I haven’t expressed a strong preference for either candidate, and her endorsement doesn’t change it that much. If Tiahrt is worse on border security, I don’t find that to make him a better candidate. My sole irritation with Moran is that he should’ve run 8 years ago and stopped Gilligan-Sebelius from being Governor, as he was apparently the one candidate that could unite the Conservative and liberal RINO wings of the KS GOP. KS might’ve been better off for it, and he would then be running for the Senate after the completion of those two terms, for which we could’ve judged his performance in Topeka as to his being deserving (or not) for being sent back to DC.
I think your badly overstating his state-wide influence back then. He was in his third term and not well known outside of the 1st District. Tiahrt had been in office a term longer and was better known. Besides, Shallenburger had won statewide office 4 years before with 62% of the vote and seemed to be a good candidate for governor. Who knew he'd run such a lousy campaign?
Moran is the better candidate, he will make the better nominee, and will make a great Senator for Kansas. Palin's opinions in the matter notwithstanding.