Topeka ? Kansas Atty. Gen. Phill Kline has the most money in his political war chest of any statewide officeholder in that all-important category called “cash on hand.”

Kline, a Republican, has $220,398, while Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, has $150,216.

“Cash on hand” is the amount of money politicians report having through Dec. 31, 2004, according to campaign finance reports.

Many political observers see the “cash on hand” as fuel for future political ambitions.

Kline has been mentioned by some as a possible challenger to Sebelius in 2006, but has said he won’t make his mind up whether to run for governor until fall.

Whitney Watson, a spokesman for Kline, delivered to reporters copies of the cover sheet of Kline’s campaign finance report stapled to a copy of the cover sheet of Sebelius’.

Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh reported having $26,028 cash on hand, while Treasurer Lynn Jenkins had $22,922 and Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger had $19,700. All are Republicans.