Kansas Senator to retire, possible Democratic pick-up?

Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), failed GOP presidential candidate and right-winger, is planning to announce his retirement from the U.S. Senate in 2010.

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.

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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.

And why is this important? Because it's an opportunity to increase the Democratic majority in the Senate to filibuster-proof levels.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius, who enjoys widespread popularity in Kansas, is term limited and will be forced out of office in 2010. Sebelius represents a bright Democratic Party hope in a sea of red. She's a Democrat who has proven her mettle in statewide elections. Don't bet against Governor Sebelius to win the Senate seat, should she decide to pursue it.