Topeka ? Gov. Bill Graves on Thursday refused to endorse fellow Republican Tim Shallenburger in the race for governor, and he didn’t have much nice to say about either of the major party candidates who want his job.

“I’m not going to comment,” Graves said in response to a question about whether he would endorse Shallenburger, winner of the Aug. 6 GOP primary. Pressed on the matter during his first news conference since the primary, Graves said: “I just don’t have anything to say right now.”

Graves, a moderate who is prohibited by term limits from seeking re-election, often has been critical of the conservative Shallenburger.

Bob Murray, a spokesman for Shallenburger, had little to say about the governor’s no-comment.

“We’re not going to comment on that until Tim and the governor have a chance to sit and talk,” Murray said. “I do anticipate that it will take place. We will at some point put the two of them together.”

After his victory, Shallenburger said he expected Graves’ endorsement. Shallenburger already has received the endorsement of his major opponents in the race and several prominent Kansas Republicans, including former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole.

Graves, who had the news conference to announce $41 million in budget cuts, also was critical of statements by Shallenburger and Democratic candidate Kathleen Sebelius that the state could solve its worsening budget problems by cutting waste and increasing efficiencies. He called those arguments “pipe dreams.”

Shallenburger has said he would not support a tax increase. Sebelius has called for a top-to-bottom review of state government before even discussing tax issues.

Graves implied neither candidate is being forthright. They both have friends and supporters on the legislative budget committee and should understand the state’s dire fiscal condition, he said.

“I understand what is going on politically, but one of those two people is going to face a difficult budget situation and the Legislature better begin to condition itself to sort of a repeat if not a more difficult scenario than they had last session,” Graves said.

During the last legislative session, lawmakers grappled with an ever-widening budget gap, finally passing a $300 million package of tax increases.

Murray said Shallenburger’s campaign would not comment on Graves’ assessment of the budget.

Sebelius issued a statement saying the budget problems had been caused by “legislative overspending and irresponsible budgeting.” She said Graves’ actions Thursday reinforced the need for a performance audit of state government.