Give Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., credit. Unlike many members of Congress, he tries hard to be consistent in his politics, extending his “compassionate conservative” philosophy beyond a few hot-button social issues, as the Q&A on today’s Opinion pages (and related online video excerpts) show. But that philosophy also puts him at odds sometimes with traditional conservative principles of limited government and local control. And his consistency falters when it comes to opposing the destruction of embryos by researchers but not by fertility clinics. Still, he has shown considerable political courage in calling for a comprehensive immigration reform bill and in his opposition to the death penalty except in rare circumstances — stances that are at odds with many conservatives and have hurt his presidential prospects.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
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11 Comments
I’m reading a book that says that Conservative Republicans and (Union) Democrats will align together, since they are the same.
Business Republicans and Social Liberals will align together.
So these leftist on these blogs. Brownback is your man. :) Time to support him.
I would like to know why Sam Brownback converted to Catholicism and the rest of his family did not. Was that just to get the Catholic vote? I wish the Religious Right would back him and then set up their own little Jesus Land somewhere in the middle of no-man’s land.
Wichita Eagle PLEASE, Brownback doesnt have a chance in 08 and you know it.
He didnt have a chance win when the thought first came to his head!!!
CR they are trying. They even have a name for their plot of land they plan to take, it’s called Kansas.
As a long-time moderate Kansas Republican, I think its time for Brownback to move along and let a Kansan who is motivated to solve Kansas problems have a shot at that million dollar U.S. Senator’s salary (with perks and snacks) for a term or two. Sam Brownback would be better suited as a preacher in a church — for example, Immanual Baptist Church or similar church in Washington DC. Of course, those congregations might not want a Catholic in that position. Oh well, perhaps Phill Kline or Bob Corkins will be available.
When it comes to tax cuts for the rich Brownback is compassionate. When it comes to helping those in poverty Brownback is conservative. That way he never sees a conflict.
Brownie and Tanker Todd, our lovable labeled, should parnd’r up and run for the White House. Has that ever happened, one state’s politico’s tried?
Why not, aren’t they both rubber stamp conservatives, loyal to their party without dispute.
I wish they would try becuase their time in office is tired and become self serving actions more than changing society they represent.
Who cares a Senator sits head of a commission then focuses on what HE finds unreasonable than a ground swell of protest to fuel that focus.
They have done their conservative duty long enough. Helped pass bad Bush budget spending. Shouldn’t pride in their beliefs, be put on the line to prove themselves in a national vote.
Either one can consider running for Kansas Gov in the future if their bid for the White House failed. Pass the terms between themselves in years ahead.
Surely red Kansans will rubber stamp their time in Topeka.
It’s up to Kansans who don’t agree to challenge their lifestyle in Congress, its not supposed to be a forever job. They have perks for rest of their lives enough already.
Reading Sam’s column and putting it togeter with his efforts in Darfur and elsewhere – I must respect him for having consistent beliefs. I honestly believe that he is doing what he believes is right – and in many cases this has burned his ‘core constituency’. I definitely respect Brownback more than I do KS other Senator.
Isn’t he up for re-election this go around? Can’t we find someone to write in against him…anybody…I’m going to just start throwing names out there even if they don’t want to run. Brownback wouldn’t know the right thing if it hit him square in the head. All he is about is pushing a religious agenda no matter what.
How about we all write in Phillip Brownlee?
I would favor somebody like Bob Knight!! Former Mayor of Wichita. Or a Progressive candidate from Johnson County.
What about ol Bob Getz!!! He was a fair-minded guy. I miss reading his columns. Whatever happend to him? Is his health doing any better.
Senator Brownback is wrong on the immigration issue. We tried his way with the Simpson Mizzoli bill in 1986. The enforcement side of the legislation was never implemented. This time around show me the money first. It is not that difficult, enforce existing law and we wouldn’t be in this position. If 911 taught us anything it is all law enforcement must work together, federal, state, and local, the same goes for elected officials. Enforcement first is the only way to gurantee the problem will be solved. Even if Senator Kennedys bill were passed people would have to be deported if they did not follow the rules of the legislation. American citizens have their doors broken down every day and their freedom denied if the police have probable cause that they have broken the law. Why should illegal aliens be given a break that the rest of us do not recieve.