Last week we asked you to help us extend our reach, to meet new people, reasonable voters and concerned non-voters alike. Half of voting Kansans chose against extremism in this past election, and we'd like to meet them.

Here is video of our recent forum, "Kansas Politics in 2015: Insights after the election."

It may seem that we don't have much to give thanks for, in the wake of the election. But in the spirit of getting over it, we present the Lesser Prairie Chickens:

In the aftermath of the election, we've heard plenty of people bemoan that moderates do too much talking, and not enough acting. At our forum this week (lots of talking!), the audience asked what was going to happen now? There were lots of predictions (talk, talk, talk) about the budget, about the doom of rural Kansas, about the urban areas sliding after it down the Governor's glide path to zero. After the forum, some members of MainStream convened again to talk (!) and plan.

First of all, thank you to all our members and supporters for your work, your energy, your donations and yes, your votes. The election did not turn out the way many of us hoped it would. It has been a bad couple of days, and in the end, there is no way to soften the blow. We lost.

This is a guest post by MainStream Board Member Sheryl Spalding.

While the outcome of election night, statewide and nationally, was not what we were hoping for, there are a few bright spots. 

One of the political activist's favorite tropes is to cry the sky is falling. No other election has ever been as important as this one! Do you know what dire things will fall on us if you don't vote? Your children! Your grandchildren! Your parents! Your pocketbook!

But the truth is that every election is as important as this one. And every election is important.

The MainStream Coalition is in the business of educating and promoting moderate political positions and values, yes, but you are the one who has to choose for whom to cast your vote. We can try to convince you of the importance of our positions, and tell you who supports them and who does not. But we can't tell you who to vote for.

Today, October 14, is the last day to register in Kansas for the Nov. 4 general election. Our hunch is, if you're reading this, you're already registered.

But if you are not registered: GET OFF THIS SCREEN AND FILL OUT A VOTER REGISTRATION FORM! Do it online right now! Be sure to follow the instructions. 

What issue makes you vote? It doesn't matter if it's a basic right you see curtailed, opportunities limited to the few, or a ridiculously selfish stance by the extremists. Something makes you sit up. Something makes you get out to vote.