Kansas Sen. Steven Fitzgerald to challenge U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins in GOP primary

A conservative Kansas state senator is challenging Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins in the Republican primary.

State Sen. Steve Fitzgerald of Leavenworth announced Saturday at the GOP’s annual convention in Wichita that he’s running in the 2nd District of eastern Kansas. Democrat and Lawrence attorney Margie Wakefield also is running.

Fitzgerald said he believes congressional Republicans need to replace Ohio’s John Boehner as House speaker. Jenkins is vice chairwoman of the House Republican conference, making her the GOP’s fifth-highest leader.

Jenkins spokesman Bill Roe said the congresswoman has a conservative voting record and is confident voters will support her.

Fitzgerald was elected to the state Senate in 2012. He’s a retired Army lieutenant colonel.

Jenkins has faced a primary challenger in each of her congressional races. She won her seat in 2008.

This story was originally published January 25, 2014 at 4:18 PM with the headline "Kansas Sen. Steven Fitzgerald to challenge U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins in GOP primary."