LJWorld.com

Topeka — Senator Sam Brownback today filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission establishing a presidential exploratory committee. Forming an exploratory committee is the first formal step to run for president of the United States.

"I have decided, after much prayerful consideration, to consider a bid for the Republican nomination for the presidency," said Brownback. "There is a real need in our country to rebuild the family and renew our culture and there is a need for genuine conservatism and real compassion in the national discussion. I look forward to traveling the country to listen to Americans about the ideas and issues facing this great nation. I hope to raise the level of discussion about issues of life at home and abroad; renewed fiscal restraint, tax reform, and economic growth; and a vigorous yet compassionate and consistent foreign policy."

Sam Brownback is the senior senator from Kansas, having succeeded Bob Dole in 1996 after serving in the House of Representatives. He was previously the youngest Kansas Secretary of Agriculture in Kansas, a White House Fellow, a broadcaster, a teacher, an attorney, and an author. Brownback was born and raised in Parker, Kansas, where his father and brother still farm and lives in Topeka, Kansas, with his wife Mary and their five children.

Brownback continued, "Ours is an exceptional nation united by our ideals. But we are a great nation because of our goodness. If we ever lose our goodness, we will surely lose our greatness. We have been given so much and should be hopeful for our future and thankful for the many blessings. But so much is required; we need a culture that encourages what is right and discourages what is wrong-and has the wisdom to understand the difference. But we can achieve much if we pick up the torch with courage, generosity, and realism. We must meet and fulfill the job we are called to accomplish and the time to act to insure our future as a nation is now."

Brownback also announced select members of his exploratory advisory committee:

(Organizations are listed for identification purposes only and do not infer organizational endorsement)

General Charles Krulak, former Commandant of the United States Marine Corps

Chuck Hurley, former Iowa legislator and pro-life leader

Dr. Alveda King, minister and civil rights activist

Tom Monaghan, Chancellor of Ave Maria University

Dave Barron, President, International Conservation Caucus Foundation

Cici Rojas, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive, Texas

Jeff Ballabon, President, Ballabon Group, LLC

Steve McEveety, mPower Films Worldwide

Cheryl Brown Henderson, President, Brown Foundation for Educational Equity and Excellence

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests For Life

Ari Storch, Co-Chairman, Artemis Strategies

Deborah Fikes, Advisor, Human Rights Advocacy to the Ministerial Alliance of Midland, TX

Mark Heitz, President & CEO, AmerUs Annuity Group

Dr. Jack Willke, President, Life Issues Institute

Sam Kim, General Counsel, Jericho Institute

Bowie Kuhn, former Major League Baseball commissioner

Dan Foley, Vice President-Human Resources, Masco Corporation

Sean Wolfington, Chairman & CEO, The Wolfington Companies

David Kim, CEO, Sweet Factory

James Turner, President, Heartland Community Bankers Association

Brownback will travel to ten states over the next month to meet with state and local leaders, visit with voters and share his ideas for the future and build his exploratory team. He will be in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, tomorrow.