TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas legislator who defected from the Republican Party last year is running for the U.S. Senate next year as a Democrat.

The Kansas City Star reports that State Sen. Barbara Bollier, of the Kansas City suburb of Mission Hills, promised an independent approach in kicking off her campaign Wednesday. The 61-year-old retired anesthesiologist also condemned dysfunction in Washington as she seeks to replace retiring Republican Sen. Pat Roberts.

Republicans haven't lost a U.S. Senate race in Kansas since 1932. But Democrats are heartened by the victories last year of U.S. Rep....