Topeka ? Incoming Kansas Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer says he’s planning to have a former Republican primary rival serve in a key position in the office.

Selzer said Tuesday that Republican state Sen. Clark Shultz of Lindsborg has agreed to serve as the Insurance Department’s legislative liaison after Selzer takes office Jan. 12.

Shultz was appointed this year to fill a vacancy in the Senate after previously serving 17 years in the House, the last nine as Insurance Committee chairman. He is giving up his Senate seat.

He and Selzer were among five candidates in the Republican primary, which Selzer won. Selzer then defeated Democrat Dennis Anderson in last month’s general election.

As commissioner, Selzer will replace three-term Republican Sandy Praeger. She did not seek re-election this year.