That Sen. Pat Roberts, a Republican from Dodge City, has helped secure many projects and programs for Kansas is without question. Whether as a senator for the past 12 years or as a representative for 16 years before that, Roberts has mastered the art of bringing federal funding back to the Sunflower State.

Our state's military, schools, governmental bodies, private industry and residents all have enjoyed the bounty Roberts has fought for and won.

But there has been a price to pay for all the pork-barrel success. Namely, when Roberts first took office 28 years ago the nation's debt stood at approximately $1 trillion. Today it's $10.5 trillion -- with the sharpest increase during the Bush administration's reign -- and growing every day. Roberts did not create that amount by himself, but he did contribute to its staggering growth.

Roberts also has been a staunch supporter of the president's war against terrorism. And while veterans are receiving better care thanks to the former Marine's efforts, he has not led any charge to bring our troops out of Iraq. Nor has he stopped the executive branch's usurpation of legislative and judicial powers or put the brakes on private citizens losing their constitutionally guaranteed liberties.

This is not a "throw the bums out" campaign we're hitching the wagon to. We thank Sen. Roberts for a distinguished, honorable and productive career in public service.

But it is time for a change -- both in Kansas and in Washington, D.C. The country is a mess right now.

Democrat Jim Slattery represents a fresh start. The former U.S. representative and lobbyist is familiar with the inner workings of the nation's capital, but is not responsible for the current state of affairs. While in the House, the Atchison County native helped reduce wasteful government spending. Slattery also promoted rural health care, the environment, education, assistance for low- and middle-income Kansans and economic growth.

Slattery has made balancing the budget and reducing the national debt priorities of his campaign. He understands the negative effect spending $10 billion per day fighting an unnecessary war in Iraq has on our economy. He will work with the new president to remove our troops from that country and expand the efforts in Afghanistan -- where the war on terror should have been focused all along.

We urge voters to demand change in the U.S. Senate. Electing Jim Slattery would be a step in the right direction.

U.S. House

Quick, can you name the Democratic opponent running against Rep. Jerry Moran in the First District? The answer is so irrelevant that the Hays Republican already is amassing his war chest for a Senate run in 2010.

To say Moran is well-liked in the Big First is wildly understated. The six-term congressman returns to Kansas most every weekend, and he spends that time talking with constituents. He listens to their concerns and ensures they're relayed on The Hill. And he follows through on legislation that affects critical western Kansas issues: agriculture, health care, energy, education, transportation and veterans.

The only criticism we would offer of Rep. Moran is that he take more of a lead in Washington instead of a supportive role. Particularly as he eyes a move to the other chamber. Moran has been hesitant to demand the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq, who are in harm's way because of manufactured intelligence. Reducing the number of veterans with unnecessary combat experience would help the representative's efforts in providing quality care for injured soldiers.

With the economy in turmoil, Moran has the political capital necessary to do what's right for individual Americans while keeping the financial sector intact. His vote against the recent $700 billion bailout should give him leverage to steer the economy in the correct direction. Exercising strong leadership during these trying times should serve him well when he runs for the next level.

By the way, the name of the Democrats' sacrificial lamb this election cycle is James Bordonaro. You'll only need remember it if you play political trivia games. Your vote is best cast for Jerry Moran on Nov. 4.

Editorial by Patrick Lowry

plowry@dailynews.net