In what was a highly contested, heated campaign, that included mudslinging from both sides, it was Congressman Jerry Moran who prevailed defeating Congressman Todd Tiahrt in the Republican primary race for U.S. Senate.

Moran led in most polls for the whole campaign, but Tiahrt gained new support over the last month with endorsements of Sarah Palin and several other top conservative leaders. However, despite Tiahrt’s surge, it was Moran who held on to gather a majority earning 50% of the vote, with Tiahrt pulling in 45%.

Moran will advance on to the general election to face Democrat Lisa Johnston. Early polls already show Moran with a very large lead, and he is expected to secure the senate seat in November by a wide margin. Kansas hasn’t put a Democrat in the Senate since 1932.

In Seward County, Moran beat Tiahrt by a 59-38% margin.