The tea party challenger trying to unseat Sen. Pat Roberts in the Republican primary in Kansas rests much of his case on the three-term incumbent’s living arrangements.

Roberts owns a Washington-area home while his official residence in Dodge City is rented space in a home owned by two supporters. Not so long ago, Roberts joked about having full access to a recliner there.

The senator is favored to turn back tea party challenger Milton Wolf and win the Aug. 5 primary. But the so-called residency issue is giving some Republican voters pause even if they believe Roberts has represented the state well during a 47-year career in politics.

Roberts is countering Wolf’s attacks by describing himself as a known quantity whose seniority will continue to help his native state.