Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh -- who dropped his own campaign for governor earlier this year -- is set to appear with Sen. Sam Brownback in Topeka this Thursday.

  The likely reason: An endorsement.  Brownback is the heavy favorite in next year's gubernatorial race.

  UPDATE:  There is now speculation Thornburgh might join Brownback on the ticket -- as the lieutenant governor candidate.  We're checking.

   Still no word on a Democratic candidate for that office.