State Sen. Jim Barnett wants to go to Washington, D.C., and he threw his hat into the ring this week.
Barnett thinks the U.S. House of Representatives can use a guy like him, so he's touring western Kansas to tell people why he should be the next GOP candidate for the First Congressional District.
The senator was in Emporia on Tuesday to announce his bid for the Republican nomination. The campaign moved on to McPherson and Great Bend and arrived Wednesday in Dodge City.
Barnett spoke to a small but welcoming group, including Dodge City Mayor Rick Sowers and Ford County Commission Chairman Kim Goodnight, which had gathered to greet him at Trojan Specialty Supply.
Barnett said that his rural background, his experience as a physician and nine years in the state Senate qualify him to make a particularly strong contribution to Congress.
"I'm a doctor, and I want to thank you for helping me pay a house call on the U.S. House of Representatives," Barnett told the group. "Federal spending is out of control, and we need a government that creates opportunities for small businesses and supports rural communities instead of creating massive national debt."
Barnett praised the 1st District's outgoing congressman, Rep. Jerry Moran.
"You've been well represented in Washington," he said. "I'll do my best to fill Jerry's boots."
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Claire O’Brien may be reached at (620) 408-3391, or e-mail her at claire.obrien@dodgeglobe.com.
DODGE CITY —
