It’s been a topsy-turvy year so far for Kansas anti-abortion activists. Their efforts to prevent Governor Kathleen Sebelius from becoming HHS Secretary fell short (she’s expected to be confirmed by the Senate Finance Committee tomorrow). But that also means the woman they describe as “the most pro-abortion governor” is no longer in a position to block legislation that restricts abortion. But now they have to contend with her replacement, Democratic Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson.
Anti-abortion groups in Kansas aren’t yet sure what to make of Parkinson, but they’re worried that he too will be insufficiently supportive of their concerns. Once you’ve already used “most pro-abortion governor” epithet, however, you can’t really recycle it. What label falls short of that ultimate threat but still keeps social conservatives on alert? Ladies and gentleman, introducing the newest governor of Kansas: Mark “moderately radical” Parkinson.