(U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., who represents the “Big 1st” congressional district, participated in an online chat this morning with ljworld.com readers, touching on such topics as Lawrence’s smoking ban, the draft and Thomas Frank’s book, “What’s the Matter with Kansas?” The following is the transcript:)

Welcome to our online chat with U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan..

Mr. Moran goes to Kansas (7-18-04) Photo gallery: Rep. Jerry Moran’s road trip Audio: Rep. Jerry Moran on the diversication of the Kansas economy Audio: Moran on travel and his family life Audio: Moran on cynicism and partisanship in politics Audio: Moran on health care 6News video: Moran visits his district

The chat took place on Monday, July 19, at 10:45 a.m. and is now closed, but you can read the full transcript on this page.

Moderator: We’ll start our chat with Congressman Jerry Moran in a few minutes. Thanks for joining us.

Jace, Lawrence KS.: What are your thoughts on Smoking Ordinances?

U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran: fortuntely these issues are local rather than federal, but I live in a community where a smoking ban in restaurants has been considered. I do not smoke and recognize significant health risks associated with second-hand smoke. If I was a city commissioner I would have a reluctance for a total ban, as this can best be addressed by the business owner and their customers. It has happened in my hometown where non-smoking restaurants and bars are coming into existence because of customer demand.

Steve, Lawrence: Will you run for governor in 2006?

U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran: I am fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Kansans in our nation’s capitol. I am not looking for another job at the moment. I do care a lot about Kansas and the future of its people. Right now I just want to do the job I have as best as I know how and I’ll see what happens, if anything, in the future. I am not plotting and planning any race but for re-election to Congress.

(In response to a similar question) Mike, Governor Sebelius and the Legislature has a tough job and I hope good things can happen for her administrtation and during the legislative session. After elections it seems to me that we ought to be working together to see that good things do happen.

Marcia, Lawrence: You are the only Congressman who has responded directly and honestly concerning bill H.R. 163 on reinstating the draft. Will you please tell people how you will vote on that bill or any other bill which will come up in the future to reinstate the military draft.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran: I do not think it is now necessary to reinstate the draft and if the issue was presented to me for a vote now, I would most likely vote no. I grew up during the Vietnam War and if a draft is reinstated it would need to be carefully considered and fairness created in the system.

1st District Congressman Jerry Moran, a Hays Republican, dropped by the the News Center this morning to answer questions posed to him electronically in an online chat on ljworld.com.

I do think that there is a need for a larger number of troops and there is value to all citizens performing some service for the country. But no draft is now required.

Doug, born and raised in Hays, living in Lawrence: Mr. Moran, have you read Thomas Frank’s book “What’s the Matter with Kansas?” How do you feel about the contention that Kansans have been duped into voting against their own interests by the manipulation of “hot button” issues like abortion or gay marriage? Related to that, how do you feel about the radical right-wing Christians getting control of the Republican Party in Kansas? Do you believe in the separation of church and state?

U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran: Doug, many state politicians seem fearful of Lawrence, but I have discovered that many citizens of Douglas County are the kids and grandkids of the people I represent. Like you, they, I assume, came to Lawrence for education and employment

I purchased the book and read the Harper’s article. I got sidetracked with Richard Clarke’s book and President Clinton’s “My Life.” I read a lot and will get back to “What is the Matter with Kansas?”

I have more faith in Kansans than to believe they are consistently voting against their own interests or the interest of the country. There is a cultural divide in the country and change is occuring so fast that it is difficult to accept and not all change is good. Kansans are affected by this.

I do believe in freedom of religion and no government action should inhibit a person from exercising their faith or require any belief whatsoever. I am a Christian and believe that we need to be careful in the way politics and religion are mixed. Christians must focus primarily on saving souls and to operate with the right motivation in dealing with others. Respect of diverse opinions is important. We all can learn from each other.

I hope all Americans will engage in the political process.

Clark, Lawrence: Is there anything that can be done to help the 400 towns that are dying in Kansas (most of which are in your district)? Over 2,400 miles of rail corridor have been lost in Kansas since 1980, is there anything that can be done to preserve these corridors?

U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran: That is a primary focus of what I focus on as a member of Kansas — a little prosperity for Kansans and their families and to keep our Kansas way of life around for another generation. Most solutions will come from local communities, but I need to make certain the federal government is there to help and not hinder. I try to keep the basics in place — good educational system, health care delivery, quality environment and adequate transportation.

I am the primary sponsor of legislation to allow for tax credits for short-line railroad to invest in infastructure so that they can utilize the heavier cars that are now the norm of the class one carriers. This legislation has a chance of becoming law during this session.

We also need to work to keep competition alive in the rail industry.

Traci/Baldwin City: I read the LJworld article on you this past Sunday. Quite a bit of it was focused on your interest in the Gay Marriage Restriction Ban. I’m wondering why you find this so important over the state and national economy. I realize it’s an issue for centrist and conservative individuals, but shouldn’t your job and those under you be to educate your constituents in that constitutional reforms are the least of our worries right now and our focus (all peoples focus) should be toward pull out of international war zones that are not directly benefiting Kansas or US citizens? Shouldn’t your focus be on how to improve the domestic economy starting here in Kansas? How about focus on how to improve the Kansas and national education problems? None of these really have any relationship to the Gay Marriage Ban whether people are for it or against it, don’t you think?

Kansas 1st District Congressman Jerry Moran stops his car on the highest hill near Cedar Bluff Reservoir, about 25 miles south of WaKeeney, hoping to get a better cell-phone connection. He was checking in with his Washington, D.C., office as he hit the road during the Independence Day congressional recess to visit his western Kansas constituents. Kansas Highway 147, right, rolls through Trego County.

By the way, I don’t think homosexuals should have the right to marry but I also don’t think it is an important issue in how I raise my kids, educate my kids or sustain an economy for my kids.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran: I have run out of time, but I think the issue of a constitutional amendment is somewhat moot as a result fo the Senate action last week.

The concern has been that marriage defined in one state becoming the definition in another state.

Amanda – Baldwin City: Mr. Moran, with all of the modern technology, why do you still use an actual car phone with a cord (as pictured in the Journal-World)? Yikes!

U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran: I am old fashioned — and it works in some places that new technology does not. It is wearing out and can not be replaced. One more way to stay in touch.

Thanks.

Moderator: Thanks, Congressman, for joining us today. The congressman has to catch a plane back to Washington, D.C. He told us on his way out the door that he had a good time participating in today’s chat and would be happy to participate in another online chat in the future.