Independent U.S. Senate candidate Greg Orman has been endorsed by a group of former moderate Republicans in the Kansas Legislature who are unhappy with the state GOP’s conservative leanings.

Orman held a Statehouse news conference Wednesday to tout his endorsement by Traditional Republicans for Common Sense. Former state Rep. Jim Yonally, of Overland Park, says the group has about 70 members who are ex-legislators.

Yonally was at the news conference with former state Sen. Tim Owens of Overland Park and former Rep. Rochelle Chronister of Neodesha. They said they believe electing an independent candidate will help break partisan gridlock in Washington.

Orman is challenging three-term Republican Sen. Pat Roberts, whose campaign suggested the announcement was a fraud. Democratic nominee Chad Taylor’s campaign had no comment.