Emporia, Kan. (WIBW/AP) - State Sen. Jim Barnett says he wants to make a move to Washington.

Barnett, a Republican, announced his candidacy Tuesday in front of a crowd of supporters in his hometown of Emporia. He then began a four-day campaign swing through the 69-county district.

Barnett said it's time to bring conservative Kansas values to Congress. He said, right now, Washington is "spending too much, taxing too much and borrowing too much." He says he believes in personal and fiscal responsibility, balancing the budget, respect for life at all stages and protecting the 2nd amendment.

Barnett says he's particularly concerned about deficit spending. He says the country is nearly $12 trillion in debt, a quarter of it owned by foreign nations and 44-percent of it owned by foreigners.

Barnett said being a physician and his background in agriculture would be an asset in the 1st District.

He is vying to replace current U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, who faces fellow Congressman Todd Tiahrt in a race for the Senate seat held by Sam Brownback. Brownback is running against Sec. of State Ron Thornburgh for the GOP nomination in the Kansas governor's race.

Barnett joins five other GOP candidates in the race. They include Barnett's fellow conservative Senate colleague, Tim Huelskamp, of Fowler. Also running are university teacher Sue Boldra, businessman Tim Barker, real estate agent Tracy Mann and former Brownback aide Ron Wasinger.

Barnett was the GOP gubernatorial candidate in 2006, losing to
incumbent Democrat Kathleen Sebelius.

The Associate Press contributed to this report.