Wichita ? Wichita lawyer Robert Beattie, the author of a book on the BTK killer, has filed for secretary of state as a Democrat.

“Kansas needs an independent, professional secretary of state focused on protecting the voting process,” Beattie said in a statement after filing Friday.

Beattie, 50, said he plans to increase voter registration and turnout by modernizing the state’s chief election office.

“My priority as secretary of state will be to guarantee all Kansas voters have access to the ballot and to guarantee a reliable election,” he said.

Deadline for candidates to file is noon Monday.

If no other Democrat files, Beattie will face the GOP challenger in the Nov. 7 election. The Republican candidate will be decided in the Aug. 1 primary between incumbent Ron Thornburgh and Sen. Kay O’Connor, of Olathe.