Rep. Mike Pence (Ind.), the third-ranking Republican in the House, is backing Rep. Todd Tiahrt in his primary bid for the Senate against Rep. Jerry Moran.

“Todd Tiahrt understands that we must return to common sense conservative principles,” Pence said in a press release. “Todd will never waiver when it comes to taking a fight for our conservative principles.”

The Tiahrt campaign announced the endorsement Monday, as Moran’s campaign began a round of introductory television ads.

A source with knowledge of the ad buy said it included broadcast TV in the most expensive media market in the state, Kansas City.