GOP hopeful in Kan. 4th endorsed by ex-rival

Eds: COMBINES BC-KS--4th District Race, BC-KS-XGR--Body Armor; ADDS under the dome item, On the Net section.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- A Wichita businessman seeking the Republican nomination in Kansas' 4th Congressional District has been endorsed by a former rival.

State Sen. Dick Kelsey, of Goddard, announced Wednesday he's backing manufacturing executive Mike Pompeo in the GOP primary.

Kelsey dropped his own bid earlier this month because his wife is facing health problems.

Rep. Todd Tiahrt is giving up the House seat to run for U.S. Senate.

Other GOP candidates in the House race are businessman and retired pilot Jim Anderson, oilman Willis "Wink" Hartman and state Sen. Jean Schodorf, all from Wichita.

State Rep. Raj Goyle and retired court services officer Robert Tillman, both from Wichita, are seeking the Democratic nomination.

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BODY ARMOR: The Kansas Senate passed a bill Wednesday to allow longer sentences for people who wear body armor while committing or attempting a felony.

The 40-0 vote sends the bill back to the House, which approved a version Feb. 11 but must consider changes made by senators.

The measure would let judges depart from state guidelines in sentencing people convicted of committing or attempting a felony while wearing a ballistic vest or ceramic plates.

The legislation was sought by lawmakers from southeast Kansas, where a robbery suspect wearing body armor exchanged shots with police in Coffeyville.

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UNDER THE DOME: Wednesday was the 66th day of the Legislature's annual session, out of 90 scheduled.

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On the Net:

Kansas Legislature: http://www.kslegislature.org