Why conservative Republicans control Johnson County
Yael T. AbouhalkahIn the last four years conservative Republicans have taken near-total control of state and federal positions in Johnson County.
How did they do it?
To hear U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder tell it during a recent two-hour discussion at a downtown Overland Park coffee shop, the conservatives now truly represent the majority of Johnson County’s residents and business leaders.
The moderate Republicans who used to hold many state Senate and House seats? Wiped out in the 2012 fall elections.
The U.S. House seat that Democrat Dennis Moore held for 12 years? It’s Yoder’s now.
Oh, and all that talk by people (like me) who claim the pro-life, anti-Obamacare, small-government Yoder and other conservatives don’t really represent the longtime progressive, tax-friendly Johnson County residents?
Statistics show that those Johnson Countians are a dying breed, for now.
President Barack Obama gained only 40 percent of the Johnson County vote in 2012, down from 45 percent in 2008.
Yoder took 74 percent of Johnson County’s votes against a Libertarian in 2012 (no Democrat even ran). In 2008 Yoder beat Democrat Stephene Moore, Dennis’ wife, with 65 percent of the county vote.
In state Senate and House seats, most moderate Johnson County Republicans who still held office were swept out in the 2012 primaries. In the general election, most Democrats were no match for the conservative GOP candidates.
In the 2010 U.S. Senate GOP primary, Johnson Countians embraced Todd Tiahrt — endorsed by Sarah Palin, the Tea Party Express and Karl Rove among others — by a 49 percent to 45 percent margin over Jerry Moran. But Moran won the statewide primary and general election.
Last week Johnson County Sheriff Frank Denning said he would oppose any federal gun control laws, including limits on high-capacity magazines. The reaction from Johnson Countians to the right-wing views of Denning, recently re-elected with no opposition? Zip, nada. Denning knows his words will play well in 2013 with plenty of residents.
The growing clout of conservatives could have a big impact on the Kansas City metropolitan area’s future.
Over the last 40 years moderate business leaders, such as those in the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, have promoted the county as a great place to live and as a solid place to bring or start a company. Affluent residents have flocked there, providing top-notch schools and excellent basic services.
But if Gov. Sam Brownback and his conservative supporters in the Legislature succeed in holding a hard line on state spending for schools, Medicaid and other social services, that could affect the quality of life in the county. In the long run, that could slow growth in Johnson County, goes the thinking.
As for the future, it holds more good news for conservatives; their population is booming outside the Interstate 435 corridor.
There’s little promising news right now for the moderate GOP and Democrats.
It’s possible that the conservatives’ policies eventually could turn off county voters. However, Democrats and moderate Republicans would still have to work harder to be elected in the future.
The nonpartisan Johnson County Commission hasn’t moved as far right when it comes to spending cuts. Neither have most city governments. Still, Commission Chairman Ed Eilert is less progressive and champions a less-expansive budget than former chair Annabeth Surbaugh, whom he beat in 2010.
Looking to the future, Yoder says don’t worry: Brownback and the Legislature won’t crash the Kansas or Johnson County economies. Businesses will continue to come to the county as state income tax cuts are phased in.
Yoder’s biggest critics may see that view as delusional. But the evidence shows that Johnson County for now is in the grips — or the loving embrace — of conservative politicians.
To reach Yael T. Abouhalkah, call 816-234-4887 or email abouhalkah@kcstar.com. He blogs at voices.kansascity.com and appears on “Ruckus” at 7 tonight on KCPT. Twitter @YaelTAbouhalkah
Robert Copher
4 months agoJohnson County has always had money. Lots of money. At one time I was told it was the richest county/per capita in the nation. Rich, selfish, nacisists will always vote GOP. My explanation is more simple and probably more accurate. As long as they can keep themself isolated they will keep on keepin on and to h&*l with everyone else.
Linda Copeland
4 months agoIt is really very simple. Conservatives SHOW UP, especially at the caucuses and primary elections. We are a reliable source of votes, so conservative candidates feel comfortable running.
I am continually amazed that the “moderates” complain about the “mean old right wingers”, but they don’t vote and don’t show up.
George Hunsucker
Northland
4 months agoYT,s jealousy of JoCo showing again……
Phil Cardarella
4 months agoLinda is right.
If only 20% of voters vote in a primary, then 10.1% (at most) are the minimum needed to decide the candidate.
If — as in 2012 — the top of the ticket does not waste any valuable time or money on campaigning, or even field a congressional candidate, a guy can literally run naked through the Holy Land and still get elected.
Someone once wrote that half of life is just showing up. Sometimes ALL of politics is showing up — either with a vote or a check. The moderate Republicans in Johnson County are getting the government they deserve. In fact, every one of them who did NOT show up for the Primary really voted for the rightwingnut by doing so. Unfortunately, everyone else has to suffer for it, too.
Johnson County is famous for its school system. They elected a SHERIFF who doesn’t think crazy guys shouldn’t be able to get the means of murdering a score of children without having to reload. DUH!
JR Beillenhouser
3 months, 4 weeks agoYael, Phil, Robert, all progressives don’t get it, they never will. Liberal strongholds such as KC, MO are collapsing. Conservative areas such as OP continue to expand. I wonder why??
Phil Cardarella
3 months, 4 weeks agoHistorically, we used to divide the GOP into the Crazies and the Lazies — rightwingnuts and moderates. The Crazies were intense, but broke. The Country Club moderates controlled the purse-strings.
Then came the Revolution! The Crazies got money from the Rich Rightwingnuts. They began to understand that if they could just get that nomination process, they could gain control.
Interestingly enough, places like OP continue to expand because of their schools — something the Crazies are really loathe to pay for.
Robert Copher
3 months, 4 weeks agoLinda and JR. Who is in the White House? Dems don’t show up to vote? GOP candidates have just been better at hiding their true agenda and fooling their constituants to vote for them. Plus rich white folk are so selfish and scared for their money. That gets them out to vote. Time will tell. Brownback re-election is in seious jeopardy, IMO. I can only hope. No longer a KS resident, I breathe a sigh that I got out of that State.
Kent Mueller
3 months, 4 weeks agoRobert, you said rich, selfish narcissist will always vote GOP. Please explain where you got that? I’m laughing really hard…….. I had no idea Michael Moore is a Republican. Or, Obama, for that matter. Puh-leez, Robert, Puh-leez.