Is J.R. Claeys the future of the GOP in Kansas?
Republican J.R. Claeys has an impressive record of leadership and experience that he hopes will gain him the votes to be the next Secretary of State of Kansas. J.R. has traveled to every corner of the state, listening to Kansans, and sharing his ideas for growing jobs and securing our elections from fraud. Running against Claeys is Shawnee County election commissioner Elizabeth Ensley and former GOP Chairman Kris Kobach.
Mr. Claeys began his career in politics as a field coordinator for the Kansas Democratic Party back in 1998 but has been a registered Republican since that time. After graduating from K-State, he went to Washington DC and worked in fundraising for the Republican National Committee. While in the nation’s capital, Claeys served as director of communications for the National Small Business Association (NSBA) while attending George Washington University School of Business. He has earned a reputation as an expert on Small Business legislation and has advocated for tax-fairness in health care for small businesses.
Claeys is a certified international elections observer and has participated in ensuring that recent elections in South and Central American were fair and secure. This is the type of experience that he will highlight in candidacy for Secretary of State.
His message is going to resonate with fiscal conservatives in the state and should prove popular in attracting the support of moderate Republican and Democrats who went with Governor Sebelius in recent election. Locking down the moderates support is going to be crucial as we move into the primary season. Kris Kobach is popular with the conservative base and has already pointed out Claeys former ties to the Democratic Party.
Mr. Claeys impressive record of leadership and experience provide a solid platform to propel him to the Secretary of State’s office. Who knows? Maybe he can follow another former Secretary of State from Salina into the Governor’s office.
(Posted at Examiner.com)
I’m glad Mr. Claeys wants to get involved in the Republican Party although I would caution him to actively go after “moderate” Republicans. Unfortunately, those moderates have not proven to be fiscally conservative over time. It’s difficult with a proven record of not only being a Democrat but actively working for them to refashion yourself as a conservative but then again actively seek votes from the most liberal wings of the party. If moderate Republicans were socially liberal but fiscally conservative, I think this scenario would be much different, but unfortunately, they are neither socially or fiscally conservative.
For me, there’s no reason to look at other candidates with Kobach in the race, especially candidates who continue to make questionable moves.