DES MOINES (AP) - Two high-profile Republicans haven't ruled out a run for governor, but neither sound eager to take on Democratic Gov. Chet Culver in 2010.

In interviews Wednesday with The Associated Press, Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey and Auditor David Vaudt acknowledged they've been encouraged by key Republicans to challenge Culver. As statewide elected officials they arguably are in the strongest position to mount a gubernatorial run.

But neither man expressed much eagerness to run for governor.

"I'm really leaning toward running for secretary of Agriculture," said Northey. "I'll make a final decision this summer."

Vaudt wouldn't go that far, saying, "The real question I need to answer for myself is where I can make the greatest difference."

But Vaudt, who promised a decision soon, seemed more focused during the interview on his accomplishments as auditor.

"If you stop and look back at when I first took office, there's a much better recognition of what's taking place with Iowa's finances," said Vaudt.

Northey, a Spirit Lake farmer, is in his first term as Agriculture secretary. Vaudt, a West Des Moines accountant, is in his second term as state auditor.

Northey said he's been encouraged to seek the state's top job but isn't likely to do so.

"There's certainly been some encouragement," said Northey. "I really enjoy what I'm doing."

Vaudt said there's plenty of time for potential candidates to make a decision, while conceding he's done little of the groundwork needed to challenge Culver.

"If you look back at the national election, a lot of people thought the election cycle went on way too long," said Vaudt. "I think a shorter type of process is going to be better."

When talking about potential opponents for Culver, Vaudt spoke of unnamed other contenders rather than himself.

"In June, we're still 12 months away from the primary," said Vaudt. "I think we've got plenty of time, with the right people getting organized and doing fundraising, we will come out with a candidate who will be able to compete."

As Republicans decide whether to make a run at Culver, they must deal with the political realities in Iowa, where incumbent governors have a history of being re-elected.

Republicans Bob Ray and Terry Branstad were in office for 14 years and 16 years, respectively, and Democrat Tom Vilsack served eight years before deciding to leave office voluntarily.

Although Culver has been forced to deal with a deep recession and severe budgets cuts, both Branstad and Vilsack dealt with similar economic downturns and survived.

Culver has not formally announced his intentions but has left little doubt he will seek a second term. He's been busily raising money and assembling a campaign organization for that effort.

Vaudt insisted the governor could be vulnerable.

"I think people are looking for more leadership and that's going to be an opportunity for a Republican candidate in 2010," he said.

Both Northey and Vaudt are on the ballot next year, and entering a Republican primary for governor would mean they would have to give up their current high-profile jobs.

Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats has formed a committee to seek the GOP gubernatorial nomination, his third bid for the office, but no other high-profile Republicans have emerged.

"I think we have some very talented people who are making that consideration and decision," said Vaudt. "I think that we're a long ways from the election."