Topeka ? Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt is on the verge of saying whether he will jump into the political fray next year.

The Independence Republican says he will announce soon what he plans to do.

If he decides to get into a race, it would be in the middle of his four-year Senate term, so he wouldn’t be in danger of losing that by running.

Among his options are attorney general, secretary of state or the 4th district congressional seat.

Attorney General Steve Six, a Democrat, is expected to run. Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh says he won’t seek re-election, and Congressman Todd Tiahrt is running for the U.S. Senate.