A former Salinan who hopes to be the next Kansas Secretary of State is busy making the rounds.

According to his campaign, J.R. Claeys visited 14 cities in Kansas last week, touring businesses, schools and local chambers of commerce. He spent time this week in Pittsburg, Independence, Manhattan, Newton, McPherson, Salina, Hays, Great Bend, Dodge City, Liberal, Elkhart, Rolla, Hugoton, and Garden City.

Claeys is talking to chambers, businesses and schools about business development issues, paperwork reduction, civic engagement and keeping our elections free and fair through a state-wide Voter ID program.

Claeys visited the APAC-Shears plant in Hays on Friday to wrap up visits for the week. APAC-Shears is a paving contractor with operations across Kansas experiencing a need for qualified workers.

Claeys plans to continue his visits with businesses and chambers again this week, and and through March.

J.R. Claeys is seeking the Republican nomination for Kansas Secretary of State. Ron Thornburgh is the current Kansas Secretary of State, but is contemplating a run for Governor.

Claeys is a 1996 graduate of Sacred Heart High School and a 2001 graduate of Kansas State University. While attending K-State, he was also a reporter for KSAL Radio.