Topeka ? In the race to replace Sam Brownback in the U.S. Senate, Rep. Jerry Moran widened the campaign funding gap between himself and fellow Kansas Republican Rep. Todd Tiahrt, according to documents filed Thursday with federal election officials.

Moran reported to the Federal Election Commission that he has more than $3.4 million in cash on hand, up from $3.1 million at the end of July. Tiahrt began and ended the reporting period with about $1.4 million available.

Through September, Moran’s campaign said he raised more than $520,000, while spending a little more than $181,000. Tiahrt reported raising more than $341,000 and spending $353,500.

The U.S. Senate race is considered the marquee race in Kansas, pitting the two longtime Republican congressmen in a primary to succeed Brownback, who is running for governor.

Moran, elected in 1996, represents the 1st District of Kansas, which covers most of western and northern Kansas. Tiahrt’s 4th District centers on Wichita and surrounding counties. He was elected to the House in 1994.

Tiahrt’s campaign spokeswoman Michelle Schroeder said his “message of leadership and conservative values” was making a difference in fundraising.

“This race will be determined at the ballot box on Aug. 3, 2010, and not by the bank account on Oct. 15, 2009,” Schroeder said.