Mays exits GOP race Analysis: Speaker cites politics

Rep. Doug Mays

also won't run for re-election to House

By Tim Carpenter

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

With a climactic turn in Doug Mays' career less than two days away, the veteran Topeka politician was as happy as a clam at high tide.

Mays eagerly sidetracked Monday into funny stories during an interview about the proposed unification of Topeka and Shawnee County government. Not even mention of the upcoming 2006 legislative session, likely to be as confrontational as the 2005 edition, could derail the positive vibe pouring from the speaker of the Kansas House.

His demeanor hinted at the great burden soon to be lifted from his shoulders.

"I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the Republican nomination for governor of Kansas," Mays said in a written statement Wednesday. "I will focus all of my efforts on the Legislature."

No longer was there need for Mays to fret about raising millions of dollars required to win the GOP primary in August and campaign against incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in November. No longer would his critics so easily attach personal political motive to the conservative's every decision in the House.

"There are many issues to be addressed that are vital to the future of this state, its people and the quality of their lives," Mays said in his statement. "It would be unfortunate if gubernatorial politics were to stand in the way of sound policy. That, I fear, would be the case if I were to continue as a candidate."

The Legislature convenes in January and will consider controversial options for financing public schools and trimming health care costs.

Mays decided against mixing it up on the campaign trail with current candidates for the GOP nomination --- Sen. Jim Barnett, of Emporia; former House Speaker Robin Jennison, of Healy; lawyer Dennis Hawver, of Ozawkie; and retiree Richard Rodewald, of Lawrence.

"It does surprise me," Rep. Lana Gordon, R-Topeka, said of Mays' decision to exit. "He was the first one to announce for governor. I thought he was going to stick with it."

Sen. Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, said the presence of Jennison and Barnett in the GOP race did as much as anything to derail Mays' bid.

"He (Mays) got into it with the idea that he would be the lone candidate," Hensley said.

Hensley said the campaign launched by Barnett, who has selected Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, as a running mate, may have been pivotal for Mays. The Barnett-Wagle duo is attracting interest and money from Republican donors that Mays needed, he said.

"I think the wagons were circling around Barnett," Hensley said.

Jennison, a farmer and lobbyist, and Barnett, a physician, said other Republicans could enter the GOP field before the filing deadline in June. Among those mentioned Wednesday were Sedgwick County District Judge Eric Yost, a former member of the Kansas House and Senate.

The list of Republicans who previously passed on the governor's race includes U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, state Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh and Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt.

Sebelius, unavailable to comment because she is visiting Kansas soldiers in the Middle East, hasn't formally announced her re- election bid. In 2002, Sebelius polled enough votes from Democrats and moderate Republicans to defeat GOP nominee Tim Shallenburger, of Baxter Springs.

"Any candidate would have a hard time matching up with a governor who has done so much for Kansas," said Mike Gaughan, executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party.

Shallenburger, now the Republican Party chairman, said he learned of Mays' decision on Tuesday night. Shallenburger said Mays wasn't urged by party leaders to surrender his candidacy. He also said that shrinkage of the party's candidate pool wouldn't harm the GOP's prospects against Sebelius.

"It doesn't mean the Republicans are less apt to win, although Doug probably was the front-runner at this point," Shallenburger said.

House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, D-Greensburg, said the absence of Mays made Barnett the top contender for the Republican nomination.

McKinney and House Majority Leader Clay Aurand, R-Courtland, agreed that Mays would be under far less pressure during the 2006 legislative session now that he wasn't a player in the governor's race.

"It was going to be a tough battle, and Doug had been worried, to some degree, how the session would go," Aurand said.

Mays' break was so deep that he promised not to run for re- election to the House in 2006. That vow doesn't preclude Mays from seeking other elective offices.

"I'm sure other opportunities will come his way," said Sen. Laura Kelly, D-Topeka.

Mays, 55, was elected to the House in 1992 and is preparing for his fourth session as House speaker. He was state securities commissioner before entering the House.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Tim Carpenter can be reached

at (785) 295-1158 and at tim.carpenter@cjonline.com.

Please see MAYS, Page 10A

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Mays: Switch surprises some

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