A woman with ties to the Sedan area has announced plans to seek the Republican nomination for the 4th District congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt in 2010.

Jean Schodorf, a Republican state senator from Wichita, has announced the formation of an exploratory committee to decide whether to seek the GOP nod as the congressional representative from the 4th District, which includes Chautauqua, Elk and Cowley counties.

So far, the Republican race for the 4th District seat has two confirmed candidates: State Sen. Dick Kelsey, R-Goddard, and Republican National Committee member Mike Pompeo of Wichita.

Schodorf is no stranger to Chautauqua County area as she has assisted her brother, television documentary journalist and Sedan rancher Bill Kurtis, in various endeavors in the Chautauqua County and Montgomery County area.

A native of Independence, has served in the Kansas Senate since 2001 and now serves as the senate’s assistant majority whip.

A speech and language pathologist by training, Schodorf served on the Wichita Board of Education prior to being elected to the state senate.
Tiahrt, who has served the 4th District since 1995, is seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback. Brownback has announced plans to leave the senate to campaign for Kansas governor in 2010.