Pat Roberts in The New York Times 2010s

On Environment: For early farm bill, but final bill had too many subsidies

On Foreign Policy: Opposed UN ban on discrimination against disabilities

Roberts opposed a United Nations treaty banning discrimination against people with disabilities after being personally lobbied to support it by his predecessor, former Senator Kassebaum, and by former Senator Dole, who uses a wheelchair. Roberts said he did not trust the UN.

"I'm disappointed in Pat," said Kassebaum, referring to both the treaty vote and his larger reluctance to stand up to his party's right wing. "You're not sent there just to go whichever way the polls tell us."

Dole, who supports Roberts, acknowledged that his old friend's vote had irritated him "a little bit." "My view is we need to be a party of inclusion, and that includes moderates as well as conservatives," Dole said.

Roberts's aides candidly acknowledge that the moves [ensure against losing in a Tea Party primary].

On Principles & Values: Resides in Virginia but votes in Kansas

Roberts acknowledged that he did not have a home of his own in Kansas. The house on a Dodge City country club golf course that he lists as his voting address belongs to two longtime supporters and donors--C. Duane and Phyllis Ross--and he says he stays with them when he is in the area. He established his voting address there the day before his challenger, Milton Wolf, announced his candidacy, arguing that Roberts was out of touch with his High Plains roots.

"I have full access to the recliner," the senator joked. Turning serious, he added, "Nobody knows the state better than I do." That assertion is disputed by Tea Party activists.