December 17, 2008
Posted: December 17th, 2008 02:05 PM ET

From
Brownback will not run for re-election.
Brownback will not run for re-election.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Sen. Sam Brownback will announce Thursday he is retiring from the Senate when his term ends in 2010, allowing the Kansas Republican to explore a run for governor.

He will be the second GOP senator this year to publicly state he is leaving at the close of the 111th Congress.

Brownback, who unsuccessfully sought the 2008 GOP presidential nomination, will not reveal his future political plans during the three news conferences planned for Thursday in Kansas. But a source close to Brownback said he will file gubernatorial paperwork in January.

Under Kansas law, by waiting until next month Brownback will not have to disclose how much money he has raised until early January 2010. Brownback, a prominent figure in conservative circles, is expected to tap into a national fundraising base established during his years in the Senate as well as his failed presidential bid.

Brownback arrived in the Senate in 1996, winning a special election to fill the two remaining years of Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole’s term after the Kansas Republican resigned to focus on his presidential bid. Brownback, who pledged in that campaign to only serve two terms, went on to win re-election in 1998 and 2004. Philip Blumel, president of U.S. Term Limits, will join Brownback at the news conferences to thank him for abiding by “his pledge not to serve a third term in the U.S. Senate,” according to a news release from that organization.

Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh, a Republican, is currently raising money as he explores his own campaign for governor.

Several candidates are considered likely Senate successors for Brownback, including Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, as well as two House Republicans, Reps. Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt.

Brownback will join Florida Sen. Mel Martinez as the second Republican senator to announce his retirement following the 2008 elections. Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is exploring her own 2010 gubernatorial bid; if she decides to run, it would create a third open Republican seat in 2010. Democrats, who gained at least eight Senate seats in the 2008 elections, only have to defend 15 seats in 2010, while Republicans have to protect 19.

Democrats currently hold a 58 to 41 seat edge over Republicans in the chamber with the Minnesota contest between GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken still unresolved.

Filed under: Kansas • Sam Brownback


belposey   December 17th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

I am appalled by what CNN deems appropriate for posting.
This dialogue regarding Sen. Brownback, one of the most honorable and respected men in the Senate, and regarded as such by those on both sides of the aisle, is extremely low and does not reflect well on CNN watchers or readers. Indeed many seem bigoted and anti-religious – obviously aimed at Brownback's evangelical, traditional Catholic faith.

Cincinnati Rick   December 17th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

It is one thing for Kansans to elect a Democrat governor and quite another to expect them to send one to Washington to support a national agenda they overwhelmingly reject. Sebelius profited from a split in the GOP. As long as she does not have a right wing extremist patsy to run against she will not be going to the Senate.

Serious students of politics need only consider the 2008 ouster of Blue Dog Congresswoman Boyda in the Second District by moderate Republican Lynn Jenkins. And 2010 will not likely present the same favorable conditions of a Democratic tidal wave to support Sebelius. Frankly, she'd stand a better chance going back to Ohio where her daddy, John Gilligan, was governor and taking on George Voinovich if she wants to be a Senator.

A Austin   December 17th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Hey everyone,

You can call the RNC Chairman, Mike Duncan, by calling 202-863-8700 and voice your concerns directly about all the BS that his party is shoving down the throats of the American people! That is the number to his office, feel free to call as much as you want!

Brownback comeback? | PoliticalDerby.com   December 17th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

[...] is expected to announce that he'll be leaving his seat in the U.S. Senate after his term expires in 2010, but that doesn't mean Brownback will go on to star in Viagra [...]

Darth Vadik, CA   December 17th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

One less crazy senator, too bad Kasnas always choses Republicans.

To the farmers of Kansas:

Who supported the Agricultural bill and who didn't? Who is your friend and who isn't?

once upon a horse   December 17th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

did he clear this with Rush first since Limbuagh is the voice of the Republican Party? He may not approve of this you know!

Baze   December 17th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

This G.O.P gubernatorial push is such a sideshow

Amber   December 17th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Ever notice how the people against evolution look really unevolved themselves?

ron   December 17th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

My, there is certainly alot of hatred on this post. But what else would one expect from a bunch of whacked out leftists ?

Richard Rohde   December 17th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

You can tell that great bipartisanship is beginning. There will be no check on the arrogance of power that is demonstrated in these postings. Who is going to pay the bills. Democrats tax, but pretty soon all of the entrepreneruship will be gone and who they going to tax. I love it. A whole party of Blagos and socialists (really same/same)

Suzi   December 17th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Uncle Sam – Virginia. Great comment. I'm still laughing!

Milhouse van Houten   December 17th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

"It would seem that my seat in the liferaft is already occupied,my the
sea looks cold tonight doesn't it......"

Bill Bider   December 17th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

It amazes me to read the hatred expressed in these letters toward Sam Brownback and Christians in general. I personally know Sam Brownback, and he is a kind and caring man. For those of you who think this nation and our special form of government was founded on anything other than Christian principles, I recommend you embark upon a trustworthy study of Amercian history. You will find the founders understood the biblical role of government as an agent of God and tried to establish a consitutional framework based upon Christian principles.

dan   December 17th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

At least he is sticking by his words.Retirement,like the gop promises.Not like the dems renigging on there promises,especially Kennedy,and that old racist from WV. Robert Byrd.Oh I forgot there DEMS They can get away with everything.

Richard Larson   December 17th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Brownback has done nothing during his tenure as senator except carry water for the evangelical right wing of the party. His message is primarily the demolition of the wall between church and state and he is a radical anti-abortionist, both ideas antethetical to the notion of religeous freedom in this country. Kansas is one of the few states that has Sunday Blue laws and he is completely supportive of those laws and more. I am certainly happy that he is leaving the senate. Maybe the people of kansas will do the right thing and return him to the position he deserves, that of private citizen.

The Duke   December 17th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

I agree term limits for Senators is great.

Rich   December 17th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

I love you liberals! You make me laugh with all this stuff and you still have no idea what is going on. Elect Obama and he turns to the center (oh, what a surprise), and wait until his connection comes out to the gov. of Illinois. Obama is a very shallow man who has no values or ideas other than "yes I can" LOL What a laugh. Ride it while you people can ... it is going to be a WHOLE lot shorter than you imagine.

Texas Teacher   December 17th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

No comment.... I think that is comment enough.... :)

Stu Smith   December 17th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

peter in FL

I agree; the GOP should put Palin on the ticket in 2012, and 2016 and 2020, and 2024...

Ken   December 17th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Another [R]at jumping the ship; except this [R]at was actually one of the reasons the ship is sinking in the first place. It takes a special brand of dishonor to leave others with your mess....much as our current chickensh_t-in-charge did back when he promoted the Vietneam war, but then decided to hide behind daddy's coatails when it was his turn for duty. It'll take a few years to scrub the dishonorable rightwing stench from this nation.....

Erick in Alabama for Obama   December 17th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Make way for another democrat! I bet he is running for governor of Kansas, when Sebelius is done. Sebelius 2010! I'm not from Kansas, so I could care less.

tip of the iceberg   December 17th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

I'm sure he just sees this as the natural course he has to take to be considered viable for the GOP nomination in 2016 (Oh, ditto for Jeb Bush). Him and Palin can get together and speard twice the amount of hate – TOGETHER! Sounds glorious!

cake   December 17th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

another one jump the ship

FL Republican   December 17th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Hey Democrats! Unlike Martinez, he would have walzed to reelected if he wanted to stay in the Senate. This was expected for years because HE PROMISED to only serve two full terms. He will be WINNING a governorship in Nov. 2010 that is currently being held by YOUR PARTY.

sunshine   December 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

it will take a long time for people to forget all the hate and negative campaigning that went on during the election, the republicans need to admit their mistakes and start over.

PL   December 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Looks like Republicans can already see the writing on the wall, I say if you can't contribute SEE YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lori   December 17th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Keep on dropping like flies GOP!!! Your racist, backwards, and negative policies, values and ideas are outdated in this new century. Good riddance!

Ian from Kansas   December 17th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

It's kind of scary thinking Brownback will run for Governor. Kansans love this guy. Not looking forward to this.

Phil in KC   December 17th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I'm glad to have him out of Washington. On the other, I don't like having him that close. I live on the MO side of the border, thank God, but I like Sebelius and would hate to see him displace her. KS is SO conservative, it's a distinct possibility. And, I really don't think it's likely that a Democrat can take that seat when he does step down. I'd rather just see him retire, period.

Frederick in VA   December 17th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

I get the impression that many of the liberal Obama supporters on here are going to rant and rave and hate on anyone who isn't gay or supports gays....

Mike in Denver   December 17th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

When I lived in Kansas I briefly got to meet both KS Senators (Brownback and Roberts). Roberts was a really thoughtful considered guy. Although I disagree with him on some issues, I respect the guy. Brownback, not so much. He truly seemed to be the consummate superficial politician.

I certainly haven't met Palin, but based on what I've seen and heard of her, Brownback does seem pretty Palinesque.

montag   December 17th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Brownback is retiring?

There IS a God.

Becky, Kansas   December 17th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Maybe Brownback and Sebeilus can change places? Sam's a right wing wacko. He can try to run for governor but he will never get in.

Rick   December 17th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

You gullible and naive democrats are going to ride your "tolerance" horse right to your grave. Wake up.

cat   December 17th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

I hope a independent get the seat. but if not any one but republican.

WILL IN AZ   December 17th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

MAYDAY, MAYDAY,IT'S THE GOP,GOING DOWN.

obama-mama   December 17th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Maybe brownback is on his way to brokeback mountain

Linda Va   December 17th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

No Palin, No way, No how

Alan   December 17th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

I spent most of my life in Kansas. Brownback is a joke. A clown. He and Palin would fit well together.

peter, Florida   December 17th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Jebb Bush/Sarah Palin 2012

All we need in 2012 is another Bush in the Whitehouse to clear out all the Jahdist extremists once and for all.After that all the rests can have their saying.

Uncle S.A.M.-Virginia   December 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Wow. Christmas has arrived early. How about the whole GOP dissapear for at least the next 16 years.

Proud American from New England   December 17th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Praise the lorD.

CHANGE HAS COME TO AMERICA - FINALLY!!!   December 17th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

they right-wing republican blowhards are all droping like flies....they've finally realized that this is the 21st century; where middle-america CANNOT continue to impose their antquated values on ordinary americans!!!!!

Fernandez   December 17th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

I think it is time to have term limits for Senators (two terms). I am hoping the guys that are now serving four, five six terms will learn form Sam.

Ed Banks   December 17th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Sam Brownback is among few extremist far right lunatics that are bent on dividing this great nation to maintain power. He and his goons in the so called evangelicals have used fear and lies to destroy our economy and values around the world. It is a good news that he is going away to make way for Gov. Sebelius.

Perhaps Sen. Brownbacks's absence will help him realize that we have a dmocracy here in US and not a theocracy. The racist christian far-right have advocated for US to become a christian nation while condemning Islamic nations in the middle east. Even when this hypocrisy is so blatant and disgraceful, they will continue with the lies.

I cant' wait to see a government that is run by secular candidates who will not alienate the poor, the weak, blacks, hispanics, aliens, moslems, and other minorites among us. GOP led by the likes of Sam Brownback have peddled racism, incited raw hate among the lowest common denominators and used deception to win elections. Hopefully, he has seem the light that American ideals are larger than obsession over gay people and abortionists. We are a nation of all colors and creeds, anything short of this, is a banana republic worst that our enemies.

Cathy Brandes   December 17th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

I grew up in Kansas and still call it home. I am hoping the voters are smarter than to elect Sam Brownback as their governor and he should not be allowed anywhere near the White House!

Rick   December 17th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

How does he know there's no such thing as evolution? He looks in the mirror every day and sees a neanderthal.

Peter (CA)   December 17th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Well, we knew this for some time. Already been talk of Sebellius running for the spot. Wonder why Brownback is leaving if he wants to stay in politics anyway.

obama-mama   December 17th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Who cares. Get to steppin

Daniel Smith   December 17th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Screw that. Obama/Biden again in 2012!!!

Gorbashov - Long Beach, Ca.   December 17th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Senator Sebelius.....................it has a nice ring to it!

Sebelius in 2010!

matt   December 17th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

I think if Sebelius runs for this seat she would win. I lived in KS for 2 years and she is a very impressive and well respected leader. The fact that she has taken herself out of consideration for various Cabinet postings to me signals a possible interest in this seat when her term is up in 2010.

Craig in Washington   December 17th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

He probably found out there are a few gay members of Congress and he wants to get out in case it's contagious.

FreeNLovIt   December 17th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Hmm... yeah, when the economy tanks and there's no money left in the piggy bank, you have all these ELEPHANTS, jumping the ship.

BS not Maverick   December 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Sen Bownknows will fail.

chuck   December 17th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

THIS FAT CAT POCKETS ARE FILLED TO OVERFLOWING.HE SHOULD BE LOOKED AT VERY CLOSELY BY THE FEDS.

Stacy from Leesburg VA   December 17th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Wow, is every GOP senator stepping down? It's Kansas, so a pretty safe bet to stay Repub.

Carli   December 17th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Thank god, America deserves better than this clown

Carli   December 17th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Thank god, America deserves better than this clown

TyWebb   December 17th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Palin / Brownback 2012 – ha ha!

Scott NYC Independent   December 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

The GOP's old guard is losing all its soliders. They insist on false negative attacks and creating controversy where there isn't any. They make innuendo out of air and demonstrate wide spread hipocrisy in almost every policy position they take. Those that want a political future are quietly leaving and I'd not be surprised if they were thinking of changing party.

aliceblue   December 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Yay!

Get rid of nutty Brownback and Kathleen Sebelius can run for his seat!

Come on, Kansas! You can do it!

Scott NYC Independent   December 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

The GOP's old guard is losing all its soliders. They insist on false negative attacks and creating controversy where there isn't any. They make innuendo out of air and demonstrate wide spread hipocrisy in almost every policy position they take. Those that want a political future are quietly leaving and I'd not be surprised if they were thinking of changing party.

ernesto   December 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

sebelius should run...she would easily win one more spot for the democrats.

Scott NYC Independent   December 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

The GOP's old guard is losing all its soliders. They insist on false negative attacks and creating controversy where there isn't any. They make innuendo out of air and demonstrate wide spread hipocrisy in almost every policy position they take. Those that want a political future are quietly leaving and I'd not be surprised if they were thinking of changing party.

ernesto   December 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

sebelius should run...she would easily win one more spot for the democrats.

BUSH BEGONE   December 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

It would appear more and more Republicans see dim futures in 2010 and appear to be willing to explore other career avenues!

NY republican   December 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

At least he will be true to his committment to his constituents before he moves up, or on or whatever he moves too. Hillary and Barack could learn a lot from this.

Jackie in Dallas   December 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Interesting. Looks like Republicans are now thinking that they must be a governor of a state to run for President. However, I admire that he lived up to his pledge to limit his own terms, although technically, he had three. You really should count the term he finished out for Dole as the first. However, technically he only ran twice...

BUSH BEGONE   December 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

It

ran   December 17th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

I can only hope the great people of Kansas will not allow this person to be their next Gov. At least he will be out of the senate where his far right ideals help to put us in the crisis we have today. I say good rid ens and hope your political career is over.

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