Three candidates are now running for the Republican nomination in 2010 in the 1st Congressional District of western Kansas.

State Sen. Tim Huelskamp, of Fowler, recently began raising money for the race. Also, Rob Wasinger, a former member of Sen. Sam Brownback's staff from Hays, formed a campaign committee in October.

The third candidate is Timothy Barker, of Pratt, who organized his campaign committee earlier this month. He is acting chief executive officer of Orion Ethanol and owns restaurants in Oklahoma.

Rep. Jerry Moran, a Republican who has represented the 1st District since 1997, already has announced plans to run for the Senate in 2010.

So far, no Democrats have announced plans to run.