Topeka ? Former Kansas House Speaker Tim Shallenburger will return to the Statehouse to serve as legislative liaison to incoming governor Sam Brownback.

In addition, Brownback announced that Landon Fulmer will serve as his state policy director. Fulmer, of Lawrence, had served as Brownback’s legislative director during Brownback’s time in the U.S. Senate.

Shallenburger was the Republican Party candidate for governor in 2002. He lost to Democrat Kathleen Sebelius.

Prior to that, Shallenburger served one term as state treasurer. From 1986 to 1998 he served in the Kansas House, and from 1994-1998 he was speaker.

He also served as chairman of the Kansas Republican Party.

He is currently president and chief executive officer of American Bank in Baxter Springs but will leave that job soon.

Earlier in November, Brownback announced that Shallenburger would serve as legislative liaison on Brownback’s transition team. On Tuesday, the Brownback transition group said Shallenburger would continue to serve in the administration when the legislative session starts in January.