Topeka ? Gov. Mark Parkinson said Thursday it will be at least one and half weeks before he appoints a secretary of state.

Former Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, a Republican, resigned to take a job in the private sector. His last day was Monday.

Gov. Mark Parkinson on Thursday spoke briefly with reporters after a ceremony marking Armed Forces Appreciation Day. Parkinson endorsed state Sen. Tom Holland's run for governor. Holland, D-Baldwin City, announced on Wednesday.

Parkinson, who is a Democrat, said his criteria for secretary of state doesn’t include party affiliation or even if the replacement will run for the office in November.

Parkinson spoke to reporters briefly after a ceremony marking Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the Capitol.

Parkinson also praised state Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, who announced Wednesday he will run for governor.

He said Holland “would make a great governor” because he has experience as a business owner and a legislator. He also described as “hilarious” suspicion on the part of some Republicans that he plans to run for governor. Parkinson has repeatedly said he will not be a candidate.