WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today congratulated Ellis County, Kansas, for being named by Progressive Farmer Magazine the second best county to live in rural America.

"I have long known that Kansas is the best state in the Union, and the people in each city are what make Kansas great," said Brownback. "Today we've learned that others are recognizing the wonderful spirit of small-town Kansas as well. Congratulations to Ellis County."

Ellis County, of which Hays is county seat, was named by Progressive Farmer as the second best county to live in rural America.

"Ellis County has been the home to the Wasinger family for four generations, and I am proud to call Hays home," stated Rob Wasinger, Hays native and Chief of Staff to Senator Brownback. "Ellis County is a great place to live and well deserves this distinction."

The list of the best places to live in rural America according to Progressive Farmer can be found at the following link: http://www.progressivefarmer.com/farmer/bestplaces/articles/02ellis.html.