Posted on 03/16/2009 9:15:46 AM PDT by ksgopconservative
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.
Moran comes from Hays, the western Kansas liberal stronghold. Jerry didnt have balls enough to build a successful law practice there, so he ran for political office. His pretty wife Robba would make a far better decision maker than he, she is also an attorney. Jerry has to pander to the local libs to keep his reelection hopes high.
Tiahart would likely make a better choice. Moran has his eye on the Governors chair, remember that. He would be a better choice than a Democrat, but a good conservative would make the best choice.
Moran does not want the grass roots to be strong.
Moran wants to call the shots, and then go golf at the Country Club.
I am the person most responsible for recruiting the precinct people, or training others to recruit the precinct people, who kicked the George Tiller buddies OUT of the Kansas Republican Party in the precinct races.
Moran usually votes the right way, but Moran has always been allied with Mike Hayden, Bill Graves and the most obnoxious RINO wing in Kansas.
Moran gave his “leadership” vote to the libs and moderates, and they returned the favor by letting Moran vote the way he wanted to vote, on everything else.
Moran is an Obama suck up:
Moran: Obama “easier” to work with than Bush
http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/0209/Moran_Obama_easier_to_wrk_with_than_Bush.html
Kansas 58 - i totally disagree with you on the DREAM act. The DREAM act allows in-state tuition and amnesty for Illegal aliens. This is a terrible policy that rewards illegal immigration.
I don’t like the fact that Tiahrt supports the DREAM Act.
After 5 years in the country?
After proof that they were minors when they came here, and had no control over the situation?
Also, I strongly support the military service route, to Citizenship.
Have you ever looked at the Vietnam Memorial?
Notice all of the Hispanic names?
Todd Tiahrt, definitely. He’s one of our own.
“Todd Tiahrt, definitely. He’s one of our own.”
Please note that I am pointedly NOT choosing sides with the RINOs, nor giving in to RINO threats, as some conservatives have done in KS-03 races. If Moran was not a conservative, I wouldn’t think twice about supporting his conservative challenger and taking my chances in the general. But with Moran being a solid, albeit not perfect, conservative, I think I’d rather have Moran as our Senate nominee and have Tiahrt stay in the House.
(And, no, I don’t think that this is inconsistent with my support for Herman Cain over Johnny Isakson in the 2004 GA Senate race, since Isakson had a liberal position on a central part of the conservative message (the right to life) and since Cain’s general-election prospects were just as good as Isakson’s.)
I’m very concerned myself if Tiahrt tried to get to the left of Moran on the illegals issue. That issue has real relevance with me. That alone would have me endorse Moran.
You make a good point. One question:
Is Tiahrt better on the issues than Moran? Moran is against amnesty but Tiahrt is for amnesty because of the DREAM act, which is not conservative at all. And Tiahrt is going against the house conservatives who want to limit earmarks.
Moran also voted against NCLB and Medicare Part D. That is a big plus for me. Stopping big government before it starts.
I remember Moran was gonna run for Governor in ‘02 with the support of both wings of the party which would have spared Kansas Ms. Gilligan but after 911 he decided to stay in Congress.
Doesn’t her joining Barry’s brigade mean she’s not running? And I think Moore already said he’s running for reelection.
Tihart is favorable to amnesty? This is the first I’ve heard of that.
If anything it's an indication she is. Being HHS secretary for a year or so will get her out of state for the next two budgetary train wrecks.
Further, it is wrong to state that the Dream Act is an “Amnesty Bill” as some have stated here.
I think that the conservative position is to stand against open borders and to demand that Citizenship is earned. A big part of the Dream Act is that is grants Citizenship based on military service. I think this is more than justified.
Also, those of you who have bashed Brownback, since Brownback has not spoken against Sebelius for HHS (I understand his position, Brownback wants Seb. OUT of Kansas, and Brownback wants the “moderate” and RINO vote)???
Anyway: Tiahrt just came out against the Sebelius HHS appointment! No, he does not have a vote on the matter, YET, but he is running for Senate.
Ask Moran how he would vote, would you? I can nearly guarantee that Moran would vote to confirm Sebelious!
Moran does not help build or grow the conservative movement.
Moran has fought the conservative take over of the Kansas Republican Party.
Moran was buddies with Bill Graves and Mike Hayden.
Moran is NOT “one of us” in any sense of the word!
Tiahrt supports the coal fired plant that Sebelius has fought and vetoed in the past:
Tiahrt and Roberts are FIGHTING for Wichita.
Obama wants to put off the replacement of aging tanker aircraft.
Obama wastes money on roads to nowhere, while Tiahrt tries to promote manufacturing jobs.
Obama does not care about the safety of our troops, who are using very old equipment.
Tiahrt is fighting to modernize our fleet!
I don't see how you don't see. Nothing prevents it and it makes perfect sense from Sebelius's point of view.
Ask Moran how he would vote, would you? I can nearly guarantee that Moran would vote to confirm Sebelious.
Just like you can nearly guarantee that Sebelius won't run? We'll see if you're right or not.
“Neither one. The republican party has been infected with rinos. It must die.”
Right. In a way both were lock stock and barrel with Bush until they saw the writing on the wall and then they opposed him.
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