While Laura Kelly was celebrating her win in Topeka, across the city a much darker storyline was taking place. While Laura Kelly called for civility in the Ramada, Kobach supporter, and machine-gun jeep owner Don Erbert had another message all about the death of the Democratic Governor Elect, as covered by the Topeka Capital-Journal:
The popular songs that blared throughout the first two hours of the event were silenced as Erbert addressed Republican supporters. The Iola resident belted out the chorus to “American Pie,” concluding with a slight revision: “This will be the day that Laura Kelly dies.”
He also asked if anyone wanted to hear some Tom Jones, then performed a few lines from the Cole Porter-penned “Delilah.”
“She stood there laughing,” Erbert sang. “I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more.”
Troubling isn’t just the phrases — the audience laughs, and hoots as a performer jests about the death of Laura Kelly.
Jim Joice, director of the Kansas Republican party said that Erbert took over the microphone unwanted, and was unwelcome to the stage.. still, he was able to stay on stage sing and perform for several minutes without being pulled down after making his comments.
Gov Elect Kelly again reiterated today her desire to work openly to build a better Kansas. Showing once again, that a calm, rationed leader is what Kansas truly needed.