Kansas senator likely to drop out of race

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Sam Brownback, the Kansas conservative who struggled to raise money and gain recognition in the 2008 presidential campaign, will drop out today, people close to him said Thursday.

Money was a main reason for his decision, said one person close to Brownback who requested anonymity because the candidate had not yet announced his plans. Brownback is expected to announce his withdrawal in Topeka, Kan.

Brownback was the only high-profile candidate who did not file by Monday's deadline to appear on Utah's presidential primary ballot, raising speculation he might be out of the race before the state's Feb. 5 election.