BY: TIM CARPENTER, Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — Two former Republican congressman from Kansas endorsed Jeff Kahrs in the five-candidate GOP primary for the 2nd District vacancy created by the decision of U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner not to seek reelection.
Former Congressman Jim Ryun, who served a decade in Washington before falling to defeat in 2006, and former Congressman Todd Tiahrt, who was in the House from 1995 to 2011 and lost a 2010 campaign for U.S. Senate, said in a statement they supported Kahrs’ bid in the eastern Kansas district. At one point, Kahrs was a Tiahrt staff member in Washington.
“When Jeff Kahrs was my chief of staff and top adviser, I counted on him to effectively lead, to be the conservative backbone of my team and to fight for our conservative legislation to win,” Tiahrt said.
Ryun, who was known for track skills that took him to the Olympics, said he supported Kahrs because he would strive to prevent a “transgender ideology” from taking over the United States.
“His Christian faith, determination to protect our republic’s constitution, her borders and commitment to rooting out the cultural rot of transgender ideology that is attempting to transform our country will serve Kansas and our nation well,” Ryun said.
Kahrs, of Topeka, was previously endorsed by former Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. A former Brownback staff member is serving as Kahrs’ campaign treasurer.
Other Republican candidates in the U.S. House race are former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt of Independence, Michael Ogle of Topeka, Shawn Tiffany of Delvan and Chad Young of Lawrence.
The two Democrats in the August primary are Matt Kleinmann of Kansas City, Kansas, and former U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, who defeated incumbent Ryun in 2006.
Schmidt’s campaign recently said the Kansas State Fraternal Order Of Police endorsed his candidacy in the 2nd District. The organization has 4,300 members.
“Derek’s commitment to public safety, support for law enforcement and dedication to the well-being of our community make him an outstanding candidate,” said Amanda Wood, the Kansas FOP president. “His legislative initiatives and policies align with the core values of our organization, and we believe his leadership will greatly benefit the people of Kansas.”