Kansas congressman Tim Huelskamp believes his political fortunes shifted when the U.S. House named a new speaker.

He’s picked up some clout among fellow Republicans but doesn’t plan to tone down the firebrand conservatism that has made him a tea party favorite.

But his combative style still irritates enough Republicans back in his 1st District of western and central Kansas that two opponents are running against him in this year’s GOP primary.

Roger Marshall is a Great Bend obstetrician and hospital CEO. Alan LaPolice is a Clyde educator and farmer who ran against Huelskamp in the 2014 primary.

They said the problem isn’t Huelskamp’s stances on issues such as the budget, health care and agriculture but his style. They argue that he simply can’t work well with others.