Olathe ? Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline attempted to end speculation about his political plans Thursday and announced he will not seek public office in 2008.

Kline had said as late as July that he would not run for district attorney next year, but Republicans in Kansas continued to speculate about his plans.

“Elected office is not the only manner in which one can engage with passion the significant issues of the day,” Kline said in a statement. “And after my tenure as district attorney I will engage other opportunities in which to do so.”

Kline, a Republican and abortion opponent, did not say what he expected to pursue after 2008.

“One of the significant honors life affords is the opportunity to join with good people to accomplish good things,” Kline said. “This has been my honor in public service over the past 15 years and I thank those who have afforded me that opportunity.”

Kline spokesman Brian Burgess said Kline likes “to write, teach and speak,” and that his “plans for the near future do not involve running for office.”