Differences between Moran and Tiahrt
Several readers have been wondering
about how the current race for U.S. Senate will shake out. What separates these candidates? There are few policy differences between Congressmen Jerry
Moran and Todd Tiahrt - both of whom are fiscal and social conservatives.
After listening to several GOP operatives across Kansas, this is what SRK is hearing about the differences between Moran and Tiahrt.
Tiahrt - More of a Fighter
Todd Tiahrt is labeling himself as a proven fighter against Obama, Sebelius and Pelosi. His official office has released numerous press releases highlighting his firm opposition to Democrat beliefs and proposals.
At the same time, Tiahrt has
written fundraising letters claiming that he will not run or hide from a tough challenge,
while strongly inferring that his opponent will. Therefore, look for Tiahrt to take shots at Jerry Moran for going back and forth on the 2006 Governor’s race.
Illegal Immigration
Several conservative
activists have highlighted their displeasure with Todd Tiahrt’s stance on
immigration. Tiahrt
is a co-sponsor and supporter of the DREAM act, which allows states to
provide amnesty and in-state tuition to children of illegal aliens. Tiahrt
also has some low ratings from anti-amnesty groups.
Moran has record of voting
against amnesty and benefits for illegal aliens.
As things go forward, immigration could be an area of disagreement throughout the campaign.
SCHIP
Tiahrt voted against the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), highlighting the proposal as a massive spending increase backed by Democrats. The latest SCHIP bill also has a 1-cent cigarette tax increase in it, which Tiahrt voiced displeasure over.
Moran
voted for SCHIP, stating that it will help children in need by providing
them with taxpayer-funded private insurance.
Moran’s vote on SCHIP could draw
an attack from the right, but also could provide cover from the National
Democrat attacks. For example, 2008 3rd
Congressional District Candidate Nick Jordan faced a week of attack ads on SCHIP
by Democrat Dennis Moore.
Look for more sparring on SCHIP between Tiahrt and Moran.
Earmarks
Tiahrt sits on the
appropriations committee and is a strong supporter of earmarks. His district strongly benefits from his slot
on appropriations. That’s
probably why Tiahrt opposed attempts by several House Republicans push for an
earmark moratorium.
Moran introduced legislation with Rep. Jeff Flake that provides a moratorium on earmarks. Moran has gotten financial support from well-known earmark reformers like Sen. Tom Coburn.
Also, early in the campaign
there is a dust-up
between Moran and Tiahrt over contributions from a Washington-DC PAC that
specialized in defense earmarks.
The Bottom Line
At this point in time, it
seems like there are few major policy differences between the two
candidates. However, as the campaign
drags on, expect a sharp contrast on style and a handful of votes. Regardless of how the primary turns out, SRK
believes both Tiahrt and Moran would be a solid, conservative Senator that will
unify the party in November. Meanwhile, the Democrats continue to struggle for a candidate. Think positive Dems, perhaps Lee Jones could break the 35% barrier after all.
As a conservative, I will be voting for Moran.
I have been very disappointed with Tiahrt's policy positions on immigration. He talks like a conservative, but he is pro-amnesty and pro-open borders.
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I'm not sure what I'm doing in this race yet. Moran and Tiahrt are pretty much the same person. Moran has more money and seems to be better known. I think Tiahrt should drop out so we get this Senate seat sown up and then we can focus on more competitive states.
Also, isn't the 4th district a swing district? If Tiahrt runs for Senate, then the 4th District could be vulnerable to a Democrat.
Just my thoughts.
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I think it is good for Republicans that Tiahrt is talking a pro-reform position on immigration. By supporting guest-worker programs and rational policies that are appealing to undocumented workers, the GOP can win over those voters.
Republicans need to reach out more on immigration. Good for Tiahrt. The Dream Act is a good step for Republicans to reach out and win over Hispanic Voters.
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This website might as well be named the "Moran for Senate" site. What a ridiculous bunch of bias! And how clever to co-opt Todd's trademark "Keeping Kansas Red" phrase. Interesting that no mention was made of the obvious difference between the candidates on the life issue. And the author/propagandist has taken extreme liberty with the other issues/positions mentioned. Moran may have more money at the moment because he started running for Senate before he was even re-elected to his House seat! Tiahrt and Moran are NOT the same person (as mentioned in one of the comment entries) though Moran's camp hopes to perpetuate that myth. Todd DOES fight for his district and for our solid Kansas values of sanctity of life, free enterprise, and limited government. He doesn't flap in the wind based on the audience or focus groups. He is a highly effective Congressman who is busy doing the heavy lifting in DC for his state and district. He will be an EXCELLENT Senator!
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What? Difference between Morand and Tiarht on pro-life? Moran and Tiahrt are both pro-life. They are both fairly conservative. Kansas Kay is the one who is biased.
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I think this article is biased towards Tiahrt. They are taking a cheap shot at Moran for considering the Governor's race in 2006. Moran was the only candidate who considered taking on Sebelius.
Tiahrt never seriously considering taking her on. Who is he to blame Moran? At least Moran looked into taking her on.
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The SCHIP bill is awful, through and through. Go check with someone you know who employs people, especially someone west of Topeka, and, like me, you may begin to re-think "no amnesty, no way". Add to that the unpopularity of that joke of a governor and which Congressman has been willing to call her on each stupid move.
Very persuasive for Tiahrt.
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So Tiahrt voted to allow AIG to spend MY MONEY on bonuses. Score one against Tiahrt in my book.
Good for moran. I'm a conservative who actually cares about how my taxpayer funds are spent.
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Im a Moran voter, but the AIG bonus tax is a bonehead move. Populist nonsense. Proof government shouldn't own businesses. We have bankruptcy for a reason. If the little guy is forced into it, so should the big guys be. We're living in the era of Moral Hazard.
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Both are no better than Bush on gov't spending. I wish we had a real economic conservative in the race.
No matter their votes on SCHIP, NCLB, AIG, they both vote 95% of the time with Bush.
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There have been rumblings about another candidate getting into the first district house race. anyone know any details?
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There have been rumblings about another candidate getting into the first district congressional race. anyone know any details?
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I wonder if this is the same guy I heard Tom Hemmer and some of the other Moran alumni are excited about.
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Who is Tom Hemmer?
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Tom is Jerry Moran's first Chief of Staff and is a business owner out of Salina.
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That 90% bogus bonus bill was Moran's way of telling us that he doesn't have the sense to be a Senator, let along a Rep. Very cheesy, chicken vote.
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It sounds like Barnett is gaining a lot of support in the Garden-Dodge-Liberal area. I heard he's going to be in the area next week. That's a strong sign since his home base is on the other side of the district.
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