Topeka ? Senate President Dave Kerr named Johnson County business leader Mary Birch as his running mate for his Republican gubernatorial campaign.

Birch, who has served as president of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce for 18 years and also has served as leader of the National Chambers of Commerce.

	Gubernatorial candidates meet the press in Lawrence

“From a political perspective, it’s a match made in heaven,” said Trent LeDoux, spokesman for the Kerr campaign.

LeDoux said Kerr and Birch share a common background and interests in economic development and improving the state’s education system.

In naming Birch, Kerr said she would serve as secretary of commerce if the two were elected in November, an arrangement similar to Gov. Bill Graves and Lt. Gov. Gary Sherrer.

Kerr and Birch began a three-day statewide tour, which included stops in Larwrence and Topeka. The two are expected to file official paperwork with the secretary of state’s office this week. The deadline is June 10, with the primary set for Aug. 6.

Monday’s announcement is expected to complete the list of major candidates and their running mates for the gubernatorial races. Graves is completing his second, four-year term and is prohibited by the Kansas Constitution from seeking a third term.

The Kerr-Birch ticket joins the field of State Treasurer Tim Shallenburger and David Lindstrom, Wichita Mayor Bob Knight and House Speaker Kent Glasscock, and former Eudora superintendent Dan Bloom and his son, Eric.

Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius and Cessna Aircraft Co., executive John Moore are the presumed Democratic nominee. Sebelius named Moore to the ticket on Friday.

Birch is a native of Great Bend and moved to Johnson County, a rural-urban path similar to Kerr, who was raised in Pratt and now lives in Hutchinson.

Republicans are hoping to tap the Republican majority in Johnson County and its wealth in naming their running mates. Shallenburger, who represents the party’s conservative arm, chose Lindstrom, who is a businessman and former defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kerr’s choice of Birch is a step toward moderate voters in Johnson County. The two were introduced Monday by former Senate President Dick Bond, who is viewed as a leader among GOP moderates.