Johnson County district attorney race tests religious right

To no one's surprise, Phill Kline has already picked up two opponents in the race for Johnson County district attorney.

We've got one Republican --Steve Howe, one of seven assistant district attorneys fired in January by Kline -- and one Republican turned Democrat -- former assistant district attorney Rick Guinn.

This will be an interesting race to watch. It will not only determine the future of law enforcement in the county, but will be a good gauge of the strength of the religious right.

The far right forced Kline into office in a Republican precinct committee vote. If moderates can't boot him out in 2008, then I doubt if there is much hope that moderate Republicans and Democrats can retake their county anytime soon.

Stay tuned.