Tiahrt preparing for Senate race in Kansas

[proud2BlibKansan]

TOPEKA | Rep. Todd Tiahrt is laying the groundwork for a Senate campaign and says he's "very serious about doing this."

Tiahrt told The Associated Press that he's been traveling the state and making numerous phone calls about a Senate bid in 2010.

He says he has received a lot of support and plans to make an announcement soon about a steering committee.

He would be seeking the seat now held by Sam Brownback, a fellow Republican who is widely expected to run for governor in 2010. Rep. Jerry Moran, also a Republican, has announced plans to run for the Senate.

Tiahrt represents the 4th District of south-central Kansas. Moran represents the 1st District of western and central Kansas.

Tiahrt was first elected to the House in 1994.

http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/902525.html

[Big Unit]

1. NE KAnsas Most Important

After winning re-election with 65% of the vote in an anti-Bush, anti-Republican year, Tiahrt will be thinking that he will have strength in this contested Republican primary in a major metro area, whereas Moran's support will be in western Kansas where population trends are declining, and minority populations - perhaps Democratic Party leaning voters - are increasing.

I am not certain that Tiahrt's support in Wichita against left-wing Democrats will necessarily translate into a contested primary with a well-known moderate like Moran. But I think the real question is how Tiahrt vs. Moran would come out in NE Kansas.

[beyurslf]

2. Good. That opens the 4th Seat for us to take back. I hope Sebelius runs for the Seat.

She will beat either of them for the Senate.

[kansasndem]

3. sebelius

I have heard that Sebelius might be more interested in the KU chanselor job than the senate. Although, I hope not.