Former Kansas House Speaker Robin Jennison made an appearance in Lawrence this morning as part of a 15-city tour to formally announce his campaign for governor.

Jennison, a Republican from Healy, criticized incumbent Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, saying she had failed to provide leadership on school finance issues – and that she had allowed state courts to take too big a role in state policymaking.

He acknowledged, however, that Sebelius has a big head start in the campaign, with $2 million in her campaign war chest.

“I don’t think ability to raise money is an indication of the ability to win,” Jennison said, pointing to Joan Finney’s surprise victory in the 1990 gubernatorial race.

Jennison faces several other candidates in the GOP gubernatorial primary, including State Sen. Jim Barnett, attorney Timothy Pickell, family activist Ken Canfield, former Libertarian candidate Dennis Hawver, and retired engineer Richard Rodewald.