Huelskamp Riles Kansas GOP Leaders

COTTONWOOD FALLS, Kan. (AP) – Congressman Tim Huelskamp’s disputes with fellow Republicans who lead the U.S. House are generating headlines and stirring up constituents in his central and western Kansas district.

But such spats are becoming old hat for Huelskamp, who since his 2010 election to the U.S. House has become a congressional spokesman for the tea party.

He’s angered fellow Republicans along the way, raising questions about his effectiveness representing the state.

GOP leaders have stripped Huelskamp of a plum assignment on the House Budget Committee and what has been for decades Kansas’ automatic seat on the Agriculture Committee.

He scrapped regularly with less conservative governors and legislative leaders before he was elected to Congress.

Huelskamp contends he’s reflecting the views of his district, and he was re-elected last year without opposition.