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LaTurner leaving Senate race to run for House

LaTurner leaving Senate race to run for House

LaTurner leaving Senate race to run for House

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas’ Republican state treasurer has abandoned a campaign for an open U.S. Senate seat to challenge a first-term GOP congressman he describes as vulnerable to Democratic defeat.

Treasurer Jake LaTurner says Rep. Steve Watkins isn’t likely to win re-election.

LaTurner’s announcement Wednesday comes a week after former Gov. Jeff Colyer called on him to run for the eastern Kansas seat that Watkins narrowly won last year.

Watkins has faced internet rumors and speculation that he would resign but has tweeted that he is not stepping down.

LaTurner told The Associated Press that the speculation played no role in his decision. LaTurner says he worries that Democrats will win the seat if Watkins is the GOP nominee.

Watkins won by less than a percentage point last year as a political unknown.

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