Topeka ? A campaign sign in southeast Kansas marks the state’s political divide.

The Kansas Chamber of Commerce political action committee has targeted state Rep. Julie Menghini, D-Pittsburg, for defeat.

The chamber’s billboard says Menghini voted against jobs, increased taxes and supports federal health care reform. The sign urges voters to elect the Republican candidate.

“You really have an organization funded by a narrow group of wealthy businesses, spreading misinformation and trying to get control of state government from top to bottom,” said House Democratic Leader Paul Davis of Lawrence.

Gov. Mark Parkinson, a Democrat who has recently tangled with the state chamber, also pointed out the sign as an example of what Democrats and moderate Republicans are up against.

Parkinson pushed for the temporary 1-cent increase in the state sales tax increase that took effect July 1, which Menghini supported.

Supporters of the tax increase said it was needed after six rounds of budget cuts to prevent permanent damage to the state. Opponents said more budget cuts were needed, and the tax increase will hurt the economy.

Parkinson said Kansas has survived the great recession better than most states with its schools, social services and economy intact.

Now, he said, “There are people who are trying to undo what we have accomplished.”

But Jeff Glendening, a spokesman for the chamber, defended the campaign sign and says the chamber’s major thrust is improving the economy.

“We are an organization of job creators,” he said.