In the 2004 election cycle , Kobach was the Republican nominee for Congress in the 3rd District , narrowly besting primary opponent and 2002 party nominee Adam Taff by 207 votes , with state representative Patricia Lightner far behind . He lost to incumbent Dennis Moore , 55 % – 43 % . The victory was the largest of Moore 's congressional campaigns . The campaign thrust Kobach onto the national stage , mostly due to his stance on illegal immigration . Kobach advocated for the imposition of a national consumption ( sales ) tax . He was given a speaking role on the opening day of the 2004 Republican National Convention and used his slot to call for the U.S. military to be sent to the Mexican border to block illegal immigration
2004 Republican National Convention
2004 Republican National Convention
Kris Kobach