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Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach yesterday helped his fellow Republicans by preventing a Democrat from pulling his name off the U.S. Senate ballot.

It was the latest development in the re-election bid of incumbent Republican Senator Pat Roberts, who already has faced controversy over his questionable Kansas residency, and a serious Tea Party primary challenge. Its playing out in a state that tilts so far their way that Republicans shouldnt have to worry about it.

Former Democratic Senate candidate Chad Taylor learned that its not that easy to get your name off the ballot, at least in Kobachs Kansas. The secretarys ruling found that Taylor, a district attorney who had struggled to raise money for his race, didnt comply with state law when he withdrew from the race on Sept. 3 without explanation.

His sudden departure had drawn suspicion from Republicans that he was trying to boost independent candidate and businessman Greg Ormans chances of defeating Roberts by making it a one-on-one race.

Mr. Taylor did not declare that he is incapable of fulfilling the duties of U.S. Senator, if elected, the states top election official said in a statement. Therefore, Mr. Taylors name will appear on the ballot for the office of United States senator for the Nov. 4 general election.

The Roberts campaign was more explicit, calling Taylors withdrawal a corrupt bargain between Democratic leaders and Orman, according to the Associated Press.

Taylor, in a statement, said he planned to challenge the ruling and noted that Kobach serves on Pat Roberts honorary committee, a reference to the incumbents campaign.

He contacted the secretary of states office to inquire about the steps needed to terminate his candidacy and withdraw his name from the ballot and said he was provided explicit instructions as to the information required in the letter to remove my name.

When he submitted the letter, Taylor said he asked if it had all the information necessary to remove his name from the ballot and was told that it did. My candidacy in this race was terminated, he said.

The Kansas race has emerged as a wild card in the fight for control of the Senate, a battle where Republicans need a net gain of six seats to win the chamber.

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Kansas Republicans Block Democrat From Exiting Senate Bid