State Sen. Jim Barnett has joined a crowded field of Republicans looking to succeed Rep. Jerry Moran (R), who is running for Senate in 2010.

Barnett announced his candidacy for the western Kansas seat Monday, entering a multi-candidate GOP primary that already includes state Sen. Tim Huelskamp, businessman Tim Barker, Realtor Tracey Mann and Rob Wasinger, a former chief of staff to retiring Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.).

According to a news release from his campaign, Barnett will tour the district this week promoting his candidacy.

“I am a medical doctor, and it has become increasingly clear to me it is time for the House of Representatives to receive a house call,— Barnett said.

Barnett has run statewide before, winning another crowded GOP primary in the 2006 gubernatorial race before being crushed by then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) in the general election. But the mostly rural first district has traditionally voted for Republicans, so the primary will likely determine Moran’s successor next year.