Topeka ? Three Democrats are in the running for House minority leader to replace Dennis McKinney, who has been named state treasurer.

McKinney, of Greenburg, accepted an appointment from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to fill the unexpired term of Republican Lynn Jenkins, who was elected to Congress earlier this month.

In the running for McKinney’s post are the assistant minority leader, Jim Ward of Wichita; Paul Davis, of Lawrence; and Bill Feuerborn (FIRE-born), of Garnett.

McKinney said he won’t resign from the House until after the first of the year. He’s not endorsing any candidate, although he will be voting with his caucus when legislators meet Dec. 1 to pick their leaders.