WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Former Senator and U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft says Thursday he's backing Congressman Todd Tiahrt in the Wichita congressman's bid for the U.S. Senate. As Attorney General, Ashcroft led the Department of Justice after the attacks of September 11, 2001 and under his leadership the Department was successful in the disruption of over 150 terrorist plots around the globe.

“Todd Tiahrt is a principled fiscal and social conservative who understands what it takes to keep this country safe,” said Ashcroft. “He fights for the conservative values he believes in and does not waver in the face of tough opposition.”

“Conservatives across this country are yearning for principled conservatives in Washington,” continued Ashcroft, “I feel strongly that Todd Tiahrt can help provide that common sense conservative leadership in the Senate.”

A staunch conservative, Ashcroft was elected Governor of Missouri by record breaking margins and remains the only Republican Governor to be re-elected to a second, consecutive term in the Show Me state.

Ashcroft joins the growing list of conservatives who have endorsed Tiahrt including Sen. Jim Inhofe, former Sen. Rick Santorum, Congressman Mike Rogers, former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, former Congressman Jim Ryun, and conservative talk radio icon Mark Levin. Tiahrt also has the support of groups such as; Concerned Women for America, Kansans for Life, Family Research Council PAC and Eagle Forum. Tiahrt faces 1st District Congressman Jerry Moran in next August's Republican Senate primary.