Topeka ? U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., has named the campaign co-chairs for his gubernatorial bid.

They are Overland Park attorney John D. Petersen, who has extensive ties to former Republican Party elected leaders, and Sue Schlapp, a Wichita city councilwoman.

Brownback is seeking the Republican nomination to run for governor in 2010. Republican Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh has also announced he intends to run.

Petersen was state finance chair for former Gov. Bill Graves, and served as deputy chief counsel to former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole and chief counsel to former Gov. Mike Hayden.

Schlapp is a former teacher and small business owner who is serving her second term on the Wichita council.