(AP) - Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell says she will not seek re-election next year.

Rell made the announcement in a news conference with reportersMonday at the statehouse in Hartford.

Rell has been Connecticut's governor since 2004, when formerGov. John Rowland resigned in a corruption probe. She was electedto her own term in 2006, becoming the first Republican womanelected the state's chief executive.

Her job approval numbers have dipped in recent QuinnipiacUniversity polls, due mostly to the state's budget problems. ASept. 16 poll showed 59 percent approve of how she's handling herjob while 34 percent disapproved - the lowest approval numberduring her tenure as governor.

Her all-time high was 83 percent job approval in a Jan. 13, 2005survey.