Topeka ? One year from the 2006 gubernatorial election, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Wednesday stopped just short of a formal announcement that she would be running for re-election.

Speaking at the Kansas AFL-CIO convention, Sebelius urged the union members to work hard in the various elections next year.

“Oh, and we’re going to elect a governor in 2006, and I’d like to kind of continue. Just in case I decided to run again, I’d like to count on your help and support,” she said.

Sebelius, elected in 2002, is expected to seek a second term.