Topeka ? State Sen. David Haley has picked up the endorsement of a Kansas legislative leader in the race for U.S. Senate.

Kansas Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley says he’s backing Haley, of Kansas City, over four other candidates for the Democratic nomination.

Hensley, of Topeka, says his fellow Democrats can’t afford to nominate an unknown candidate in the Aug. 3 primary.

None of the other four is as well-known as Haley, who twice ran unsuccessfully for Kansas secretary of state.

Congressmen Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt are considered the leaders among four Republicans seeking the nomination to succeed Republican Sen. Sam Brownback.

Brownback is passing up a possible third term to run this year for Kansas governor.