Senator to stop in Fort Scott

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, his wife, Robba, and Vice President Joe Biden are pictured at Moran's swearing-in at the Old Senate Chamber last month. (Submitted Photo)

Continuing a tradition begun when he was a U.S. Congressman, newly-elected Sen. Jerry Moran will is embarking on a statewide "listening tour," which includes a Feb. 24 stop in Fort Scott.

Moran will meet with residents from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. in the media room at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

As a U.S. representative, Moran used to return to Kansas regularly and cover all 69 counties in his district every year, a spokeswoman said. Tim Huelskamp, a fellow Republican, now represents District 1.

As a U.S. Senator, Moran plans to travel to all of the Sunflower State's 105 counties every two years.

"He's at No. 30 so far," spokeswoman Lindsay Trent said Thursday. "A lot of people call him, send him e-mail, or write him a letter and those are great ways to reach him. But it's important to him (to hear) from Kansans directly." And the town hall presents a "great chance" for people to talk to Moran and ask questions.

This coming week alone, Moran has five town halls scheduled, Trent said.

"He likes to visit with Kansans and hear what's on their mind," she added. Information from his office says Moran was a state Senator for eight years, the last two as majority leader.

During the town halls, Moran usually presents a brief update on what's going on in Washington. On Thursday, he'll probably talk about the president's budget, health care and any other topics that come up.

"But he's mainly interested in hearing what's on in Kansans' minds and answering their questions," Trent said. "Typically folks who come have plenty of questions they want to ask him."

Before his election to public office, Moran attended Fort Hays State University and later the University of Kansas, where he earned an economics degree in 1976. After an early career as a small-town banker, Moran received his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1982 and was elected to the Order of the Coif.

While at home in Kansas, the Hays resident volunteers his time at several community organizations. He serves as a trustee of the Eisenhower Foundation, on the board of trustees of the Fort Hays State University Foundation and on the executive committee of the Coronado Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Jerry and his wife, Robba, have two daughters, Kelsey and Alex. Kelsey is a recent graduate of Kansas State University and Alex attends KSU.