Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) is backing former Rep. Jim Ryun in his 2nd district GOP primary battle with state Treasurer Lynn Jenkins.

In endorsing Ryun, Flake cited his support for reforming the earmark process.

“Jim Ryun is a great fiscal conservative,” Flake said in a statement released by the Kansan’s campaign. “At a time when Congress wastes millions of dollars every year on thousands of pork projects, those of us that are fighting pork need Jim Ryun back in Congress.”

The winner of the Aug. 5 GOP primary will face freshman Rep. Nancy Boyda (D) in November. The eastern Kansas 2nd district is solidly conservative and is being heavily targeted by the Republicans.

— David M. Drucker