In this July 25, 2016 photo, U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan., speaks during a campaign town hall meeting at the headquarters of Patriot Outfitters, which sells firearms, accessories and hunting and military gear in St. Marys. Huelskamp is locked in a tough GOP primary race against Roger Marshall, a Great Bend obstetrician.

Topeka ? U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp’s campaign has asked all media to leave its election night watch party in Hutchinson.

Campaign volunteer Steven Howe told members of the media that it is a private party, and that campaign staff will let reporters know when the congressman will be available.

Howe says it is “out of respect for the congressman until we know more.”

Huelskamp, a tea party favorite, is locked in a contentious race against Roger Marshall, a Great Bend obstetrician, in the 1st District of western and central Kansas. A central issue was Huelskamp’s being booted from the House Agriculture Committee late in 2012 amid disputes with GOP leaders over farm and fiscal legislation.