Washington ? Democratic Rep. Dennis Moore says he’s not thinking right now about his race for re-election next year in the Kansas City suburbs. But at least three Republicans are.

That’s why the campaign is shaping up as a replay of the last two elections in the state’s 3rd Congressional District. Moore, the only Democrat in the state delegation, confounds the GOP because he represents a solidly Republican district yet keeps returning to Washington. The district reaches into Douglas County and includes the eastern half of the city of Lawrence.

The former Johnson County prosecutor has been targeted for defeat by national Republicans ever since he won election to Congress in 1998, and this year is no exception. Moore, 57, already is under attack from Republican Party operatives for his votes against the GOP’s tax cut and Medicare bills.

Here is a sampling of headlines from recent National Republican Congressional Committee news releases: “Moore Votes to Tax the American Dream.” “Will Moore Abandon Seniors Again?” “Moore Tries Dumping High Standards, Accountability.” “And Then He Votes ‘NO’ to Rx Drugs.”

In a recent interview, Moore said it was too early to be talking about next year’s election. “That’s not my focus,” Moore said by telephone from his Overland Park congressional office.

“I think what’s happening right now is the worst form of Washington partisan politics, and I think people out here are more interested in what’s happening with their families and their jobs and school for their kids,” he said. “People are not interested in starting this early.”

Not that his campaign is on hold. Moore doubled his campaign war chest in the past three months and expects to report around $350,000 cash on hand as of June 30. Reports to the Federal Election Commission are due later this month and cover April, May and June.

The Republican primary field appears crowded at this point. Leading the pack is Adam Taff, a former Navy fighter pilot who in 2002 won a competitive primary but lost the general election to Moore. Moore won 50 percent of the vote to Taff’s 47 percent.

A virtual unknown last year, Taff is trying to firm up his position as a front-runner among Republicans.

Taff said Thursday he has more than $200,000 cash on hand toward a rematch with Moore, and he’s packed his schedule with speaking appearances and glad-handing at various events.

He’s also been working to attract support from House Republicans, who were lukewarm to his effort during most of the 2002 race. Backing from their campaign operation can help make the difference for some candidates.

House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier of California visited Thursday evening to raise money for Taff at a $250-per-person reception in Kansas City, Mo. Taff said he also has received campaign checks from Virginia Rep. Tom Davis, former chairman of the House GOP campaign operation, and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas of California.

“The response from Washington has been positive,” Taff said. “I think they’re recognizing that we’re trying to do the right thing right now. And I’ve been very pleased and very thankful for support from members of the Kansas delegation.”

Those are Taff’s advantages. But his disadvantage is that other Republicans also want to run.

Each time Moore has been on the ballot for Congress, the GOP has experienced a primary brawl that bruised the party enough to keep some Republicans home on Election Day and goad others to vote for Moore.

Kansas state Rep. Patricia Barbieri-Lightner has been mulling it over and said Thursday she expected to announce her candidacy for the 3rd District race within weeks.

“Last year, we didn’t have anyone from the state Legislature step in,” she said. “I just feel there is that need, and I’m ready for a new challenge.”

Barbieri-Lightner is recognized as an abortion opponent and acknowledged she was likely to attract support from the conservative wing of the Kansas GOP, “although I’m hoping to draw some moderates as well.”

While Taff has worked to attract support from both GOP factions, moderate leaders have made a point of touting his candidacy at public gatherings.

Also considering the race is Jeff Colyer, the Overland Park plastic surgeon who lost the 2002 primary to Taff and also ran in 2000 but dropped out early on. Colyer said Thursday he would wait a while to decide on a third bid for Congress.

Colyer, also a favorite of conservatives, was on vacation in Colorado but said in a voice mail message: “We’ve tried the ultraconservative side, we’ve tried the ultraliberal side. I think it’s time to be very straightforward. A Republican can do the job. The last two times, they’ve gotten exactly the same score.”