State Sen. Nick Jordan, a Republican from Shawnee, on Wednesday announced his bid to represent the 3rd Congressional District, which includes eastern Lawrence and is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, a Democrat from Lenexa.

“This campaign will be a great conversation with people around the district about their priorities and their hopes for the future,” Jordan said. “Congress has been taking no action – or the wrong direction – on key issues such as economic growth, taxes, education, health care, homeland security and immigration. It’s time for a fresh approach.”

Jordan has served in the Kansas Legislature for the past 12 years. He was a sponsor of legislation aimed at spurring the bioscience industry. No other Republicans have announced their intention to run.

Moore is a five-term incumbent who has managed to win despite the district having more voters registered as Republican than Democrat. Last year was his easiest victory, defeating Republican Chuck Ahner 64 percent to 34 percent.

In addition to part of Douglas County, the district includes all of Johnson and Wyandotte counties.

Moore, who was in Lawrence on Wednesday to speak to the Chamber of Commerce, brushed off Jordan’s announcement.

“I’m not in campaign mode,” he said. “I’m in ‘serve my constituents’ mode.”

Asked again, Moore said: “Come back and talk to me next year. That’s when the campaign will start, next year, as far as I’m concerned. He can start the campaign now if he wants, but I’m going to continue on being in Congress and serving my constituents, and I think we’ve done a good job.”