Washington, D.C. ? First lady Laura Bush will be in Kansas next week to raise money for Sen. Pat Roberts’ re-election campaign.

Bush will deliver remarks Tuesday at an Overland Park fundraiser for the Kansas Republican.

She also plans to visit Rolling Ridge Elementary in Olathe to read to local students.

Roberts, seeking a third Senate term, has already raised at least $2.7 million for the November race. He is expecting a challenge from former Democratic Rep. Jim Slattery, of Topeka. Democrat Lee Jones also is seeking his party’s nomination for the Senate race.

Laura Bush’s popularity has far exceeded that of her husband in public opinion polls. The president has not come to Kansas yet this election cycle to campaign for Republican candidates, though he still remains popular with party faithful despite low approval ratings.