by Stephen Koranda, Kansas News Service
Kansas Treasurer Jake LaTurner is ending his campaign for the U.S. Senate and instead is launching a primary challenge against Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins.
First reported by the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, LaTurner said he’s switching his efforts to run for the 2nd District, arguing that Watkins isn’t running a good campaign and it could cost the Republican Party the seat.
The announcement comes a week after former Gov. Jeff Colyer publicly urged LaTurner to challenge Watkins.
“Second District residents deserve a solid conservative fighter they can count on,” LaTurner said in a news release, adding later, “We must nominate a Republican that can win the general election and fight for our principles.”
Shortly after the news broke, Watkins’ campaign issued a news release, calling LaTurner a career politician who’s focused on climbing the political ladder.
“The contrast could not be more clear — a life of service versus a life of self-service,” Watkins spokesman Bryan Piligra said.
The most recent financial report showed LaTurner had almost $500,000 for his Senate campaign, which is about double what Watkins reported for his re-election bid.
Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio covering health, education and politics. Follow him on Twitter @kprkoranda or email skoranda (at) ku (dot) edu.
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