Jerry Moran in 2010 KS Senate Debates

On Homeland Security: No constitutional rights for terrorists, categorically

Tiahrt criticized Moran on terrorism issues in a television ad his campaign began broadcasting statewide Tuesday, including in Topeka during the debate. "He has a weak record on national security, and I think that's why he supports constitutional rights for terrorists," Tiahrt said.

Tiahrt's campaign cited two votes by Moran in 2006 against legislation to continue allowing military tribunals to try suspected terrorists, legislation Tiahrt supported.

Moran said after the debate that he'd viewed the legislation as flawed and unconstitutional. "Let me categorically say I do not support constitutional rights for terrorists," Moran said.

On Immigration: No driver's licenses & no college discounts for illegals

Jerry Moran criticized Tiahrt during the debate for past support of proposals to allow some illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses and to make it easier for some to pay lower college tuition. Tiahrt said his views shifted as he consulted with Kansans and studied the issue. Moran endorsed the new Arizona law and derided the Obama administration's challenge as "a silly waste of taxpayer dollars."

Tiahrt said Moran opposed federal legislation to block cities from making themselves sanctuaries for illegal immigrants, citing Moran's vote against a 2003 bill to cut off federal funds to cities that wouldn't allow law enforcement to share information. "I've voted numerous times in support of eliminating sanctuary cities," Moran refuted. "That's a terrible idea. It's wrong."

On Homeland Security: Military tribunals for terrorists are unconstitutional

Tiahrt has characterized Moran as a waffling conservative, while Moran has framed Tiahrt as a politician tainted by Washington gamesmanship.

On Tax Reform: Voted for tax increases 12 times, and against 200 times

Tiahrt said Moran voted against the Bush tax cuts of 2003. "Those are very disingenuous statements," Moran said. In fact, Moran voted against an earlier budget resolution that included the tax cuts but voted in favor of the final version of tax cuts that passed.

To that, Tiahrt said again, "I'm glad Congressman Moran agrees he voted against the Bush tax cuts." Moran shot back, "Never voted against the Bush tax cuts."

Tiahrt pointed to what he said were Moran's 12 votes to increase taxes. Moran has continually said he voted against tax increases more than 200 times during his career. No matter, Tiahrt said. "Now is not the time for those who will compromise on taxes," he said.