TOPEKA -- Jim Ryun wants his U.S. House seat back.
But if he wants it, he may have to go through two-term state treasurer Lynn Jenkins to get it.
Ryun spent part of his weekend telling Republicans he wants to get back in office. Democrat Nancy Boyda pulled off a huge upset in November when she knocked off the track legend in the state's 2nd District.
But Ryun may not have an easy ride to the nomination because Jenkins made it clear she's being pushed hard to run herself.
Asked about the possibility of running against Ryun, Jenkins didn't hesitate:
"I think I will leave my options open," she said.
Jenkins is seen as a formidable stump speaker and has a reputation of running -- this is her word -- "tenacious" campaigns.
Oh, two-term U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts kicked off his re-election campaign on Saturday. No surprise there. He doesn't have a Democratic opponent yet, but he does have a website.
Roberts, 70, said he was fired up, and he acted like it, too, even though he was virtually unchallenged in 2002. No doubt the GOP performance in 2006 has something to do with it.
Posted by Steve Kraske
I'm looking forward to seeing a viable Democratic candidate step forward to challenge Pat Roberts. Kansas has not had a Democratic U.S. Senator since the 1930s, and it's time to end the drought. Pat Roberts is beatable.
Posted by: Mizzou82 | January 28, 2007 at 06:58 AM
Hey,this would be a great opportunity for Phil Kline to think about switching parties.
Posted by: David | January 28, 2007 at 12:43 PM
This Senate race will be at least a 4 way race as the US Senate race is the only ballot qualifying race in Kansas in 08. Libertarians and Reform party will have candidates - who knows maybe a independent will step to the plate also!
They should take a serious look at removing the US senate races from Kansas ballot access rules as the FEC requirements are slanted to ending 3rd party involvement in elections.
Posted by: ksknowall | January 29, 2007 at 06:22 AM