For all those in the 2nd district who helped elect new representation:

Republicans think that Congresswoman Nancy Boyda is renouncing her "independent campaign" by accepting help from big-time Washington Democrats. But voters in the 2nd District need to stay focused on Boyda's actions and message. Boyda has continued to spend her time and energy in her district, which is the most important thing to keep in mind.

The fact that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is coming to Kansas this week to campaign for Boyda may come as a surprise to some people. But the fact that Boyda is welcoming her here should not. Boyda has been under attack from day one by Republican groups from across the nation. These organizations have much more cash to throw around than the grass-roots campaign that Boyda used to get elected in the first place. Using Pelosi's star power to help raise funds could simply be looked at as fighting fire with fire. It shouldn't be looked at as Boyda losing her independent streak. She is simply using the resources available to her.

When Boyda said she wanted to run an "independent campaign" she was referring to the Democratic Congressional Committee's Frontline Program. This program provides fundraising and campaign support to candidates who are willing to adopt their message. Boyda rejected this support in favor of sticking with the issues that are important to voters in the 2nd District. Boyda has stuck by that promise and the fact that Pelosi is making an appearance at a campaign stop hasn't changed that.

The only concern about bringing in Pelosi is that she could be abrasive to the mostly conservative Democrats who reside in Kansas. Boyda spokesman Thomas Seay said it is more about what Boyda is voting for rather than whom she is voting with. And make no mistake about it; having Pelosi show up at an event in Kansas will garner Boyda great publicity.

With all the high-powered groups coming after Boyda it should come as no surprise to see her fight back with something like the Pelosi visit. And as long as Boyda stays true to message and the voters of the 2nd District, it doesn't mean she has given up on her independent campaign.

- Darren Werth

Editor and publisher, Parsons Sun