Ex-Congressman Hints at Comeback Bid in Kansas (Updated)
Update 3:02 p.m. | Former Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan., said this weekend he has not ruled out a primary challenge to two-term Rep. Mike Pompeo in Kansas’ 4th District.
“How can we hold Republican incumbent elected officials accountable if they don’t have a a primary?” Tiahrt asked the Kansas City Star.
In 2010, Tiahrt lost a primary for Senate to Jerry Moran, R-Kan., who was also a House member at the time. Prior to that failed bid, Tiahrt served the Wichita-based district for eight terms.
Tiahrt told the Star that if he ran, he would run as a more conservative alternative to Pompeo, who succeeded Tihart after 2010.
The district is strong Republican territory. GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney won here by a 26-point margin in 2012.
Kansas’ 4th District is rated a Safe Republican contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.
Update 3:02 p.m. | Tiahrt said he currently does not have any plans to run, but he’s giving the race a look.
“I don’t have any current plans to run, but I have been approached by a lot of people who think Congress is out of touch, spending more time raising money than getting things done,” Tiahrt said in a phone interview with CQ Roll Call Monday afternoon.
“It’s something I have to at least consider,” Tiahrt said of a congressional comeback bid.