2010 Kansas Senate - Moran vs. Johnston

In the 94 years Kansans have directly elected senators, a majority or plurality of voters have pulled the lever for Democrats three times. The last time this happened was in 1932, when George McGill won a three-way race with 46 percent of the vote. Six years later, McGill received only 44 percent, and the state has elected only Republicans since then.

When Senator Sam Brownback announced his plans to run for governor, speculation abounded that popular Governor Kathleen Sebelius would run for the seat. But Barack Obama made her Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Kansas Democrats were left scrambling for a candidate. They settled on Lisa Johnston, an assistant dean at Baker University. The Republicans selected Congressman Jerry Moran, who represents the sprawling western 1st District, over Todd Tiahrt, who represents the Wichita-based 4th District. Given Republicans’ history in the state, Moran should have little trouble in the general election.