Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp and primary challenger Roger Marshall are sparring over who’s most likely to win a spot on House committee that helps shape federal farm policy.

The issue came up this when they debated in Hutchinson. Huelskamp bucked House GOP leaders on key votes and was stripped of seats on the Agriculture and Budget committees late in 2012.

Marshall, a physician from Great Bend, positioned himself as a “peacemaker” and promised to secure a spot on the Agriculture Committee.

Huelskamp blamed former House Speaker John Boehner for Kansas not having a spot on the committee.

Now a member of the influential House Steering Committee that coordinates committee assignments, Huelskamp said he anticipates returning to the Agriculture Committee if re-elected.

U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp

Challenger Dr. Roger Marshall