By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

After serving almost 13 years as a Kansas senator, Tim Huelskamp always returns home -- and to the plow.

A farmer and rancher in Fowler, Huelskamp believes his rural roots and status as an "experienced conservative" give him an edge over the five other candidates vying to represent the state's Big First congressional district. Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., is making a run at a Senate seat, opening up the House seat.

"We've been in leadership on conservative issues for many years in Topeka," Huelskamp said. "And we think that's exactly what Washington is lacking, is someone who shares our common sense, conservative principles and is ready to go to work for them in Washington."

With the primary election slated for August, Huelskamp is continuing campaign efforts, though he had to take some time off during corn harvest, he said.

He's been traveling the sprawling district and has received endorsements from other politicians along the way, including former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. Huelskamp was in Hays on Tuesday to meet with campaign supporters.

"When I talk to people across Kansas, they're just worried," he said. "Wondering why government has to run their health care system, why government taxes are so high."

Huelskamp opposes overspending and proposed cap and trade legislation, and is concerned about the costs associated with current proposals for health care reform.

He also opposes abortion and same-sex marriages, and authored the Kansas Marriage Amendment, voted into effect in 2005. He's an advocate for agriculture and wants to make sure rural Kansas continues to survive, he said.

"I think these are really turbulent times, and I've got four young children," Huelskamp said. "And I'm worried about the future of this country and what kind of country we're going to hand off to them."