TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Sarah Palin is endorsing Kansas Congressman Todd Tiahrt for the U.S. Senate.

The former GOP vice presidential nominee and Alaska governor announced her support for Tiahrt in a Facebook posting Thursday.

She called Tiahrt “a commonsense conservative who has never voted for a tax increase.” She also praised his support for gun rights and what she called his “pro-family” stances.

Tiahrt has represented the 4th Congressional District of south-central Kansas since 1995.

His toughest opponent in the Aug. 3 primary is fellow Congressman Jerry Moran, who represented the 1st District of western and central Kansas since 1997.

Moran spokesman Dan Conston said Moran has had a good relationship with Palin and has the backing of prominent conservatives in the U.S. Senate.