TOPEKA – Atty. Gen. Phill Kline today filed for re-election, touting his record working to increase sentences against violent offenders, especially those who hurt children.

“All of those persons who engage in that kind of criminal exploitation and conduct will face severe prison sentences,” Kline said at a rally.

Kline, a Republican, will face Johnson County District Atty. Paul Morrison, a Democrat, in the Nov. 7 general election.

Speaking on behalf of Kline at the rally were U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kansas, House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, and Shawnee County Sheriff Dick Barta.

Kline won a close race for attorney general in 2002. Prior to that he served in the Legislature and ran an unsuccessful campaign for the 3rd congressional district seat, which includes Lawrence.

At the rally, Kline listed among his accomplishments the recent establishment of Jessica’s law, which increases punishment of sex offenders, increasing Medicaid fraud collections, and winning key water rights cases.