The Kansas gubernatorial election is less than three months away, and traditional Kansas Republicans should be frustrated and alarmed at the findings of the recent statewide poll showing Lawrence attorney and Democrat Paul Davis enjoying a surprising lead over Gov. Sam Brownback.

Over the years, Kansas has enjoyed sound, honest, progressive government under the leadership of Republican governors, and when a Democrat has moved into the governor’s office, it has been due to the poor leadership by the GOP incumbent or, more frequently, a division or fight within the Republican Party.

This seems to be the case this year, with a significant split between the moderate, conservative and more liberal wings of the party.

If this split continues, the Republican Party has handed the governorship to Davis. This then raises the question of just how effectively could a Democratic governor, who worked hard for the election of President Obama in both the 2008 and 2012 elections, work with a Republican-controlled House and Senate? Likewise, his running mate, Jill Docking, was state co-chairman for the 2008 Obama campaign.

Some might say this relationship with Obama is not relevant to the Kansas election, but Democrats find nothing wrong in trying to tie Brownback to major players in the state and national conservative movement, such as the Koch brothers.

One thing is almost a sure bet. In a tight race in Kansas, where a Democratic candidate looks like he or she might be able to pull a big upset, it’s highly doubtful Obama will be shipping busloads or planeloads of children and adults who have illegally crossed into the U.S. to Kansas, as he has in other states. Likewise, it is questionable whether the Davis-Docking team will invite Obama to come to Kansas to stump for their election. However, the huge fiscal warchest controlled by Obama may be used to add fuel and muscle to the Davis campaign.

So far, there hasn’t been much excitement or enthusiasm or many visionary ideas advanced by either Brownback or Davis about how they can make Kansas a better state and improve the economy, increase job opportunities and boost funding for education. How much do they intend to raise taxes to pay for their programs and proposals, which they claim will bring about better days for the Sunflower State?

It is interesting to note the Democrats have strong and differing groups within their political tent and they can have internal knock-down fights, but, when election time comes around, they join hands and present a solid and effective front.

Not the Republicans. They, too, have strong divisions within their party, but there is not much healing or hand-holding when the voting booths open for business.

So far, it appears Kansans are not necessarily high in their praise or support of Davis. Rather, significant numbers within the GOP seem to be voting against Brownback, not for Davis.

Brownback called for sizable cuts in taxes with the idea these cuts would attract new business, new taxpayers and new revenue to the state. So far, the results are modest, very modest, and, consequently, cuts have been made in state fiscal aid and many programs. However, it would have been wrong to believe there would be immediate results. Will Kansans give the Brownback blueprint four more years to spark new life and energy into the state’s economy?

At the same time, is Brownback willing to modify or alter some of his plans to keep in step with the local and national economy? It is dangerous for any officeholder or politician to be too stubborn to change or acknowledge policies could be bettered or improved.

In a state where Republicans enjoy such a large majority, there still is time for Brownback to close the gap in voter preference.

However, he and his supporters are going to have to inject enthusiasm and vision into the campaign and bring far more unity within the party. Otherwise, Davis, in his very quiet way, will walk into the governor’s office and likely mirror many of the Obama ideas and philosophies.