Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh has backed out of the 2010 governor's race, his campaign announced this morning.

"It is more important for the ideas and ideals that I believe in to win in November than for me to run. Our priority is the next generation of Kansans – not the next election,” said Republican Thornburgh in a statement.

And he won't seek a fifth term as SOS either, he said in an interview this afternoon. He noted that he's worked in the Secretary of State's office in some capacity since he was a college student at Washburn University.

"I need some challenges and some new opportunities," he said.

The announcement leaves U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback as the clear front runner (in a one-man race) in the GOP primary contest.

The Dems? State Sen. Chris Steineger of KCK is in the race with both feet, though the party is still shopping around.

Thornburgh didn't endorse any candidates, and didn't say what he'll do next (other than finish out his current term.)

“I stand ready to work for and support those who will work towards the ideas I believe in,” he said.