I lived and practiced law in JoCo for nine years but I never got very involved in local politics. You two seem to have some inside information, so I will ask you the question I've been mulling ever since this scandal broke:
What is the source of Morrison's hatred of Kline? It has to be more than differences in political views or even Morrison's ambition. It's clearly personal, but I don't know why. What do you think?
I'm think a lot of it goes back to the fundimental split in the Kansas GOP. I've met both men and while Phill and Morrison were on speaking terms there wasn't a lot of respect for the other, at least on Morrison's side. But I don't think it was personal until the election. I know Morrison thought that Phill's dredging up that old harrassment charge was uncalled for, and now we know why he was so upset about it. And then when Phill got appointed to Morrison's old job and cleaned house, firing a lot of people that Morrison had recruited, then I think the hatred really began. I don't think Morrison ran against Phill because of some sort of grudge. Morrison switched parties and ran against Phill because he is, or rather was, an ambitious man. He wouldn't have been satisfied with AG and may well have planned on running for Congress in the 3rd District when Moore retires, or governor after Parkinson.
And let's be clear on Morrison's replacement. If Chris Biggs clears the background investigation that's going on right now then he'll be appointed AG. And the main reason won't be because he's the most qualified, though he certainly is an experienced prosecutor. It'll be because the Dems want to spit in Phill's eye and appoint the man he defeated to the job he formerly had. Which is the same reason why Phill wound up in Morrison's old job. It's all gotten rather petty.