Gracia Burnham endorsed Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) Monday in his campaign for the U.S. Senate.
Gracia and her late husband, Martin, were U.S. missionaries in the Philippines when kidnapped and held captive for 376 days by Islamic terrorists. The Burnhams endured near starvation, constant exhaustion, frequent gun battles, cold-hearted murder while held captive and Martin was killed in a firefight before being set free.
"I know that Todd is a fighter and he isn't afraid to take a stand on the hard issues. He doesn't side step them and do political dances. He works hard with us in mind. He is a man of integrity. And he is committed to conservative ideals. He has my vote," said Burnham.
Tiahrt went to the Philippines in 2002 to fight for the Burnhams’ freedom. He met with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and was able to negotiate a higher level of cooperation between the Philippine and U.S. militaries in fighting terrorism in hopes of securing the release of Martin and Gracia Burnham.
"Todd worked tirelessly on our behalf. He cut through government red tape and made things happen," Burnham concluded.
Augusta, Kan. —
