Topeka

Huelskamp considering run for Moran’s seat

Tim Huelskamp, a leading conservative Republican in the Kansas Senate, says he will run for the 1st Congressional District seat if Rep. Jerry Moran decides to run for governor.

Huelskamp, 36, of Fowler, announced Tuesday he is forming an exploratory committee allowing him to raise money before officially declaring a candidacy.

He first was elected to the Senate in 1996 and said he wouldn’t run for Congress if Moran seeks re-election.

Moran has been mentioned as a possible GOP challenger next year against Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. He previously said he wasn’t interested in being governor but now says he is rethinking that.

Other Republicans are thinking about running for governor. In May, House Speaker Doug Mays of Topeka filed the paperwork to form a statewide campaign committee, and Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt of Independence says he is thinking about it.

Washington

Ryun’s press secretary may run for Congress

The 25-year-old press secretary to Rep. Jim Ryun, R-Kan., said Tuesday he is thinking of returning to Wisconsin to launch his own bid for Congress.

Nick Reid, a Republican, wants to challenge incumbent Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., an 18-term veteran of the House and the senior member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation.

“I’m just starting to test the waters here,” Reid said.

He has served as Ryun’s press secretary for two years and worked at the conservative Heritage Foundation in Washington for three years before that.