nd Boyda win tough but possible 19 comments / September 13, 2007
- Treasurer files to run for seat in 2nd District 1 comment / April 4, 2007
- Ryun: Poll shows him ahead of Jenkins 43 comments / May 24, 2007
- Boyda loses U.S. House seat to Jenkins 60 comments / November 5, 2008
- Ryun, Jenkins campaign during GOP meeting 2 comments / January 27, 2008
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30 January 2007
at 5:08 a.m.
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KS (Anonymous) says…
This race should be interesting.
30 January 2007
at 10:12 a.m.
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jrlii (Anonymous) says…
If they nominate a theoconservative like Ryan, Boyda will become a Kansas institution, like Moore has.
If the Republicans want to win elections (above the legislature, anyway) they need to avoid theoconservatives.
If I can't have a Libertarian, I'd be glad to have an old-fashioned Goldwater conservative. But a theoconservative? I'd as soon vote for Lenin.
30 January 2007
at 10:48 a.m.
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ForgotAboutTodd (Anonymous) says…
Please, please, please run corrupt theocrat Jim Ryun again.
30 January 2007
at 11:45 a.m.
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pelliott (Anonymous) says…
They want to run against Boyda, and what a surprise, an announcement that they plan to compete for the seat next election. They must understand that Boyda will be one to compete against and they better start early. Guess losing the house and senate and watching their president domestic and international policies fail, they don't expect to ride back on his tail wind. I sure hope Jim does run, he was the biggest do nothing blowhard that kansas has had in a long time. His responses to vet families in trouble were insulting, it was a form letter about supporting the troups, while he left it to others to help with missing pay and family crisis. Jim was a egotistical stupid creep. While I am a democrat I have to admit that Robertson was better about responding to constituants.
30 January 2007
at 5:47 p.m.
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dagopman (Anonymous) says…
Boyda too is a do nothing blowhard. This district deserves better than her. She is a rubberstamp for the Democratic majority (100% voting with Pelosi) and the piece of legislation she is being credited with was written by the Republican majority over the past 2 years. Even when she introduced it the House majority (her own party) had to initally pull the bill because of how she introduced it.