TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Gov. Mark Parkinson has scheduled a news conference to name a new secretary of state to replace Republican Ron Thornburgh.

Parkinson's office said the new secretary will be named at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Thornburgh, a four-term Republican, resigned Feb. 15 to become a senior vice president for Olathe-based NIC Inc., which builds and manages government Web sites.

Assistant Secretary of State Janet Chubb has been in charge of the office since Thornburgh's resignation.

The Kansas Constitution requires the governor to replace a statewide elected official to finish an unexpired term. Kansans will elect a new secretary of state in November.

Parkinson, a Democrat, isn't bound by Thornburgh's party affiliation and could name a Democrat to fill the vacancy. The appointment doesn't require legislative approval.