Kansas Sen. Jim Barnett — a good Republican — announces run for U.S. House

The Wichita Eagle reported yestserday that Kansas Sen. Jim Barnett, a Republican from Emporia, will run for the U.S. House of Representatives. Although competition will likely be fierce for the seat currently held by Jerry Moran, Barnett’s entry into the race is good news for Kansas. Barnett is moderate,

smart and respectful — Washington badly needs Republicans like him.

I got to know Barnett while working on an April story about Kathleen Sebelius’ efforts at health-care reform in Kansas. Barnett, who is a physician, did the best he could amid a legislative environment that’s generally hostile to anything approaching real reform.

Here’s wishing him luck. He’ll need it.