Dr. Jim Barnett of Emporia formally announced his candidacy for the 1st congressional district Tuesday making him the seventh Republican candidate vying for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran.
The republican currently represents the 17th district in the Kansas Senate and has worked as a physician in Emporia for 27 years.
Barnett, who is campaigning under the slogan “perscription for prosperity,” stopped in McPherson Tuesday as one of several planned campaign announcements held that day. During his speech, Barnett told a crowd of supporters that he intends to deliver a “good dose of Kansas values” to Washington.
The fourth-generation farmer said he believes his knowledge of the agriculture industry paired with his experience as a physician and understanding of the health care industry make him a unique and well-qualified to represented “the big first.”
“I want to keep McPherson alive,” Barnett said. “I want to keep small communities alive.”
He outlined his views and opinions of the economy and Congress’ actions in attempting to correct the nation-wide downturn.
“I have a grave concern about the future direction of his nation,” Barnett said. “We need to cut spending, cut taxes for the middle scloass and quit passing our debt onto our children.”
The nation must put a hold on its spending Barnett said in order to get the federal deficit under control and become competitive in the global market.
The father of two also spoke about his experience with the health care industry noting that he believes the nation’s health care system should not be controlled by the government and should be instead privatived, allowing individuals more control of their policies and premiums.
“I have a significant concern about health care,” Barnett said. “I don’t believe government should be taking over. People should by their policies on the private market. We should have a focus on wellness and prevention.”
Barnett also expressed concern for the nation’s energy policy and its dependence of foreign oil. He believes he said Tuesday, that Kansas could become an energy leader for the country.
Like Moran, Barnett said he intends to keep his home in Kansas and return to the state on the weekends.
Jay Emler, R-Lindsborg, and Don Schroeder, R-Inman, were both on hand for Barnett’s announcement but neither offered a formal endorsement of the candidate.
Barnett acknowledged his move into an already crowded Republican race and noted that he believed more would join the race in the coming weeks. Candidates for the 1st district seat range from former political chiefs of staff to college professors and make their homes across the district’s 69-county territory.
As of Wednesday, seven Republicans had officially declared their candidacy for the seat. Barnett is the race’s newest candidate.
Other candidates for the seat include:
•Sue Boldra- Hays, Fort Hays University Professor.
•Jim Barnett- Emporia, Kansas Senator.
•Tim Huelskamp- Fowler, Kansas Senator.
•Rob Wasinger- Cottonwood Falls, Former Brownback Chief of Staff.
•Tracey Mann-Salina, Agent at Zimmer Real Estate Services.
•Tim Barker-Pratt, Businessman, Ethanol Plant.
