The Kansas Republican Party is sending out mailers in legislative races depicting explosions and Islamic State fighters.

The move comes as GOP candidates face a backlash against Gov. Sam Brownback over the state’s budget problems.

One mailing to homes in Republican state Rep. Joseph Scapa’s district in Wichita shows an Islamic State fighter holding a machine gun with a message that reads: “Have you met the new neighbors?” It touts Scapa as a supporter of funding for law enforcement to help deal with threats.

But critics said Friday that the mailer was anti-Muslim.

Kansas GOP Executive Director Clay Barker confirmed that similar mailings have been sent across the state. He said internal polling showed that security is a good issue for Republicans.

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Associated Press information from: The Wichita Eagle