Topeka – Kansas Republican Party Chairman Tim Shallenburger said Monday he will not lead the party next year.

“I’m not running again,” said Shallenburger of Baxter Springs. He said he would notify party officials soon in a letter.

Even though Republicans hold a sizable advantage in registered voters, the GOP was dealt a major setback at the polls in the November election.

Republican Attorney Gen. Phill Kline was defeated in a landslide by Republican-turned-Democrat Paul Morrison, and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, easily won re-election.

In congressional races, Democrat Nancy Boyda stunned five-term incumbent Republican Jim Ryun of Lawrence despite last-minute help for Ryun from President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

Democrats also picked up five seats in the state House although Republicans still hold a 78-47 advantage in that chamber.

Shallenburger was elected chairman of the GOP in 2005. He had previously served in the Kansas House, risen to speaker and then won a statewide race for treasurer. In 2002, he was defeated by Sebelius for governor.

Considered a conservative Republican, Shallenburger, however, caught heat from the right wing of the party when he became chairman.

He was criticized for courting moderates who supported a woman’s right to an abortion.