TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Washington-area group is spending about $600,000 on statewide television and radio ads praising Gov. Sam Brownback and promoting a proposed coal-fired power plant.

Alliance for Freedom CEO Ned Ryun disclosed the figure in an email Friday. The ads began Wednesday and are scheduled to run through Aug. 5, when the state holds its primary election.

They criticize Democratic President Barack Obama, tout Brownback’s support for the coal plant in southwest Kansas and praise him for fighting federal regulations.

Ryun says he alliance believes new regulations will raise energy costs and is hoping Kansans will express their opposition. He also says Mary Cheney is no longer involved with the alliance. She’s the daughter of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.

Ryun is a son of former Kansas congressman Jim Ryun.