INDEPENDENCE, Kan. (AP) — Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin is calling for Republican Party to unify now that the primary is over.

Palin was in southeast Kansas Thursday campaigning for U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts at a breakfast in Independence. Roberts is locked in a close race with independent challenger Gregg Orman.

The 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee told the crowd of more than 250 that the nation is watching the race in Kansas in hopes voters will make what she calls the right decision.

Roberts told the crowd the GOP is united because supporters realize control of the U.S. Senate is at stake.

Kansas Republican Party Executive Director Clay Barker says it makes sense to have Palin in southeast Kansas because it is a strong area for tea party Republicans.