SEN. SAM BROWNBACK

U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback stuck to his term-limit pledge, one that would end his congressional stay two years from now. So, what happens next for former presidential candidate from Kansas?

On Monday, the Republican lawmaker filed paperwork to set up a campaign committee in preparation for a run for Kansas governor in 2010.

The current governor, Democrat Kathleen Sebelius, is term-limited and her stay in the chief executive's office ends in two years.

"Today I have taken the first step that will allow me to run for governor," Mr. 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."

While formation of the committee stands not as an announcement of his candidacy, Mr. Brownback can raise funds toward such a run and begin discussions about a campaign.

Mr. Brownback was elected to the U.S. House, representing Northeast Kansas, in 1994. Two years later, he was appointed to fill Robert Dole's vacated seat in the U.S. Senate. Mr. Brownback was subsequent elected to two terms of his own.