The combativeness that’s made U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp of Kansas a tea party favorite has turned major agriculture and business groups against him.
It could cost him his seat in the sprawling, largely rural 1st Congressional District in the state’s Republican primary Tuesday.

The three-term congressman is in a tough race against obstetrician Roger Marshall.

Their battle in the 1st District of western and central Kansas is the state’s most notable contest this year. Some conservatives fear it could resonate nationally if Huelskamp loses.
A key issue is Huelskamp’s loss of the state’s near-automatic seat on the House Agriculture Committee late in 2012 after ongoing disputes with GOP leaders over fiscal and farm legislation.
Outside groups have spent more than $2.5 million, favoring Marshall by a wide margin.