TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Shawnee County Republicans are recommending that Undersheriff Herman Jones to become the county's sheriff.

Jones was chosen Thursday to replace Sheriff Richard Barta, who retired last week.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports (http://bit.ly/IgLPRm ) the vote was split and came only after former Topeka Police Chief Ed Klumpp withdrew his name from consideration before the meeting.

Gov. Sam Brownback is expected to formally approve Jones' appointment to serve the rest of Barta's term, which ends in January.

The 53-year-old Jones filed last month to run for sheriff later this year.

------

Information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com