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Published 6/3/2009 in News : Politics
TOPEKA (AP) — The crowded field of Republican candidates for the 1st District congressional seat increased Tuesday with state Sen. Jim Barnett becoming the sixth person wanting to replace outgoing Congressman Jerry Moran.
Barnett, a physician and three-term senator, launched his campaign Tuesday in his hometown of Emporia. He then began a four-day tour of the 1st District that includes 69 of the state's 105 counties.
Barnett was in Garden City today, visiting with people at 12:30 p.m. at St. Catherine Hospital.
"Right now, Washington is a mess. They spend too much, tax too much and borrow too much," Barnett said in an interview. "I believe Congress needs a good dose of conservative Kansas values."
The GOP primary winner next August most likely will go to Washington because only one Democrat has been elected in the past 100 years. Republicans have a history of remaining in office until they decide to leave. For instance, Pat Roberts held the office for 16 years before moving to the U.S. Senate.
Other high profile candidates include Barnett's fellow conservative colleague, Sen. Tim Huelskamp of Fowler, and Rob Wasinger, of Hays, former chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback.
The 1st District rush started when Moran, serving his seventh term, said he would seek the Senate seat being vacated by Brownback, who's running for governor next year.
"More than ever, we need conservative leadership that recognizes the need for fiscal and personal responsibility, to direct better policy for this nation," Barnett said. "Today we have Government Motors instead of General Motors."
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