Voting records tell how Tiahrt, Moran differ

Aug 1, 2010 — The Kansas City Star

Dave Helling

Aug. 1, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Still trying to make up your mind?

A recent poll showed that almost one in 10 likely Republican voters still did not know whether to pull the lever Tuesday for Todd Tiahrt, Jerry Moran or two other candidates for the U.S. Senate on the Kansas primary ballot.

One reason for the indecision: Moran and Tiahrt's records, and positions on most issues, are very similar. But there are differences.

Here are 10 important votes in the House since 2007 in which Tiahrt and Moran made different choices. The bills were picked by The Kansas City Star:

Jan. 10, 2007: HR 2, a bill to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour over a two-year period. Supporters said the wage had not been raised for years and an increase would help entry-level workers. Opponents said an increase would cost jobs and improperly interfere with business. It passed 315-116.

Tiahrt: No Moran: Yes

Jan. 12, 2007: HR 4, a bill requiring the government to negotiate prices with drugmakers taking part in the Medicare prescription drug program. Supporters said it would lower prices for taxpayers and patients. Opponents said it could make it harder to bring drugs to the market. It passed 255-170.

Tiahrt: No Moran: Yes

April 18, 2007: HR 1361, a bill designed to improve disaster-relief programs at the Small Business Administration. Supporters said it would help the government respond more quickly to natural and man-made disasters. Opponents said it would add to the deficit and might not work. It passed 267-158.

Tiahrt: No Moran: Yes

April 20, 2007: HR 1257, a bill requiring most public companies to hold a nonbinding shareholder vote on executive pay. Supporters said it would keep executive pay increases in line. Opponents said it was an improper government intrusion into business. It passed 269-134.

Tiahrt: No Moran: Yes

Jan. 17, 2008: HR 3524, a bill designed to rehabilitate severely depressed public housing. Supporters said it would improve housing options for the very poor. Opponents said it would add to the deficit. It passed 271-130.

Tiahrt: Yes Moran: No

Feb. 7, 2008: HR 4137, a bill broadly aimed at lowering tuition, fees and loan costs at colleges. Supporters said it would make college more affordable. Opponents said it was an unnecessary intrusion into the operation of state higher education institutions. It passed 354-58.

Tiahrt: Yes Moran: No

June 11, 2008: HR 6003, a bill reauthorizing federal spending for Amtrak. Supporters said it would pay for needed rail improvements. Opponents said it would add to the deficit. It passed 311-104.

Tiahrt: No Moran: Yes

Jan. 14, 2009: HR 2, a bill reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program and using a tobacco tax increase to pay for it. Supporters said it would provide health care to children and cut down on smoking. Opponents said it would add to the deficit and contribute to "socialized" medicine. It passed 289-139.

Tiahrt: No Moran: Yes

July 22, 2009: HR 2920, a bill from Democrats establishing a "pay as you go" law requiring new spending to be offset by cuts or tax increases. Supporters said it would help reduce the deficit. Opponents said it would lead to bookkeeping tricks and tax increases they opposed. It passed 265-166.

Tiahrt: No Moran: Yes

Nov. 4, 2009: HR 3639, a bill to move up implementation of a law regulating credit card companies. Supporters said consumers needed the protections because the law gave too much power to credit card providers. Opponents said that banks would not be able to meet the schedule and that consumers would be hurt in the long run. It passed 331-92.

Tiahrt: No Moran: Yes

To reach Dave Helling, call 816-234-4656 or send e-mail to dhelling@kcstar.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0102-47500688