TOPEKA ? Lt. Gov. John Moore today announced he would not seek re-election and plans to retire from state service at the end of his term in January.

Moore and his wife of 39 years, Marty, did not give up their home in Wichita when Moore was elected on the ticket with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in 2002.

Moore said being away from his wife and home while working in Topeka was too big of a strain.

“It’s time to go home,” Moore said.

Moore said he was grateful to have worked with Sebelius.

During his tenure, Moore focused on economic issues and spearheaded the state’s efforts during the recent military base realignment round in which Kansas came out ahead.

“The economy is robust and our military presence in Kansas will see tremendous growth,” Moore said.

“We’re also on the verge of some real breakthroughs in lowering the cost of health care by cutting administrative costs,” he added, referring to his chairmanship of the Governor’s Health Care Cost Containment Commission.

Sebelius praised Moore as a great partner. When first elected, Moore also served as secretary of commerce for Sebelius.

Prior to serving as lieutenant governor, Moore worked at Cessna Aircraft since 1982 and was named one of two executive vice presidents in 1999.

Moore said he would work for Sebelius’ re-election.

“I believe you deserve to be re-elected and will work in any manner you identify to see that occur,” he said in a letter to the governor. “The people may never fully appreciate the daunting challenges we faced and the extraordinary progress that has been made during your years as governor,” he said.

Sebelius’ office said she hoped to name a running mate by the end of May.

Moore had informed Sebelius April 10 of his decision but they decided not to make an announcement until the Legislature finished its session earlier this month.

“She’s been looking for the best possible partner for the state for the next four years,” Sebelius spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran said.

Moore was something of a surprise pick when Sebelius, a Democrat, ran in 2002 because he was a Republican. He switched parties to join the ticket.

Corcoran said Sebelius could pick a Republican again. “Party labels are not an issue,” she said.