FRANKFORT - Gov. Paul Patton said Tuesday he will take himself out of the political arena, possibly including his own aspirations for a U.S. Senate campaign, for the “foreseeable future.”

        Mr. Patton declined to expand on his answer and rule out what has long been his aspiration to challenge incumbent Republican Jim Bunning in 2004.

        Mired in the personal and legal fallout from his affair with Clinton nursing home owner Tina Conner, Mr. Patton said he will concentrate on his administration.

        “I do not anticipate, in the foreseeable future, any involvement in the political process including the U.S. Senate race,” Mr. Patton said.

        “The foreseeable future is pretty indefinite,” he said.

        During a hastily called news conference, Mr. Patton said he wanted to answer questions about his administration, but said he would not answer questions about his personal and legal troubles.

        “I must now focus on rebuilding my private life,” Mr. Patton said.

        Mr. Patton, who became chairman of the National Governors Association this year, said he would not resign that position. He said he considered that part of his gubernatorial duties.

        Ms. Conner has alleged that she had a two-year affair with Mr. Patton, during which he assisted her businesses. When she broke off the affair, her lawsuit alleges, Mr. Patton turned regulators loose on the nursing home, which now is in bankruptcy.

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