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.

Inside a Day with "The Architect"

I wasn't at the Karl Rove events, but I got the scoop from my mom last night and will try to do last Saturday justice. 

Karl Rove was awesome and the events had great turnouts despite thunderstorms in KC and a baking hot rally in Wichita. For an "objective" perspective, check out the KC Star "Prime Buzz" and KSN News stories below.

My mom said she found Karl to be sharp, warm, and funny, teasing her "mercilessly." (Don’t worry, she dished it right back and said he can take it.) Karl stayed up to speed by following news on his laptop during the trip down to Wichita.

Between events, when the media reported Moran's retort that "like Todd Tiahrt, [Rove's] been in Washington a long time," Karl asked, "when was Jerry elected again? 1996?!"

Karl laughed, "I came in 2001! He's been there longer than me!"

As a side note, Jerry Moran came to Washington just two years after my dad but he did spend a summer interning for former Rep. Keith Sebelius. So for the record, my dad has only been in Washington 1.75 years longer than Jerry. I'm not sure there's a big difference between 15 years and 13.25 years, but I digress.

Back to Rove... He braved the KC storms and stayed long after the Wichita rally to sign books in the sweltering airplane hangar at Jabara. My mom said the best part of the day was watching how relaxed my dad and Karl were together and how much Dad enjoyed having him in Kansas.

Thank you, Caleb Hays, for the photos!

Rove, "The Architect," rips Moran, calls Tiahrt the right guy for Kansas

In a blinding thunderstorm in Overland Park this morning, former White House political guru Karl Rove laid into Republican Senate candidate Jerry Moran, calling him a what's-in-it-for-me politician.

"It was all about him," Rove said in an interview with Prime Buzz."In-between him and a camera and in-between him and applause was not a great place to be."

Rove, nicknamed "The Architect" for his role in helping George W. Bush win two terms in the White House, endorsed Moran's rival in the Republican Senate primary, Todd Tiahrt.

Rove said Tiahrt of Wichita was principled and "not compliant."

"At least you know where he's coming from," Rove said. "With Moran, it's like, `What is his game?'"

Rove, who's touring the nation to promote his new book, said he's endorsed only for two Republican Senate candidates this cycle: Tiahrt and Marco Rubio of Florida who is a friend.

In a statement released Saturday, Moran spokesman Dan Conston said it was "no secret" that Rove would stump for his rival because Rove doesn't like Moran.

"Jerry stood up to him," Conston said. "Karl’s job was to line up votes to pass the President’s agenda and while Jerry agreed with much of the Bush agenda, he put his foot down against major increases in spending and government bureaucracy, like opposing No Child Left Behind.

"If you didn’t do what Karl Rove wanted you to do 100 percent of the time, you were punished for it. Well, that’s not a democracy and Jerry Moran is nobody’s lapdog. He wouldn’t be bullied."

Rove and Tiahrt spoke in a ferocious downpour outside Johnson County Republican headquarters at 126th and Metcalf. With his pants already soaked, Tiahrt joked it was the "event from hell" and said to a hearty crowd of a couple hundred, "I can tell you're not fair-weather fans."

Said Rove, "I"m from Texas, so we never curse the rain."

Rove was headed to Wichita later Saturday for a second campaign stop with Tiahrt. Polls show Moran leading in the race. The primary is Aug. 3.

Rove is the second leading Republican leader to criticize Moran. Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert has repeatedly knocked Moran, saying "he was never there."

"I mean, he’d always be out there grabbing a headline," Hastert said, "but he was never there in my experience of doing the hard work to make things happen.”

In the interview, Rove was particularly harsh on Moran for how the congressman approached a 2001 bill on trade promotion authority that Rove said was aimed at knocking down trade barriers and would have helped Moran's rural western Kansas district.

Rove said Moran tried to cut a deal on the bill, offering to back it, but only if the president or Commerce Secretary Don Evans agreed to come to Kansas to help Moran raise campaign money.

Rove said the idea was ridiculous because Moran already had a big cash-on-hand total and likely wouldn't face a serious opponent. Moran was from one of the safest Republican districts in the nation.

"It was, 'What's in it for me?'" Rove said of Moran. He said Moran told him, "You've got to give the president to me in a safe Republican district or the secretary of commerce to me in a safe Republican district to do a fundraiser."

The Bush team eventually pressed a North Carolina Republican to vote for the bill, which resulted in its narrow passage. (Moran's campaign said Moran eventually voted to back the bill).

Rove also dinged Moran for being one of 12 Republicans who opposed Bush's original $726 billion tax cut.

Rove said the first vote was seen as a negotiating stance with the Senate, which was sure to knock down the total cut. Moran eventually backed a $350 billion tax cut.

"He was difficult to deal with," Rove said of Moran.

http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node/22607

Karl Rove Endorses Todd Tiahrt

WICHITA, Kansas (KSN) -- Former President George W. Bush's right-hand-man has endorsed Rep. Todd Tiahrt in his bid for U.S. Senate.

"We got to know each other not just professionally but personally and then I got to see him upclose," said Rove. "He's a star inside the Republican house caucus, he's not flashy. You're not going to see him running to the cameras. You're going to see him working behind the scenes."

Rove and Tiahrt held rallies together Saturday in Wichita and Overland Park.

Tiahrt is running against Rep. Jerry Moran in the Republican primary. Moran's campaign released a statement saying: “We have great respect for Karl Rove, but Karl Rove doesn’t live in Kansas, he doesn’t know Kansas like Jerry Moran does, and like Todd Tiahrt, he’s been in Washington a long time.”

The Republican primary is set for August.

http://www.ksn.com/news/local/story/Karl-Rove-endorses-Todd-Tiahrt/TIhGpoHm9UaKPK4f4qcVkQ.cspx

...And here's a treat for those who read all the way to the end. Rough day on the trail for John, huh?!

Trail Talk with Women in the Legal Profession

On Friday I hit the trail in Old Town Wichita where the Kansas Association of Legal Assistants were holding a seminar. Thanks to Brandon Rudkin for lining me up with his sister, Lynette, who organized the meeting. I enjoyed a casual discussion of public life, teaparties and how women can impact their world.

"It Isn't Enough to Elect Just Any Republican"

The trail took the Tiahrt Campaign deep into Southeast Kansas for a Meet and Greet at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Crossland. It was great to get better acquainted with the Crossland family in a beautiful outdoor setting. Virginia Crossland, the mother of the family, is a Vicki too.

The hot afternoon sun was blocked by a beautiful barn, large oak trees with hanging flower baskets, and a big tent with a chandelier in the center. Tables were covered in white, topped with tan burlap, and tied with raffia. We enjoyed pork loin or turkey, steamed veggies, garlic mashed potatoes. But the real highlight was seeing Dick Morris in person and hearing his predictions for upcoming elections.
He told the crowd Republicans will win back the House and Senate, but it isn't enough to elect just any Republican. We need fighters like Todd Tiahrt.

Dick visited with Todd about the importance of the Tea Party movement nation-wide and how fortunate we are to have the support of the three Tea Party movements in Kansas.

We couldn't agree more.

We've Got Mail

Kansans from across the state have been writing in to the campaign with words of encouragement. We continue to be strengthened, and humbled, by the grassroots support we receive. Thank you to all for the kind words! Here are a few of the most recent emails...



Thank God for Todd!!! LOVE the new radio message about Moran's votes for tax increases!! I sincerely wish I had more $$$ to contribute!!! My Tiahrt bumper sticker is proudly displayed on the rear window of my car.

G.
Lenexa


Todd impressed me in Topeka months back when he addressed the earmarks that the audience badgered him on. He accepted them but explained why he voted the way he did, he owned his decision – he did not run from it.

This is a sign of the leader, the fighter that we feel Todd is and that he showed us in the Congress over the Health Care Bill and other bills and amendments.

Chris
Manhattan


Please let me know when our beloved Congressman Todd Tiahrt comes to Johnson County. I want to campaign as hard as I can for him in Johnson County. I am a Staunch Todd Tiahrt Supporter. I want to make sure he is elected Statewide.


David
Overland Park


I had the opportunity to shake Todd’s hand last night and received a very firm handshake, of which, I am very grateful to meet a man of his character serving both God and Country, truly an example for all Americans!

Larry
Wichita


My heart is for Tiahrt!

Cynthia
Lenexa


Count me in on Tiahrt. I think he is someone that will listen to us and work with us.

Jim
Liberal


Todd Tiahrt was the only individual in the US Senate race who took part in our vetting process. Many people talked with Moran about taking part in our vetting process, but even though he always said he would do it, he never did.

I do not want a Senator representing me that will say one thing to my face and then do another. That is exactly what Moran did.

Tiahrt, on the other hand, participated in our vetting process and answered all of the questions. I was not in 100% agreement with all of his answers, but he did explain himself and had good reasons for why he said what he said.

R.
Osawatomie


Count me in as totally supporting Todd!

Gary
Rose Hill


I just wanted to let you know that I want to volunteer in some way to help you campaign, if you need any help. I don't make much money but I do have my time that I would be willing to donate. I am a 36-year-old Kansas Republican who finally realizes the need to help take back our country.

M.
Topeka


I wholeheartedly agree we should support Todd Tiahrt for U.S. Senator from Kansas.

Mary Ann
Topeka


I have always supported Congressman Tiahrt and feel he has done a great job for the State of Kansas.

Steven
Wichita

There's No Raining on This Parade!

It's parade season! I have really funny memories of walking in parades as kids with my brothers accidentally throwing candy so hard it would bounce off the pavement (or people!).

We've had a lot of candy-tossing practice and still think parades are one of the highlights of campaigning. Here are a few pics of Team Tiahrt on the Kansas (Parade) Trail!

Dad and John (holding up the sign in the back) at the Yates Center parade.

Team Tiahrt in McPherson. It's so encouraging to see young voters and future voters on the campaign trail supporting conservative candidates across the state!

Team Tiahrt in St. Paul. Love seeing those big signs popping up all around the state!

More of Team Tiahrt in St. Paul.

We couldn't do it without our grassroots. Thank you all for your support.

If you'd like to join Team Tiahrt and help with a parade or represent the Team at another community event, please contact Debbie@ToddTiahrt.com! We hope to see you out on the trail soon!