Kansans for Tiahrt

T♥ supporters continue to comfort us and lift our spirits with outpourings of love, posting photos of our family as their Facebook profile pics, and sending us such encouraging words.

We're ok, but we are sad that we didn't win for you. You fought for true Constitutional Conservative principles of smaller government and more personal freedom and we wanted my dad to go to the Senate to continue that fight for you.

2010 was not his time, but he and my mom will continue to do what they can to restore this great country. As Justin Broker so aptly said "You can take the Tiahrt out of Congress but you can't take the fight, dedication to Kansas values, and conservative leadership out of the Tiahrt."

Here are a few of the other messages reminding us that despite the $4.5 million+ spent making untruthful attacks, Kansans know who Todd Tiahrt really is...

Thanks for allowing me to be a small part of your team. It was an honor walking the parades with you and Todd along with your other supporters. Although we live in different districts, you will always have my support and I will be here if you and Todd ever need me again.

Roger Peck

Thanks Todd Tiahrt for being the inspiration that made us all work so hard during the campaign. I was honored to be a part of Team Tiahrt; and though we lost the campaign, I take some personal comfort that we won Johnson County by 4 points. I pray that Todd and Vicki find peace in the coming weeks and months, and draw strength from the knowledge that their work has never been in vain.

Anne Hodgdon

I was so proud to be part of Team Tiahrt, and do my part to help him in JoCo. I don't know what is next for him, but it will be something spectacular! What a wonderful group of people, who all worked their T-hearts out for Todd. You all inspired me!

Darla Jaye

Your dad is an amazing man and is truly one of the best people I've ever met. Thank you guys for all you've done. You're truly blessed to have such a wonderful father.

Caleb

I was so proud of how well Todd and his incredible family held up during the rigors of this election. He put together an incredible team and came so close.

Karl Peterjohn

  

Please let your father and Vicki know that I was very impressed with the campaign and both their hands on approach to interacting with supporters. I would have been very proud to have the Tiahrt family representing me in the US Senate from my home in Mission.

Bill C.

I had such a great time this summer campaigning for Todd. It was really and awesome experience! Todd & Vicki are such amazing people and it was an honor to help with the campaign. Hopefully I see your family around in the future!

Genna

I am excited to see what your dad is going to do now and want help with anything he takes on! :)

Liz Thatcher

You sure did come a lot closer than the pundits expected. You guys did such a great job. You should be so proud of your team and all you all accomplished. It was SO CLOSE!

Brandy D.

Todd is a natural leader, and he and Vicki both have a magnetism that can't be denied. The people of Kansas will continue to look to Todd as a leader, be it through an elected position or that of a highly respected and loved citizen.

Jenna Donovan

I applaud the Tiahrt family for their courageous fight together against the smear attacks of Washington elites. The Tiahrt family is an inspiration to many. At the time of a tornado destroying my hometown, Todd and Vicki Tiahrt were all I had the following morning. They were strangers but after their compassion towards me, they became like a family. I consider our friendship to be much like a family. I will always be grateful and supportive of the Tiahrts.

Justin Broker

I'm disappointed in the results of Tuesday's primary. While Moran may vote in Kansas' best interest, I feel that you would have been a stronger voice for Conservative values and principles for not only the state but the nation. I have the utmost respect for you, your family, and the members of your campaign. I trust you will be able to find employment in the area of Goddard that will ensure your speedy return to public service. Hopefully by the next election cycle...

Jonathan S.

I was watching the results and really thought you all were going to pull it off. The establishment guy won but the fact that poll after poll had your dad down by so much and it was that close shows he has a statewide office in his future.

Chris P.

Your dad fought a great fight and we know there are still great things in store. Todd Tiahrt will always have our support.

Leah Herron

We've Got Mail - Issue 3

Dear Vicki and Todd,

I know you both have worked hard to help us turn this Gov't around. I'm getting old, but I have a lot of children, grand children and even great grand children to enjoy this great land of ours. I don't want it destroyed by the kind of leaders that I fought against in WWII. Bring back our Constitution, Todd, and you will have so many people behind you.

God Bless,

Bro. Jim

We've Got More Mail, And This One Rhymes!

This was emailed in yesterday. Thanks for the laughs, LPP.

I wrote a Campaign Seuss:

I do not like this Jerry Moran

I do not like his campaign scam
He hired lots of dirty crooks
With Washington money that he took


I do not like the credit he takes
For legislation he did not make
I do not like his C-street pad
While Todd goes home to be a Dad


I do not like his moderate views
On guns, abortion, or federal dues
His votes on taxes give me the blues


'No' to parental consent, and border walls
'Sí' to bilingual ballots and that's not all
Sanctuary cities... that's amnesty
And he likes Obama...oh dear me!


I do not like his spending sprees
I'm smart, I know that nothing's free
I do not like this kind of hope
I do not like it, Nope, Nope, NOPE!
Moran must think I'm just a dope!


I do not like his smug replies
For I have figured out his lies
He running one big campaign hoax
On how he 'did' and 'did not' vote
Just be straight with Kansas folks!


Oh please help us Uncle Sam,
We do not need this kind of man
We need a guy that takes a stand
So please TODD TIAHRT, Kick His Can!

Home on the Range

 

Thought you might enjoy my recent Facebook status update and resulting comments...

Headed back down to Goddard. Guess I need a place to stay since “Todd Tiahrt doesn’t live in Kansas.”

Comments:

Becky

knock on my parents door, they have an extra room you can stay in. lol

Lora

I can't tell you the number of times I hear from various people, "So, I ran into Todd Tiahrt at Wal-Mart the other night...." they're always referring to the Wal-Mart at 21st and Maize.

Lindsay

Ya, seeing as you don't live here, I guess you wouldn't be able to stay at my house right down the road from your house :( Bummer.. lol

Kimberly

my sister lives in my parents' old house... you can stay with her :-) since that nice house at the end of the addition road is not yours :)

Benjamin

Just hold a townhall wherever you end up, and chalk it up!

Gary

Since Todd doesn't live in Goddard... can he get a rebate back on all the taxes he's paid for the last 30 years on the house out there?

Shellie

If the Tiahrt family is not living in Goddard KS.....Who has been getting my Christmas cards for all these years???????

Debbie

And who is that guy who mows the lawn? Sure looks a lot like Todd!

Que

Gee, it's been a few years, but who was it we helped campaign for 2 years ago & who's house did we go to?? Is there a 'twin' family in Goddard??!?!

Nathan

I stop at sonic pretty much every day in goddard, and I don't see you guys there. That clearly means the quote is totally and absolutely correct.

Tracey

I'm pretty sure Princess Danika came to the Tiahrt house in GODDARD, KANSAS for Halloween last year. :) :)

Princess Danika, her mom Tracey, and other family walking back up to Aunt Loretta's after visiting our house that Halloween.

Campaigning Tiahrt-Style, Past and Present

This post is by my best friend since childhood, Kelly Reynolds. Kelly is an Andale High School alum and campaigner extraordinaire. We grew up just over a mile from each other in Goddard and spent lots of time together as kids on the campaign trail with my family. She can scoop ice cream and throw parade candy with the best of them. Thanks Kelly, for this post, the many fond memories and years of friendship and support.

Campaigning Tiahrt-Style, Past and Present

I met the Tiahrt family when Jessica and I were in the first grade at St. Mark's Elementary. We became the best of friends, bonding over our mutual love of Little House on the Prairie, making home movies and our general lack of athletic ability. When Todd decided to run for Congress in 1994, I was excited to help the Tiahrts campaign. I didn't understand the national political movements or the party apparatus (I was 13) but I saw something very special. Every weekend my parents would drop me off at the Tiahrt's house in Goddard and we would pack up their van with American flag fruit trays, cookies, ice tea, and ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream.

We would stop at small towns all over the 4th district for "Ice Cream Socials." Todd would talk and answer questions and the rest of us would serve up the ice cream. We would stay until Todd and Vicki had answered every question and listened to every concern the people had for our great state and country. I was inspired by the people I met, I believe we all were.

That summer Todd wore holes in his shoes going door-to-door, meeting the people of the 4th district and listening. Todd, his family, and small staff pulled off a huge upset and won against all odds. He won because he was the right man, he did the hard work, and most of all, he listened.

I was inspired by that summer and how the Tiahrts campaigned. I became passionate about politics and went on to get my political science degree from KU. A couple of years later I found myself campaigning as a staffer. I learned many new tools and tricks of the trade but I always came back to the lessons I had learned years earlier in the small towns of Kansas with the Tiahrts.

I was blessed this past weekend to hit the Kansas Trail with the Tiahrts again. It felt like old times. I even wore my same red Tiahrt t-shirt from '94!

It was wonderful to be back campaigning for Todd. I always feel invigorated to be campaigning for the right person. We are blessed to have such a wonderful person and family to represent us here in Kansas. I am excited to be here to witness something very special again this year.

Thanks guys, you know I will always be on Team Tiahrt!

A post-parade treat.

They Chanted 'Tiahrt! Tiahrt! Tiahrt!'

Today's post is by Caleb Hays, a Junior at Pitt State, co-founder of "Tiahrt SEK Team" and ardent supporter on both the net trail and Kansas Trail. Join Caleb's 2,000+ Twitter followers @calebhays and read his account of last weekend's Olathe Picnic and straw poll...

Todd Tiahrt Speaks to Thunderous Applause at Olathe GOP Picnic

On Saturday, June 26 the Olathe Republican Party hosted their annual picnic and straw poll. Candidates from Kansas’ Third Congressional District and those running statewide were invited to attend, pass out literature, and set up booths. Each candidate was also given a small allotment of time to speak.

I had worked that morning at the Edgerton, KS parade, so I arrived right after the picnic started – hundreds of people were already there, talking with candidates and their volunteers. The first thing I noticed, however, wasn’t the delicious smell of hamburgers being grilled by State Representative Arlen Siegfreid, but the sheer number of red Tiahrt shirts! With the estimated 800 or so in attendance, over a quarter were wearing the signature Tiahrt red, while nearly a hundred more proudly displayed their Tiahrt stickers.

Throughout the late morning and early afternoon, the buzz built as it neared time for Congressman Tiahrt to address the red shirt-saturated crowd. People were constantly coming up to our booth to speak with the Congressman and to snap a picture with our proudly displayed life-sized cutout of Gov. Sarah Palin, one of Rep. Tiahrt’s most recent endorsements – a list filled with conservative super-stars that builds daily.

When the Congressman was finally able to take the stage a few minutes after 1:30, the crowd erupted in to the loudest screaming, applause, and cheering heard for any candidate – many times over. In fact, Rep. Tiahrt was unable to begin speaking for over a minute as the crowd slowly quieted down enough to hear the microphone.

Todd spoke of our need as a nation to return to stalwart conservative values and of the ever-growing list of leaders and voters who have endorsed him. He discussed how he spent over ten hours on the floor of the House of Representatives fighting endlessly and tirelessly against Pres. Obama’s so-called healthcare reform package (while his opponent recorded videos outside the Capitol).

With the determination he used to fight to destroy the government takeover of healthcare, the dedication he used to never vote for a stimulus package, a bailout, or a tax increase, and the inspiration he gained from working to make a starting position as an underclassman on his high school football team, Todd Tiahrt will do something D.C. hasn’t seen in years. He’ll bring common sense to the madness. It’s not so much how long you’ve been in Washington, but how much Washington is in you.

With thundering interruptions every forty-five seconds, the Congressman was nearly unable to finish his speech during the allotted time. Those in attendance clung to his every word, cheering as loudly as possible. When he finished, they chanted “Tiahrt! Tiahrt! Tiahrt!” and applauded him for two solid minutes before the announcer was forced to re-take the stage.

As if anyone needed reminding of the incredible momentum building behind the Tiahrt campaign, Todd won an astronomical 73.6% of the straw poll vote, besting his opponent by an almost three-to-one margin, proving once again that he is the REAL DEAL for Kansas.

Sarah Palin Chooses the Real Deal

My dad, Todd Tiahrt, at the '08 Republican National Convention

We are pleased as punch to have Gov. Sarah Palin's endorsement! When my mom called my brother to share the news, John said, "My whole life I'll be able to say, Sarah Palin endorsed my dad."

We've long admired and respected Gov. Palin. She makes a glowing addition to the list of conservative leaders that have come out to support my dad in this race and we are honored to join her "pick list" of candidates.

From Sarah's Facebook page...

Thank Todd Tiahrt for True Public Service

I’m happy to endorse Todd Tiahrt’s campaign to be the next U.S. Senator from Kansas. Todd is a protector of our Constitution, a pro-family, pro-Second Amendment Commonsense Conservative who has never voted for a tax increase and has fought to end the wasteful spending coming out of Washington. He didn’t just stand on the sidelines complacently, but instead actually battled against the bailouts, the debt-ridden stimulus spending, the cap-and-tax energy schemes, and Obamacare. In fact, remember on the day Obamacare was being debated, Todd Tiahrt was on the House floor all day working to defeat it, and he’s helped lead the charge to repeal and replace Obamacare the moment it was signed into law. We can count on Todd to take on the liberal spending agenda of the Obama administration and fight for lower taxes, more individual freedom, and less government intrusion.

Please join me in supporting Todd Tiahrt’s campaign by visiting his website at http://www.toddtiahrt.com/ and following him on Facebook and Twitter.

- Sarah Palin

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Updated Friday, June 25, 10:55am

Just came across this camera phone photo of me during a sign wave in Wichita a couple days before the November 2008 election.  It has a whole new meaning now :)

Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs

Poll numbers and million dollar war chests can give a candidate a sense of security and air of confidence during a campaign. But what does the old Beatles song say…can’t buy me love? Well, money can’t buy you grassroots support either. Try that and you’ll end up with Astroturf.

In campaigning, nothing is more exciting and inspiring than to watch a grassroots movement spread through the state like wildfire. And I’m not talking about a contained, controlled, Flint Hills fire!

Everywhere we're seeing “signs” that we’ve got a movement rolling through Kansas.

Some handmade...

...some homemade...

and some computer made...

Here are a few more of the new Tiahrt signs we’ve seen from rallies and parades on the campaign trail to Facebook profile pictures and blogs on the “net trail.”

Thank you for the handywork! We love your enthusiasm and creativity!

John with a sign by Jace.

One sign even popped up in Ireland with Caleb Hays! (And a little photoshop work :)

Happy Father's Day

Just a quick post to send a Happy Father's Day message to my dad. He spent the day at home in Goddard, working in the yard alongside my mom. I'm missing being at home and missing my dad, so I thought I'd share my one of my favorite pics of us. Taken on the front porch at my family's 29-year home in Goddard.

New boots. November 2008.

On the Trail with a Future Leader for Tiahrt

This post is by Jace Mills, a high school student from Winfield. Jace compiled "The Trail Mix" back in April!

He may be young, but Jace knows he has a vested interest in the future of Kansas and our great country. Jace is one of the many friends we've made along the Kansas Trail and a Real Deal grassroots supporter!

His interest in politics and conservative principles brought him to support my dad in the Senate race. And being in the right place at the right time brought Jace to the Cowley County Republican Party Picnic where he stumped for Dad. Here's his story... 

When I showed up and the Cowley County Republican Party Picnic, I never intended to speak.

After a brief conversation with another Tiahrt supporter, I was asked to speak on Todd's behalf and happily accepted.

I told the crowd about Congressman Tiahrt's A+ rating from the NRA, about his pro-life work, and his record of never raising taxes.

I asked those who opposed ObamaCare to raise their hands. When every hand shot up I said, "So does Todd. In fact, he spent 10 hours on the House Floor fighting against the bill while our opponent stood outside filming a campaign commercial."

I explained to the crowd that Kansas must send a Conservative to the Senate. We can't expect New York, Maine, or California to do so!

It was last minute and it might not have been my best speech, but I was happy to share the reasons that I support Todd Tiahrt for Senate. And I enjoyed the conversation and the warm reception from Cowley County Republicans.

A Chance Encounter for Elsha

Here's another post from fellow Trail Traveler, Elsha. A touching account of how campaigns can do more than connect candidates and constituents.

The Separation of States

Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought this would happen.

Vicki and I attended the KSRA Convention this past weekend and we were introduced to the NRA’s Past President John Siglar and his wife Ingrid. Finding a person who can speak my native language is one thing, but to find out that she came over the same time I did is amazing.

In June of 1956, my mother and father along with my eight siblings were part of what is known as “volksverhuizing” or mass immigration to the United States, Canada and Australia. My parents left everything behind that was their comfort zone to a place that was to give my family opportunity and freedom.

The S.S. Zuiderkruis was responsible for transporting 9,200 USA immigrants in 1956, each trip delivering approximately 350 persons. The most interesting account I can give begins with my brothers and sisters hanging on the rail, waving goodbye to all our relatives as we left the port of Rotterdam.

(L to R) My dad with Paul in front of him, my mom with Alfons in her arms and Joe in front of her, Tina, Harry, Mia, myself and Tony.

I was excited and I knew my mom and dad were in control. I know my parents had feelings of sadness and uncertainty as they watched Rotterdam slowly drift from the horizon. Their old life was no longer. The possibilities of our new life were both endless and unknown.

I know that it had to have been terrifying for my dad. He had faith and his decision was going to be a positive investment for our future. It was not the easiest thing to do, but to my dad, it was the right thing to do. It says a lot about my dad for he had a lot of faith in God.

The Zuiderkruis gave my family a new life and years later it gives me an interesting plotline for this story… Ingrid Sigler was on the same boat, coming over at the same time, and her family shared the same destiny.

Were it not for traveling the Kansas Trail this election season, I may never have met Ingrid and discovered how our paths crossed on that trip across the Atlantic.

And she likes turquoise jewelry, too!

(Side note - Vicki took this photo and apologizes for the closed eyes!)

To Keep and Bear Arms

The Kansas State Rifle Association held their convention in Hutchinson June 11-13. Patricia Stoneking is KSRA’s President and does a first rate job of promoting the 2nd Amendment.

Elsha and I enjoyed meeting many freedom and Constitution loving Kansans. We learned about issues facing gun owners in Kansas, America and around the world. John Siglar and his wife Ingrid came from Delaware to address the convention.

John is an immediate Past President of the NRA and sits on the board. He gave a stirring speech that motivated us to get all gun owners registered to vote and out to the polls. Twice he thanked Todd Tiahrt for his leadership.

The banquet on Saturday night provided an opportunity to tell of Todd's love of hunting and his interest in firearms.

John, Todd and Luke after a successful pheasant hunt.

The crowd was very interested to note that in 1994 Todd introduced the first-ever concealed carry bill in Kansas, modeled after Florida law. While the bill failed to garner enough votes to pass that year, it opened the door to today's current concealed carry law in Kansas. I read portions of an old Wichita Eagle story blasting Todd for his initiation of the bill. The first of many negative headlines for his promotion of the 2nd Amendment.

Then recounting Todd’s Congressional work to protect the privacy of every legal gun owner and of law enforcement in the Tiahrt Trace Data Amendment surprised the listeners. They were mostly unaware of the assault by Mayor Bloomberg and his 500 “Mayors Against Guns.” The ads they have run in major liberal newspapers and the billboards are outrageous declaring the Tiahrt Amendment responsible for the death of law enforcement officers, for the Drug War in Mexico, for the Virginia Tech shootings and most recently for the Ft. Hood Shooting.

The abuse Todd has taken is nearly unbelievable with Barack Obama campaigning on overturning the Tiahrt Amendment and then Eric Holder testifying before Congress that the Amendment is responsible for all kind of evils. It is apparent to any open-minded listener, that Todd Tiahrt has done more for the privacy protection of law-abiding citizens than any other legislator and has faced more persecution from the left.

While this smearing of our good name is deplorable, I am proud of Todd's courage and commitment to the 2nd Amendment and I support him. Where is the support from all the other legislators that the NRA rates as having an “A” on their report cards? Why don't they speak out in defense of privacy? Why does Todd face these ads and billboards alone?

Todd Tiahrt deserves the vote and support of every citizen committed to the 2nd Amendment.

On Sunday, Elsha and I attended the KSRA shoot outside Hutch. We both got pointers from attending instructors and law officers in the handling of a firearm, self defense, and safety. (How'd I do?)

Bob and Patricia Stoneking were patient teachers and I really enjoyed learning from them.

At the end of our time together I was eager to pay my membership to the Kansas State Rifle Association and Elsha joined too. Thanks to the Stonekings, and the new friends at the KSRA.