Right for the job

Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt have begun to battle it out for a U.S. Senate seat.

Sen. Sam Brownback was quoted this week as saying that Jerry and Todd differ in style. It is apparent they do. One is a native Kansan, who possesses class, integrity, civility and a work ethic that is second to none. The other is full of five-point plans and attacking, negative statements, even after both agreed that this would be a respectful race.

There is one true Kansas statesman in this race, Jerry Moran. For the past 14 years, Jerry has served the people of the First District with unwavering conviction, taking their voice to Washington and doing what is right. We couldn't have asked for a greater leader.

Best of luck to whoever fills his First District seat. Jerry's shoes will be tough to fill, but so were those of Bob Dole and Pat Roberts.

Jerry has made the trek home to Kansas -- Washington to Hays -- all but a handful of weekends during his 14 years in Congress.

And not because he has to. He comes home because he cares. Every year, Jerry holds town hall meetings in each of his 69 counties. Among other members of Congress, this is unheard of.

When he was first elected in 1996, he and his wife, Robba, decided to remain in Hays.

They wanted to raise their young daughters the same way they were raised, with a Midwestern work ethic and a desire to serve Kansas.

The same cannot be said of Todd Tiahrt. Born, raised and educated in South Dakota, Todd has found himself right at home in Washington since he was first elected to Congress. He and his family made the move to D.C., and it is apparent they are there for the long haul.

When Jerry recently described his ability to stay grounded because of his family's decision to live in Kansas, Todd -- becoming desperate -- complained to reporters that Jerry was attacking his family. Who knew it was a personal attack to say "We never moved to Washington, D.C."?

Not only does Todd physically reside in Washington, the city has taken its toll on his values as well. The Office of Congressional Ethics smells something fishy with the fact that Tiahrt secured  $7 million in earmarks  for clients of a lobbying firm that gave him $20,000 in campaign contributions. We smell something fishy, too. He is already looking to be in ethical trouble, and he's not even a senator yet. Is this really the man we want representing us?

It is up to us to make certain that we keep traditional values, hard work and integrity in our elected officials.

Jerry, your class is shining through, and you will be the next senator from Kansas, because you're in this for the right reasons. We are behind you and ready to work for you.

Randy and Jane Harder

Haven