Barnett candidate for Kan. congressional seat

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- State Sen. Jim Barnett says he wants to replace U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran in the 1st District.

Barnett, a Republican, announced his candidacy Tuesday in his hometown of Emporia. He then began a four-day campaign swing through the 69-county district.

Barnett said it's time to bring conservative Kansas values to Congress. He said being a physician and his background in agriculture would be an asset in the 1st District.

Five other candidates are already running in next year's GOP primary to replace Moran, who's running for the U.S. Senate.

Among the other challengers is Barnett's fellow conservative Senate colleague, Tim Huelskamp, of Fowler.

Barnett was the GOP gubernatorial candidate in 2006, losing to incumbent Democrat Kathleen Sebelius.