Republican Congressman Jerry Moran today picked up the first notable outside-of-Kansas endorsement in the 2010 race for the U.S. Senate.

Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn said he was backing Moran of Hays because the Kansan "is a man of his word - a man of character and integrity.

"Jerry has been a great ally in the fight against wasteful spending and earmarks," Coburn said. "His election to the United States Senate would be a tremendous benefit to those of us fighting against the bailouts and irresponsible spending in Washington, D.C.  I give him my strongest endorsement for the U.S. Senate."

Moran is battling fellow Kansas Congressman Todd Tiahrt of Wichita for the GOP nomination.