Jerry Moran (Getty)

Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn on Wednesday endorsed Republican Rep. Jerry Moran’s bid for Kansas Senate even though Coburn’s endorsement means he will be taking sides in an intra-party battle.

“His election to the United State Senate would be a tremendous benefit to those of us fighting against the bailouts and irresponsible spending in Washington, D.C.,” Coburn said of Moran, according to a fundraising letter Thursday. “I give him my strongest endorsement for the U.S. Senate.” Coburn’s home state borders Kansas to the south.  

Moran, of Kansas’ 1st District, faces a hotly contested primary battle against House colleague Todd Tiahrt of the 4th District for their party’s nomination.