Topeka ? Eight Kansas legislators have endorsed former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

Gingrich’s campaign announced the endorsements Thursday. The Republican lawmakers include two state senators — Ray Merrick, of Stilwell, and Rob Olson, of Olathe.

Six Kansas House members have endorsed Gingrich as well. They are Anthony Brown, of Eudora; Mario Goico, of Wichita; Trent LeDoux, of Holton; Larry Powell, of Garden City; John Rubin, of Shawnee, and Scott Schwab, of Olathe.

The state’s Republican presidential caucuses are March 10, with 40 delegates to the GOP National Convention at stake.