After failing to gain any traction last year in a bid for the Republican Party nomination for president, U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas said Thursday he was considering a run for governor in 2010.

Brownback made the remarks in a talk to Kansas delegates to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., according to Hawver News.

Brownback said he would not run for re-election to the Senate but instead is looking at the gubernatorial race.

His bid for governor has been widely anticipated since he dropped out of the presidential race last year.

Since leaving the White House contest, Brownback has been a staunch supporter of Republican presidential nominee John McCain, leading his outreach effort among Catholic voters.

Known for his opposition to abortion, embryonic stem cell research and gay marriage, Brownback has been a major figure in religious right politics.

Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, a Republican, also has said he may run for governor.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a two-term Democrat, has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Senate seat now held by Brownback. The state Constitution prohibits the governor from serving more than two terms.