Moran, Tiahrt spend $2 million in first half of July

In the hotly contested race for the U.S. Senate in Kansas, congressmen Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt combined spent nearly $2 million on their campaigns during the first two weeks of July.

Moran spent nearly $1.5 million and Tiahrt a little over $466,000, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Since their campaigns began, the two candidates have spent more than $6.7 million through July 14 -- $4.5 million for Moran and $2.2 million for Tiahrt.

As of July 14, Tiahrt had about $93,500 more cash on hand than Moran. Tiahrt had $889,000, Moran had $795,000.

Tiahrt raised nearly $50,000 more than Moran during the first 14 days of July. Tiahrt received almost $72,000 in contributions and Moran $22,000.

For the life of their campaigns, they have combined to raise nearly $5 million — $2.9 million for Moran and $2.1 million for Tiahrt.

Moran started the campaign with more money. He carried over $2.4 million from his congressional races and Tiahrt carried over $1 million.

Congressional candidates in Kansas were required to file a pre-primary report by July 22. The primary is Tuesday.

— Rick Plumlee

Candidate plans to return above-limit gift

Sedgwick County Commission candidate Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau said Wednesday that she will return at least $1,150 worth of in-kind campaign contributions to Harris Media.

The move came after The Eagle asked her about $1,650 of in-kind contributions listed on her most recent report.

Harris Media provided Faust-Goudeau with website development, news letters, yard sign designs and other consultation services.

Under state law, a candidate can collect no more than $500 from a person or company.

That money can come through donations, in-kind services or a combination.

“I’m aware of the limit and so is Harris Media,” Faust-Goudeau said.

Faust-Goudeau said she will pay Harris from campaign contributions now, instead of accepting the in-kind services.

The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission typically mails notices to candidates when this happens and candidates pay for the in-kind services. But fines can be assessed if the commission finds the candidate purposely accepted the services in violation of state law.

— Brent D. Wistrom

National Right to Life PAC endorses Tiahrt

Todd Tiahrt picked up an endorsement Wednesday from the National Right to Life Political Action Committee.

In a letter to Tiahrt, the group noted that he had cast “118 consecutive pro-life” votes in the House.

— Rick Plumlee