WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — McConnell Air Force Base on Monday celebrated the start of a construction project that will prepare it to be the main operating base for KC-46A air refueling tankers, a $219 million project that has become campaign fodder in the heated Republican congressional race in the base’s district.

Rep. Mike Pompeo is seeking his third consecutive term representing the southern Kansas’ 4th District house seat, while former Rep. Todd Tiahrt is seeking to reclaim the congressional seat he left in 2010 after 16 years to run for Senate. He lost the GOP nomination in that race to Jerry Moran, who went on to win that Senate seat.