Friday, April 30, 2010
He Can Have the Establishment. We'll Take the Future, Thank You.
But, we've got College Republicans, Tea Partiers, Pro-Lifers, Conservative leaders, and a host of unpaid and enthusiastic Twitter-ers, "community organizers," yard sign deliverers, door knockers, parade walkers, and various other volunteers that define "fire in the belly."
These people are movers and shakers and just being around them gives us reassurance about the future of our nation.
We very gratefully added the Kansas Federation of College Republicans to Team Tiahrt this week.
Brandon West, Kansas State, said this about the state federation's decision to vote on an endorsement, "The issues that College Republicans believe in are worth taking a proactive stance on, and we must ultimately decide which candidate best defends and upholds those values.”
With these types of kids leading the way, America is going to be just fine.
KANSAS FEDERATION OF COLLEGE REPUBLICANS ENDORSE TODD TIAHRT FOR U.S. SENATE
TOPEKA, KS- The Kansas Federation of College Republicans (KSFCR) is pleased to officially announce its endorsement of Congressman Todd Tiahrt for U.S. Senate. In our first endorsement of a candidate in a primary season, we believe it is important to support candidates like Tiahrt who share our values as young Kansas conservatives.
“We are highly impressed with Tiahrt's willingness to communicate and get involved with all of the College Republican chapters in the state,” Deanna Rios, Baker University CR President.
"College Republicans in Kansas believe it is important to boldly stand for conservative candidates who demonstrate a genuine desire to work with young voters. Congressman Todd Tiahrt is the only candidate who has consistently supported and trumpeted the work our federation and local chapters are doing to promote conservatism on our campuses and in our state,” said Caleb Hays, Pittsburg State CR Vice President and KSFCR Communications Director.
The majority of College Republican chapters in Kansas have also endorsed Tiahrt and the Federation stands firmly united in support of these local endorsements. Federation bylaws allow the organization itself to make endorsements based on a majority vote by members of the State Board. Local chapters are not governed by Federation bylaws and may choose to endorse candidates, if they wish. Those that have endorsed Tiahrt include local chapters at Baker University, Benedictine College, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, and Wichita State University.
"The issues that College Republicans believe in are worth taking a proactive stance on, and we must ultimately decide which candidate best defends and upholds those values,” stated Brandon West of the Kansas State College Republicans.
“Todd Tiahrt is a person who genuinely cares about what we have to say as young people and fights for us in Washington. We are proud to be a part of this and are pleased with the steps the leadership of the KSFCR has taken in this important race,” Zach Sachs, Pitt State CR President.
In a vote Wednesday evening, state board members were given the opportunity to vote to endorse Tiahrt, one of his Primary opponents, or to make no endorsement at all. A majority of state delegates voted for Tiahrt, while three others voted for no endorsement. None voted to endorse any other Republican candidates. The Federation remains committed to fostering debate and discussion among College Republican chapters in the State of Kansas.
“We voted for Tiahrt's endorsement because we as CRs need a Senator who will work with us in promoting our political agenda on Capitol Hill. As a Congressman, Tiahrt has proven that he respects the College Republicans as young Kansas leaders and considers us a viable political entity that should not be ignored,” said West.
“As an organization of highly involved voters mostly under the age of thirty, we feel we have a unique perspective on this Senate primary. The current disaster in Washington is not just falling squarely on our backs, but on the backs of our children and grandchildren-yet-to-be. Todd Tiahrt is the only candidate with the record to prove he is the man we need to stand for us in Washington as the next U.S. Senator from Kansas,” said Hays.
We as College Republicans understand the importance of youth involvement in the political process and believe Todd Tiahrt is the candidate who has the integrity and determination to fight for us in Washington against the ever-encroaching threat of big government and shrinking freedoms.
Endorsement votes:
Baker University (Deanna Rios)-Tiahrt
Benedictine College (Lucas Miller)-Tiahrt
Fort Hays State University (Jacob Kessler)-no endorsement
Kansas State University (Brandon West)-Tiahrt
Kansas University (Harrison Hems)-no endorsement
Pittsburg State University (Zach Sachs)-Tiahrt
Washburn University (Allison King)-no endorsement
Wichita State University (Brandon Rudkin)-Tiahrt
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Trail Mix
So when I told my mom I wanted to post a "Trail Mix" she introduced me to Jace Mills, a Winfield, KS high school student that put together a great "meet and greet" earlier this week.
Jace was one step ahead of me. Below are a couple of Jace's picks and a couple from me and my mom. These are a few of the beats we're marching to these days...
I Won't Back Down - Johnny Cash
I love Tom Petty's original (Jace's pick), but Johnny Cash has a special place in my heart. I grew up listening to my uncle Rick Holland (from Pratt, KS) play Folsom Prison Blues. And we call my dad the "man in black." He sports black jeans and a black button down pretty often.
I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
Who doesn't love this song?! It made Jace's mix and my mom posted it on Facebook when we got our first College Republican endorsements. It was a good, good night.
The Rocky Theme
"Getting strong now...won't be long now..." Another one of my mom's Facebook posts :)
Kick a Little - Little Texas
This is my addition. My family joked that this was our theme song back when we first entered politics. When my dad first ran for office it was against an incumbent. When he was elected to Congress, he beat an 18-year incumbent. My dad has always had tough races, and in Washington DC he has never cowered from a tough legislative fight. "You can bet that he will stand his ground." I'm dedicating this one to all the great conservative candidates running for office out there and the awesome grassroots support behind them.
It's time to kick a little and cause a stir!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Oh, the Places You'll Go
Now, from Elsha...
MAKE READING FUN!
Friday, April 23, found Vicki Tiahrt at Isely Traditional Magnet Elementary School in Wichita. The school motto: Traditional Formula + Responsibility = Results.
We were met by Jane Walker, Principal; Lisa Beun, 2nd grade teacher; Angelina Daniel, 2nd grade teacher; and several parents including Angela Lovelace who put this event together.
Vicki read to the 2nd graders out loud making sure that they were involved in the stories. She also met Flat Stanley who came to visit from Texas. With Flat Stanley, Vicki had the 2nd graders make up their own story going on an imaginary trip.
PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE
If you want your children to read then you'd better be reading, too. Nothing like a good example to help with good habits is there? Talk about the latest book you're reading over the dinner table. Ask what everyone else is reading. Make books available in your home, play books on tape or CD instead of the radio when you're in the car. Whatever it takes to cultivate an atmosphere of learning in your home.
Special thanks to Lora Hines for the great photos!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Political Science 101
"Todd Tiahrt seems like he’s about to move from having momentum to having inertia – defined as the resistance of any physical object to a change in its state of motion. Take a look at the past few weeks. Tiahrt has racked up some fairly major endorsements..."
Today, we are honored to add another major endorsement to the list. Thank you to Deanna Rios and the Baker University CRs for helping turn momentum into inertia!
Baker University College Republicans Come Out Swinging Ready to Join Todd Tiahrt’s Fight for US Senate
The Baker University College Republicans are excited to announce their endorsement of Congressman Todd Tiahrt for U.S. Senate. During these troublesome and trying times our nation and our state are in need of Senators who will do all they can to fight for the needs of Kansans. We at Baker know that Todd Tiahrt will do what's right for Kansas as a United States Senator.
As college students many of us will be heading into the workforce soon, and job availability is of high concern to us. As a Congressman, Todd Tiahrt has worked hard to help create jobs and strengthen our economy by doing such things as co-sponsoring the Fair Tax and fighting to bring jobs back to Kansas through the American Air Refueling Tanker Contract.
Our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms is another issue which is very important to the Baker College Republicans. Congressman Tiahrt has shown he will defend these Constitutional rights and help stop the leftist restrictions that are wanted in Washington. Congressman Tiahrt's 100 percent voting record with the NRA shows that he is a true patriot. Congressman’s strength in regards to Second Amendment rights can be seen through the Tiahrt Trace Date Amendment which protects the privacy of gun owners through the banning of a gun owner’s registry.
Many of us at Baker have friends and family members who are or who have served in the military to protect our great nation and our freedoms. This makes issues affecting veterans incredibly important to us. Congressman Tiahrt believes that we must take care of America's heroes and has gone to great lengths with Pro-Veteran legislation to ensure that we do. Todd Tiahrt is a proud and active supporter of the Helping a Hero Foundation which builds homes for severely disabled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Baker is proud to join with Kansas State, Pittsburg State, Benedictine College, and Wichita State College Republican chapters in endorsing Congressman Tiahrt, and we look forward to having him as our next Senator.
Sincerely,
Deanna Rios
Chairwomen, Baker University College Republicans
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Students Across "Land of the Free" Endorse Candidates
Students across America are increasing their political activism.
This week, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, endorsed Sue Lowden for U.S. Senate and Republican candidates in two Congressional districts. http://unlvrebelyell.com/2010/04/22/college-republicans-announce-endorsements/
Last fall, the Arkansas Federation of College Republicans endorsed 2nd district Congressional candidate Tim Griffin. http://arcollegerepublicans.com/blog.html
It's appalling to hear that some in Kansas are using scare tactics to silence our CRs. I will fight for these young Kansans' right to be involved and influential in their country.
Shame on anyone who would try to silence them. You go kids - you are Americans! It's Cuba, Iran, and other evil regimes who silence students.
Freedom and the future of the country is in your hands.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Wildcats and Gorillas and Ravens! Oh My!
Thank you to Lucas Miller and the Benedictine College Republicans for your support and kind words. We are honored to have the Ravens with us.
Benedictine College Republicans Are Proud to Endorse Rep. Todd Tiahrt for U.S. Senate
The Benedictine College Republicans are proud to announce their endorsement of Congressman Todd Tiahrt for the U.S. Senate. This momentous occasion marks the first time the Benedictine College Republicans have endorsed a candidate in a primary election. We have chosen to endorse Todd Tiahrt because he encompasses all that we hold valuable at our institution.
As a Catholic college, it is important to many to have a strong Pro-Life candidate who not only votes for life, but actually understands the reasons behind it. Todd’s tireless efforts at the March For Life rally and working with the Kansans for Life has proven that he truly understands the need for protecting life.
The students at Benedictine College are like many across the country. Many are graduating in May and will be entering into the work-force. The current employment environment leaves much to be desired, which is why we are supporting a candidate who will fight for small business and work with employers to create jobs, not simply promise them.
Finally, it is not only the students at Benedictine College that have benefited from Congressman Tiahrt, but students across Kansas. Therefore we are joining our fellow College Republicans at Kansas State and Pittsburg State in supporting the candidate that will work for Kansas
Benedictine College would like to offer our sincere gratitude to all of the Tiahrt family who has been in constant contact with our school. As a growing College Republican chapter, it is reassuring knowing that there are candidates that will respect the College Republicans and work with us, instead of against us.
Lucas Miller
Chairman, Benedictine College Republicans
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Pitt State CRs Choose the Real Deal
I couldn't have said it better myself! We are honored and excited to have the Pittsburg State College Republicans' endorsement. Thank you to Zach Sachs, Caleb Hays, and fellow CRs for their support.
My mom and I met a few Gorillas at Kansas Day in Topeka last January. Michelle Hucke immediately caught my attention with her energy, humor, and creativity (as shown in her pictures from that weekend).
These students are the real deal! They are authentic, energetic, and powerful writers. I'll let their statement speak for itself.
PITTSBURG STATE COLLEGE REPUBLICANS ENDORSE REP. TODD TIAHRT FOR U.S. SENATE
PITTSBURG, KS – The Pittsburg State University College Republicans have the privileged honor of announcing their endorsement of Congressman Todd Tiahrt for U.S. Senate. We live in uncertain times, with Washington D.C. filled with radical liberals bent on destroying the very values that Kansans hold dear. Our future is at stake and we are faced with the reality of an out-of-control federal government.
We feel it is important to support candidates that adhere to our shared Republican ideals of free-market principles, limited government, and fiscal responsibility. Therefore, we believe with absolute certitude that Todd Tiahrt is the only candidate who has the strength, leadership, enthusiasm, and integrity to be the next U.S. Senator from Kansas.
Todd has proven this every day as he works for Kansans in the U.S. House. He doesn’t wait for the fight to knock on his door; he proactively challenges it, confronts it, and conquers it, whether it is in his tireless effort to stop the government takeover of healthcare or his 100% pro-life record.
We value the discussion the primary season brings. Our proposed May 1st debate prompted the Kansas Federation of College Republicans (KSFCR) to issue the “Ten in ’10 Debate Challenge” – a challenge to both candidates to attend all the scheduled and proposed debates leading up to the Primary Election.
Pittsburg was to host the first debate, but after months of trying to nail down a date for a public debate in Southeast Kansas, it was obvious that Jerry Moran would rather fundraise than face voters on his questionable choices made during his time in Washington.
Tiahrt has demonstrated time and again his commitment to engage young voters in Kansas, his unwavering stance on every vote to protect our constitutional rights, and his unflagging work to bring jobs back to Kansas. This is the kind of leadership Kansans need.
As if he needed to prove his commitment, Todd Tiahrt is still coming to Pittsburg on May 1, whether his opponent decides to show or not. It is this show of strength that convinced the Pittsburg State University College Republicans to give this full-throated Gorillas endorsement.
Zach Sachs
Pittsburg State College Republicans Chair
Caleb Hays
Pittsburg State College Republicans Vice Chair
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Kansas State Wildcats Continue to Make Headlines
Step into a CR group and the energy makes the air crackle. They are smart, funny, know what they believe, and they’re not afraid to own their conservatism.
Kansas CRs are leading this campaign season. They show up at Kansas Day in Topeka, at our meet and greets, volunteer in our HQs and invite us onto their campuses. In one case, they have invited until they are blue in the face, but still determined, they scheduled debates and had the audacity to press release it.
Yesterday Kansas State College Republicans broke the mold and made their first ever endorsement in a primary. We are honored that they sought out both candidates, looked them over, deliberated and endorsed Todd Tiahrt for United States Senate. Here you'll find their reasons in a very nice press release.
Kansas State University College Republicans Endorse Todd Tiahrt for U.S. Senate
Manhattan, Kan. – The Kansas State University College Republicans are proud to announce their endorsement of Congressman Todd Tiahrt for the U.S. Senate. This is the first time the KSU College Republicans have endorsed a candidate in a primary election. We have chosen to endorse Todd Tiahrt because he is the one, true fiscal conservative in the race for the U.S. Senate and he fully embodies the values that we as College Republicans hold dear.
As students, we are preparing to venture out into the workforce and we know that our nation needs strong, conservative leadership to get us on the road to economic recovery. Tiahrt is the only candidate in this race who has never voted for a tax increase of any kind, opposed every bailout, was the sponsor of the “No More Bailouts Resolution,” and is the Founder and Chairman of the Economic Competitiveness Caucus which ensures that we, as college students, will venture out into a fair and competitive workforce.
At Kansas State, agriculture is not just an issue, it’s a way of life. Many of us come from farming backgrounds. Tiahrt has been very proactive in protecting Kansans’ agriculture interests by pushing for the permanent repeal of the Death Tax and by revoking the proposed EPA Livestock Tax with his “Tiahrt Amendment” last year.
Congressman Tiahrt has shown us that he will fight for our Second Amendment rights with the “Tiahrt Trace Data Amendment” which is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Rifle Association, and Gun Owners of America.
We also highly respect Congressman Tiahrt's advocacy for Pro-Life causes. Tiahrt is the first candidate to be endorsed by Kansans for Life in a primary election. He has fervently fought for the sanctity of life by sponsoring or co-sponsoring 84 pro-life bills during his tenure as a Congressman. Tiahrt has donated over $20,000 in contributions to Pro-Life causes and traveled internationally on behalf of Pro-Life movements.
Finally, Tiahrt has been the one and only candidate in this race that has accommodated every request to speak on numerous occasions the past few years, has made generous contributions to our cause, and has stressed to us how highly he regards and respects the young leaders of Kansas.
Congressman Todd Tiahrt is a tried and true fighter and conservative Kansan, and has proven to the Kansas State University chapter of College Republicans, that he is a candidate worthy of our support.
Sincerely,
Shelby Danielsen, Kansas State College Republicans Chair
Brandon West, Kansas State College Republicans Representative Liaison
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Invading the Big First
They interviewed the owners of Cannonball which manufactures a fully automated hay loader. Terry invented this piece of farm equipment and the Shrags made their business go by growing slowly and staying out of debt. Congratulations to Terry and Debbie Shrag for your success and contribution to a strong economy.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/04/20/foreman.bua.ks.farm.biz.cnn
I loved this clip from my hometown and it got me thinking about the jobs I worked while growing up in this town of 6,000. Babysitting on Hillside Street when I was in elementary school gave me some pocket money and taught me that I was a Republican – it was good to work and to reap the rewards of my work.
While at Liberty Jr. High our neighbor within walking distance, Frank Zimmerman, needed someone to sell milk at his dairy farm. Folks brought their own jars and I filled them up with whole milk so fresh 3 hours before it was KS grass!
During my years at PHS, I worked a short stint at the front desk of Quality Laundry. Between customers I did a little bookkeeping and helped fold some clothes. Lyda Pinkston worked there too and I always enjoyed her since I was a little girl sitting beside her in church while Mom sang in the choir. She could make dolls out of her pretty pressed hankies to entertain my brother Rick and me. She could fold more than hankies, she took hospital sheets so hot we could hardly handle them and they were neatly folded and stacked for delivery in no time.
The day after graduation, John Wehr hired me at Safeway. I checked groceries through PCC with one of my best friends Janie Luther. And I worked a little with Janie’s mom, Bonnie Bell Luther, at Alco. John Luther suggested Bell Telephone and I got on as Operator 10 on the old cord board and worked my way through the rest of my college, even transferring to the Bell office in Springfield, MO so I could graduate from Evangel University.
CNN skillfully highlights the KS work ethic that is the answer to our economic recovery. America needs to get going again and that motivates me to work hard for Todd’s election to the U.S. Senate.
He has never raised taxes on hardworking Kansans – never, not a single time. His opponent has voted for 12 tax increases. When politicians raise taxes, jobs are driven out of Kansas and out of America. It’s as simple as that.
When you see those red Tiahrt signs springing up around the Big First – remember Todd's agenda for jobs.
· Tax Reform
· Regulation Reform
· Tort Reform
· Lower Healthcare Costs
· Energy Independence
· Education emphasis in Math, Science and Engineering
Here is what CNN may see as they visit Pratt – Mom in her big yard enjoying a Kansas spring.


Monday, April 19, 2010
Mike Pence Endorses Todd
This bipartisan service organization helps families of Members of Congress navigate life in elected office. Karen showed real conservative leadership representing the values of their home state of Indiana as she shared the advantages of families staying together as the Member of Congress serves in Washington DC.
She also presented each new spouse with a wonderful watercolor of the historic Clubhouse built in 1914 (as shown in the sketch here, courtesy of the Library of Congress).
To order the current edition of the cookbook, or to book an event at the Clubhouse, call 202-332-1155. Tell Lydia that Vicki sent you!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
News from the Trail in Hutch
Mary and I are the same age and discovered we know many of the same families in the West Sedgwick County area. Elsha discovered another friend working at Hutch News whom she hadn't visited with for years. Surprise discoveries on the trail. Priceless.
Tiahrt's wife visits Hutch, promotes his Senate bid
She attends tea party rally while he campaigns elsewhere, touts his open-mindedness.
By Mary Clarkin - The Hutchinson News, 4/15/2010
Once when Vicki Tiahrt went to a tea party in Kansas, she carried a homemade sign that read, "Mama ain't happy."
She still isn't happy with federal government spending she says is "out of control" and with a government grown too big and trying to do too much.
Tiahrt, wife of U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard, who is running for the party's nomination in the U.S. Senate rate, came to Hutchinson on Thursday to attend a tea party rally, while her husband campaigned in the Kansas City area.
Campaigning on behalf of her husband is a full-time job for Tiahrt, with the primary election less than four months away. U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Hays, outpaces Tiahrt in fundraising and polling, but Vicki Tiahrt said she believes "Todd is the right person" for the Senate, and she takes encouragement from past races.
Rep. Tiahrt upset Democratic incumbent Rep. Dan Glickman, D-Wichita, in 1994, although Glickman was ahead by 30 points in Septemeber before that November election. Also, Glickman's campaign spent more than $1 million, while the Tiahrt campaign spent less than $225,000, she recalled.
As long as the Tiahrt campaign can put together a grassroots effort, Vicki Tiahrt said, "I think we can win."
On the campaign trail, Vicki Tiahrt has met young Republicans and communicates on such social networking sites as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
It's fun to see the interest young people have in the race, Tiahrt said. She also noted President Barack Obama's campaign in 2008, using the Internet to raise sums and connect with voters, showed how campaigns are changing.
Vicki Tiahrt isn't shy about taking aim at Moran's record in her comments on Twitter, where statements are limited to 140 characters. "Tax day," she noted on Twitter Thursday, reminding that Tiahrt "has never voted 4 a tax hike ever," while "Moran voted 12 times 2 raise" state and federal taxes.
"He knows that I'm passionate and outspoken," Vicki Tiahrt said of her husband of 33 years, and he doesn't try to block her commentary.
Todd is "progressive," she said, admitting she didn't like to use that word because of its political connotations - Tiahrt is running as the "real conservative" in the race.
"Todd doesn't put people in a box," she continued, and "he doesn't put me in a box."
Vicki Tiahrt was in Washington, D.C., when the U.S. House voted on health care reform, the measure passing with no Republican votes. Her husband was on the floor of the House for most of the debate, she said, while Moran "only came onto the floor to vote."
Vicki Tiahrt has met her counterpart, Robba Moran, on the campaign trail, and calls her "gracious." Both Tiahrt and Moran children also have been on the trail, and Tiahrt says she admires the Moran family.
"Todd and Jerry respect each other," she said, and primary races are "uncomfortable."
"But you determine the future of the party," she said, by making comparisons and voting.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Have Pearls, Will Travel
Women all over Kansas tell me "I've never voted before" or "I've never been political before". But things have changed and even teaparties have taken on a whole new meaning. 55% of the teaparty attendees are women.
We used to have to wonder what women were thinking about politics. But no more. Signs they made at their kitchen table using their children's and grandchildren's school supplies cleverly share their beliefs with the world.
I'm excited to share these signs of changing times and my perspective as a Senate candidate's wife on the Kansas campaign trail. Here you'll find thoughts and experiences from the great American women, men and youth stumping with us.
So many miles left on the trail, so little time-the primary is Aug 3. Have heels, bring walking shoes, here we go!







