Topeka ? Republicans eyeing a possible 2006 matchup with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, started jockeying for position Monday.

House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, ratcheted up the GOP stakes by saying he was considering a gubernatorial bid.

“I’m leaning toward that. I’ve got a lot of people to talk to, including my family. I’ll have an answer before too long,” said Mays, who was first elected to the Legislature in 1992 and has been Republican chairman of his precinct since 1975.

He said he was more “in tune with the average Kansan” than Sebelius.

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

Other possible Republican candidates include State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, Atty. Gen. Phill Kline, U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun — who represents west Lawrence — and Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh. Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, R-Independence, said he also was considering a run.

The floodgate of speculation opened after reports that U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran of Hays would not seek the governorship.

Moran was seen by some as a consensus candidate who could bridge the friction between conservative and moderate Republicans.

Kansas Republican Party Chairman Tim Shallenburger said he hoped the party could avoid a contentious selection process.

“Let’s try not to have an ugly primary,” he said.

Moran reportedly won’t be running for governor (04-30-05) Kline finds home in spotlight (03-06-05)

Shallenburger, a conservative, knows from experience the problem for Republicans when they are divided.

In 2002, he won a hard-fought GOP primary for governor and then was abandoned by many moderate Republicans in the general election, helping Sebelius win in an overwhelmingly Republican state.

Shallenburger said the GOP wanted the best candidate to match up against Sebelius regardless of whether that candidate was identified with the conservative or moderate wing of the party.

He said he would advise potential candidates not to make an official announcement for the next three months because the political landscape could change and they might have to alter their plans.