TOPEKA ? The Republican gubernatorial primary is 15 months away, but House Speaker Doug Mays already is letting people know he’s running.

Political experts say that’s not too early to start.

“If you want to run a viable campaign, you have to get out early and start running early. It’s part of the modern media market,” said Joseph Aistrup, head of the Kansas State University Department of Political Science.

On Monday, Mays filed the paperwork to form a statewide campaign committee, Kansans for Doug Mays. The GOP primary is Aug. 1, 2006.

“I think we’re off to a great start,” said Mays, of Topeka. “People in this state are looking for leadership.”

The committee allows Mays to accept up to $2,000 from individuals and corporations for each of the primary and general elections. State law prevents him from using money from his House campaign account.

Other Republicans considering the race are State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins; former House Speaker Robin Jennison of Healy; Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt of Independence and Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh.

The winner likely will take on Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat.

Sebelius spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran said, “Regardless of who may or may not be running in 2006, she remains committed to serving all Kansans to the best of her ability.”

Mays has been a House member since 1993 and speaker since 2003