Events in Kansas politics in 2008 often played out as pages in the first chapter of a more interesting story, the changes coming with elections in 2010.

In two years, the state should see not only a spirited race for governor but an even more exciting contest for the U.S. Senate. Three down ballot-races -- attorney general, secretary of state and state treasurer -- also should generate interest.

The reasons are what happened in 2008, a relatively lackluster year for Kansas politics, outside of Republican challenger Lynn Jenkins' victory over Democratic Rep. Nancy Boyda in the 2nd Congressional District of eastern Kansas.

The biggest buzz about 2010 is around Republican Sen. Sam Brownback and Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Sebelius can't run for governor in two years because she's term-limited by the Kansas Constitution. Brownback is widely expected to run for governor in 2010, though hasn't said so publicly.