Topeka ? Republicans on Tuesday continued to shuffle the deck of potential nominees for governor.

U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun, who represents west Lawrence, and Atty. Gen. Phill Kline, both conservative Republicans, said they had decided against running for governor in 2006.

“I plan to run for re-election. That has been my plan for some time,” Kline said when asked whether he was going to make a gubernatorial bid.

Ryun posted a message on his Web site that said he planned to seek a sixth term in Congress.

He then blasted Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, who is expected to seek re-election.

“She has done little to improve our economy, including her demonstrated preference to raise taxes, and she has been out of step with a majority of values that Kansans hold dear,” Ryun said in the message.

For her part, Sebelius tried to stay out of campaign talk.

Asked about the jockeying by Republicans, she deadpanned, “It comes as a shock and disappointment that I am not going to run unopposed, if I chose to run again.”

She said she would announce her intentions next year.

Senate majority leader may run for governor Mays considering run for governor (05-03-05) Moran reportedly won’t be running for governor (04-30-05) Kline finds home in spotlight (03-06-05)

But on Sunday, in her first news conference after the end of the legislative session, she sounded like a candidate, focusing on accomplishments during her term.

Sebelius said the state’s finances had improved greatly since the post 9-11 recession and that government was more efficient and the economy was in better shape.

“I believe we’re on the right track,” she said.

On Monday, House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, said he was leaning toward running for governor. Other possible Republican candidates include Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins and Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, of Independence.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, of Hays, last week said he would not seek the governor’s office.