Politico.com is reporting that Gov. Jim Doyle will not seek re-election in 2010.

Citing sources close to the governor, the political news site says Doyle does not wish to go through a lengthy political battle after recognizing the difficulties he would face in his bid for a third term.

The Associated Press has reported the news as well, citing an anonymous source with knowledge of the decision. Doyle’s office has scheduled a press conference Monday where it is expected to become official.

Doyle’s approval ratings have sunk in recent months following a difficult budget session plagued by a $6.6 billion deficit, his accidental use of a “Frankenstein” veto after it had been banned by Wisconsin voters last year and, most recently, the resignation of his legal counsel after it was discovered she was not licensed with the state bar.

No Democrats have announced their candidacy, though Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton has indicated she would run if Doyle chose not to. A straw poll conducted by WisPolitics.com during the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Convention found most activists preferred Lawton if Doyle did not run. Other possible candidates mentioned in the poll included Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, who lost the 2002 Democratic primary, along with Barrett, to Doyle.

Check back here for more updates as this story develops.