Going, Going, Gone...Gilstrap.

Well, he's finally done it. Mark Gilstrap is a Republican.

It hurts to lose an election, especially if it's the Democratic primary in Wyandotte County when you are a 12 year incumbent. Please keep in mind that voting with the Republicans on abortion, gun control and taxes, tends to make Democratic voters view you as a DINO. Btw, the KSD 5 includes Lansing, Leavenworth, part of Bonner Springs, and part of Kansas City...so in one of the few places Democrats basically walk into elected office, the voters may want to ensure that they are electing someone who actually represents parts of the Democratic platform.

I love that Gilstrap accused the KDP of "no longer tolerat[ing] dissenting points of view." Since when do we have a Loyalty Oath? A wide range of views can be found within Democratic circles. Last time I checked, Dennis McKinney is not the most liberal of Democrats, and he was just appointed Treasurer. Additionally, numerous former Republicans have converted over the past few cycles, including LtG. Mark Parkinson and Rep. Cindy Neighbor. Hmmmm...all of that might suggest that the KDP is much more inclusive than our GOP counterparts.

In the end, Gilstrap's complaints will have little impact. It's too far until the 2010 election for this to harm Sebelius or Hensley. More importantly, Kelly Kultala (who beat Gilstrap in the primary) will assume office in January.