U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., has opened a campaign committee to run for governor. The move allows Brownback to raise funds for the 2010 election. “Today I have taken the first step that will allow me to run for Governor,” Brownback said in a statement. “I will continue to work hard during the coming year in the Senate to find solutions to the serious issues facing our state and the nation and focus on efforts to create jobs at home and grow our Kansas economy.” The current governor, Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, is in her second term. Kansas law limits the governor’s position to two terms. Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh is also expected to run for the Republican nomination. The Democratic field is wide open with the recent announcement that Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson would not seek the governor’s position.