Topeka ? Kansas House Speaker Doug Mays, a Republican, today said he is leaning toward running for governor in 2006.

Mays, a 13-year legislative veteran from Topeka, said he would make an official announcement soon.

Transcript of online chat with Mays (2-17-05) Speaker: No new taxes to fund schools (2-18-05) More about Mays

Asked if he was running for governor, Mays said, “I’m leaning towards that. I’ve got a lot of people to talk to, including my family. I’ll have an answer before too long.”

He said he is more “in tune with the average Kansan” than Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat who is expected to seek re-election.

Mays is considered part of the conservative wing of the Republican Party.

He said he hoped the GOP could avoid a contentious primary battle.

Other people who have been mentioned as possible Republican candidates include Atty. Gen. Phill Kline, U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun, Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh and State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran had been considered one of the top-level possibilities, but reports have indicated that he doesn’t want to run for governor.