Dennis McKinney takes office as the new state treasurer but faces questions about whether he'll run for governor.

McKinney served almost six years as Kansas House minority leader before Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed him to fill a vacancy in the treasurer's office. He took the oath Monday.

There's speculation about whether the Democrat will seek a full term as treasurer in 2010 or run for governor.

McKinney says he's focused on being a good treasurer.

Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson said last week that he wouldn't run for governor.

Some Democrats had seen Parkinson as their leading candidate to succeed Sebelius, who is term-limited.

As treasurer, McKinney is replacing Republican Lynn Jenkins, who won a seat in Congress.