Kansas Senate president has big fundraising lead

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Senate President Steve Morris has a big fundraising advantage over his Republican primary opponent.

Morris filed a report Monday with the secretary of state's office showing he raised almost $89,000 from Jan. 1 through last Thursday. He began the year with more than $159,000 in the bank.

The Hugoton Republican's report also shows he has spent more than $148,000 this year on his race for re-election.

Morris is opposed in the Aug. 7 primary by House member Larry Powell, of Garden City.

Powell reported raising almost $29,000 this year, including $20,000 in personal loans to his campaign, while spending about $21,000 so far this year in his effort to unseat Morris.

Morris is among numerous moderate GOP senators facing challenges from conservatives.