Lost in the argument over Joe Biden’s ridiculous, unnecessary vaccine mandate is the fact that it’s not just those on the right who are objecting. Across the country, there is a wide swath of people who believe vaccination for COVID-19 should remain voluntary. That is being illustrated by the Democrat governor of Kansas, who today announced that she is opposed to Biden’s maneuver.

BREAKING: Kansas governor comes out against Biden administration's federal vaccine mandate for large companies. https://t.co/TKe8AUNPVM pic.twitter.com/FVnNDb11f8

— KCTV5 News (@KCTV5) November 5, 2021

“Yesterday, I reviewed the new vaccine mandate from the Biden Administration. While I appreciate the intention to keep people safe, a goal I share, I don’t believe this directive is the correct, or the most effective, solution for Kansas.

“States have been leading the fight against COVID-19 from the start of the pandemic. It is too late to impose a federal standard now that we have already developed systems and strategies that are tailored for our specific needs. I will seek a resolution that continues to recognize the uniqueness of our state and builds on our on-going efforts to combat a once-in-a-century crisis.”

It sure sounds like she’s going to file a lawsuit given her proclamation that she will seek a resolution that upholds the rights of her state. If she does, she’s been entering a playing field loaded with Republican governors and attorneys general.

Of course, there’s politics involved here. Laura Kelly is facing a tough re-election battle next year in a state that simply does not favor her party. Kansas, like Kentucky electing Andy Beshear, elected Kelly in 2018  during a terrible election for Republicans. That dynamic is obviously gone, with all signs pointing toward a red wave in 2022. Kelly knows that she has to do everything she can to appear “moderate” if she’s to have any shot at re-election. Even then, the odds are long for her.

Still, any ally against Biden’s unconstitutional mandate is an ally worth having at this point. Kelly adds a touch of bi-partisan flair to the effort and shuts down the White House talking point that only radical right-wingers oppose mandates.

The country is currently staring at an absolute disaster if Biden’s mandate is allowed to stand. Millions could be forced out of work during a time when the supply chain crisis is already crushing middle-class America. The administration has to be stopped, and the regulation not going into effect until January offers time to get lawsuits filed and hopefully prevent it from even beginning. Kelly’s support is welcome in the fight. But Republicans in Kansas should probably remember she likely has other motivations when it comes time to vote next year.