Just yesterday, Rep. Tiahrt announced he's been endorsed by 23 Kansas state legislators in his primary struggle against Moran. All 23 of these endorsements come from within Tiahrt's district, the fourth Congressional District of Kansas. On the same day of Tiahrt's announcement, Rep. Moran and Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), held Moran's 894th Town Hall meeting in Wichita; which is right in Rep. Tiahrt's backyard. Coburn, one of only two doctors in the United States Senate, has endorsed Moran.
Tiahrt's recent endorsements should prove a positive for his campaign, as his previous endorsements include former AG John Ashcroft, former Education Secretary Bill Bennett, former Senator Rick Santorum and Former Rep. Jim Ryun, among others.
Moran's endorsements include U.S. Sens John Thune (R-SD), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Jim DeMint (R-OK), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Richard Burr (R-NC), along with Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ). Some may view Moran's endorsements as more relevant, considering he's received more support from members of the U.S. Senate whom currently hold office and will be working alongside Rep. Moran should he take over Brownback's seat. Moran has been toted as the more "fiscally conservative" candidate, while Tiahrt has pushed the socially conservative card, namely the issue of life. In reality, both candidates are pro-gun, pro-life and anti-socialized health care. When surveyed by conservative coalitions such as The American Conservative Union and The Family Research Council, the two Republicans from Kansas are neck and neck.
Final Note: With less than five months until the two conservative Congressman duke it out in the August primary, I anticipate several more endorsements from each side. Moran can expect to receive a similar package of nods from Kansas State Representatives and Senators from the First Congressional District, while a handful of current U.S. Representative and Senators would help to boost Tiahrt's playbook. If these endorsements were the sole predictor of voter turnout, at this stage in the game, the two may need to go into overtime.
