Apparently they're taking it out on Gov. Brownback too.. he's behind by a chunk of pts. as well. I'm thinking this purported "GOP wave" is more a show of anger at incumbents in general.
With Brownback it's deficits and education cuts. His plan on cutting taxes, while it may pay off in the long run, is causing short term pains because revenues aren't meeting expectations and the budget is out of balance. Since education is the biggest single line item in the budget it tends to take the hit. That's not popular with the Soccer Moms.