JOHNSON Co., Kan.,(WIBW)_ First District Congressman Jerry Moran (R-Hays) is opening a new campaign office in Johnson Co. in his bid to succeed gubernatorial candidate Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS). Moran will face fellow Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-4th Dist.) in the Republican primary.

The new headquarters will be located next to the Price Chopper in Rosana Square shopping plaza at the northwest corner of 119th Street and Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park, 7414 W. 119th Street.

Moran has also added Topekan Elizabeth Patton to his campaign staff as Coalitions and Outreach Director. The campaign says she will coordinate its grassroots and coalition efforts and online outreach. Patton had previously worked to coordinate the grassroots efforts of the American Majority.

On Friday, Moran announced Paul Moore will take over as his campaign manager. Moore has served on local, state, and, national campaigns across the Midwest. He also worked on the Confirmation Team of former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft before joining Ashcroft at the Justice Dept.

Moran says he's "pleased to have these new staffers join the efforts of so many committed volunteers."

The candidate said he currently holds a $2.4 million cash-on-hand advantage over Tiahrt and added that every published independent poll in this election cycle has shown himself in the lead.

But, when it comes to primaries, Moran concluded with a warning to supporters that money money is often not what matters most. "Enthusiasm among primary voters and organization are what matters most," the candidate asserted. "[A]nd I couldn't bee more pleased with the progress of our campaign."