Former House Speaker Dennis HastertUPDATE: Moran's camp responds (below).
****
Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert remains hotly critical of Congressman 
Congressman Jerry Moranand U.S Senate hopeful Jerry Moran, a fellow Republican.
In a fund-raising letter out today for Congressman Todd Tiahrt, Moran's rival for the 2010 GOP nomination, Hastert lets loose on Moran one more time:
"After my visit (to Kansas this month) I was disappointed to see that Todd's opponent, Jerry Moran, tried to score political points by insulting both Todd and me.
"I am proud of my tenure as Speaker of the U.S. House, and have come to expect that some will try to attack me based on my time in this position. Yet, when people attack conservative leaders like Todd Tiahrt, I draw the line.
"He is under attack from Jerry Moran and MoveOn.org.
"Unfortunately, unfounded attacks like this have become part of being a conservative in America. The left is willing to say and do anything to shut down any debate they are losing, and Jerry Moran is apparently willing to say anything in order to win. Both are utterly disappointing.
"However, the most shameful aspect of Jerry Moran's assault on a fellow Republican is that he is one of those politicians who lets others like Todd fight the battles. Then, if it benefits him, he swoops in to grab headlines he doesn't deserve."
A battle between a former House speaker and a member of his caucus is highly unusual. It also suggests that this race is going to heat up early.
****
The response from a Moran spokesman:
Once again, Congressman Tiahrts failing campaign is resorting to desperate, false and personal attacks on Jerry Moran.
Jerry holds a $1.7 Million advantage in fundraising, leads in the polls, and has endorsements from six U.S. Senators including Sen. Jim DeMint.
Meanwhile, the Tiahrt campaign has no accomplishments they can tout, so they are turning to negative attacks by former Speaker Hastert to try and rescue a floundering campaign.
It is quite apparent that the former speaker-now-lobbyist is still bitter at Jerry Moran for acting like a true conservative Republican and consistently voting against wasteful spending and the expansion of government.
Jerry Morans consistent conservative record has made him the decisive frontrunner in this race and the false charges of the Tiahrt campaign and Speaker Hastert can't change that fact.
