PITTSBURG – On Friday, Pittsburg Mayor Rudy Draper endorsed U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan. for the U.S. Senate.
Moran is running against fellow Republican Rep. Todd Tiahrt for the seat being vacated by Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan. – who has decided to run for Kansas governor.
“About two or three weeks ago, I met with him and we talked issues and things that were going on,” Draper said. “I just think that his values, ethics and family values are in line with mine and for the state of Kansas and that is why I am supporting him.”
Draper will be deploying to Somalia April 1 for a 13-month deployment with the Army National Guard.
He said that, in his discussions with Moran, they talked about his deployment as part of the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry, Echo Company to the Horn of Africa. In addition, Draper’s wife also serves in the military.
“We talked about how my wife and I juggle military life, family life and the kids,” Draper said. “There really wasn’t any political talk at all.”
Moran expressed his gratitude for Draper’s support.
“I thank Mayor Draper for his support of my campaign,” Moran said. “His leadership in Pittsburg is greatly appreciated.”
Draper, a Republican, said that his decision was not affected by any degree of partisanship.
“It really doesn’t have to do with being a Republican or a Democrat, it’s more what I think is best for Kansas,” Draper said. “I have never really thought about the partisanship of this.”
Prior to his deployment, Draper will step down as Pittsburg mayor during a March 23 ceremony. He said that his commission seat will remain vacant until he returns.
“If the commission feels it necessary to fill my seat temporarily, then they can do that,” Draper said. “I, hopefully, will just jump right back in when I return.”
The Republican primary election is set for Aug. 3.
