Salina Journal Editorial - July 20, 2010

For the Republican Party

U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran is the Journal’s hands-down favorite in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sam Brownback. . .

Moran’s only meaningful competition comes from Rep. Todd Tiahrt, Wichita, who has alienated Kansans with sleazy mudslinging and distortions of Moran’s voting record. Others in the GOP primary include Tom Little, of Mound City, and Robert Londerholm, of Overland Park. . .

There is very little difference between Moran and Tiahrt in their political positions. Both have sprinted to the right to attract conservatives, typically the most active voting block in Kansas. The notion of “compassionate conservatism” is nowhere to be found in their rhetoric. . .

For the Democratic Party

Democrats have a slim chance of defeating the Republican candidate in the fall general election, yet the primary still attracted a slew of candidates vying to represent their party.

Those running include: Robert Conroy, of Shawnee; David Haley, of Kansas City; Lisa Johnston, of Overland Park; Charles Schollenberger, of Prairie Village; and Patrick Wiesner, of Lawrence.

Schollenberger is the best pick of the bunch. He has worked the hardest of any other candidate, like when he toured the state to hear directly from Kansans. He is bright and well-spoken, and Democrats need someone of his caliber for the fall campaign.