The Republican and Democratic national conventions aren't a top priority for candidates in high-profile races in Kansas.

Republican Sen. Pat Roberts plans to skip the GOP event, which runs Sept. 1-4 in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Roberts is seeking a third term. Spokeswoman Molly Haase (HAYS) says he will finish a tour of all 105 Kansas counties.

His Democratic challenger, former Rep. Jim Slattery, also plans to stay in Kansas during the Democratic gathering in Denver Aug. 25-28.

Democratic Rep. Nancy Boyda also plans to remain in the 2nd District of eastern Kansas. And a spokewsoman for Republican challenger Lynn Jenkins says she'll probably skip the GOP convention.