EudoraNews.com

Phill Kline's victory in the Congressional Third District Republican primary election Tuesday night is only half the battle.

Kline will contend with Democrat Dennis Moore, who is one of only two Democrats to claim this seat in the past 100 years, in the general election Nov. 7. He will now receive substantial backing from the Republican Party.

"We have an opportunity for the first time in 52 years to have a Republican president and Congress," he said. "I believe the party is united and will be very focused on this race."

Special education, educational savings accounts, tax relief, investment by families and regulatory relief for small business are major platforms Kline will focus on in his campaign. He said restoring local control of education will also be important.

Kline has served in the Kansas House of Representatives since 1992. He has also practiced law for eight years and has co-hosted a political radio talk show.

Kline said he has a proven record of legislative accomplishments.

"In Kansas, I offered several pieces of legislation that are becoming law," he said in the interview. "I'd be honored to be the United States Congressman and represent the people of the third district."

A well-defined record of legislative principles, Kline said, helped him edge out the win. He said his campaign was able to meet its goals without overextending available funds.

"I think there was a record of leadership building on principles of the Republican Party," he said.

Kline's Republican challengers, Gary Morsch and Greg Musil, were quick to direct their support toward his campaign. Kline said this was something he appreciated.

"I was honored tonight that Musil and Morsch came on my platform," he said. "I look forward to sitting down with their supporters and campaigning hard."

"I'm very humbled and honored by the support."