KC Buzz Blog

Leading left-leaning blog touts Sebelius for VP

   Daily Kos, arguably the most powerful liberal blog, has a flattering post about why Kansas Gov. Kathleen Seblelius would make a formiable Veep candidate for the Dems.

Posted by DeAnn Smith

Governor to name new high court justice

   Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will name a new state Supreme Court justice at 1 p.m. today.

   The announcement will be made in the governor's ceremonial office at the State Capitol in Topeka.

   The new justice will replace retiring Justice Donald Allegrucci, a former Democratic state senator.

UPDATE: It's Lee A. Johnson, a 59-year-old native of Caldwell, in Sumner County, who has served on the Court of Appeals since 2001. He was appointed to that court by Republican Gov. Bill Graves. He is the third appointment to the seven-member Supreme Court by Sebelius, a Democrat.

Posted by Jim Sullinger

Guess who's coming to Kansas?

   What's the matter with Kansas?

   If you're a Democrat, maybe nothing -- these days, anyway.

   But the man who once again popularized the phrase -- author Thomas Frank, the once-upon-a-time Mission Hills boy -- will be Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' special guest at her inauguration activities next week.

   Frank will attend the Sunday night festivities in Overland Park. And he'll be on hand Monday morning at the Capitol when Sebelius takes the oath of office for the second time.

   The big question: Will he be signing books?

Posted by Steve Kraske

A Christmas card you probably didn't get

Didn't get a Christmas card this year from Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius?

If you were lucky enough to get one, you know what it looks like. But if you're among the multitude who didn't, there's a website that features not only her card but cards sent out this year by many of the nation's governors.

Stateline.org has collected a gallery of governors' greeting cards: from hand-painted pictures by Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) to a recipe from outgoing Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R).

The Sebelius card is on the upper left corner of the collage at http://archive.stateline.org/flash-data/xmascards.swf

It's the card with the picture of a decorated door.

Posted by Jim Sullinger

Getting the scoop on Sebelius inaugural

   Want to go to one of the four inaugural galas next month across the state for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius but don't know where to get tickets or how much they cost?

A web site has been set up to take care of questions involving the Kansas inaugural.

The answers can be found at www.bestofkansas2007.com including updates should any of these events be threatened by bad weather.

Posted by Jim Sullinger

Sebelius grabs some national spotlight

    Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who will chair the Democratic Governors Association next year, came to Washingtonon today and let her allies in Congress know that success in 2008 depends on them.

  "I'm hopeful - and we're all trying to be optimistic about this - that our new majorities in the House and Senate will work closely with us because we know how to get things done," she told a press conference. "I am very concerned that their ability to have something delivered - here's what Democrats can do when they're in charge - will make or break us being able to elect a Democratic president in '08."

  Sebelius will become the first woman chair of the DGA, a policy and political recruitment arm of the Democratic party. Democrats now hold the governorships in 28 states. And if you didn't think that the 2008 presidential race wasn't on their minds, Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, the departing chairman and a potential White House contender himself, quickly dispelled that notion.

  He said that before last month's elections, Democrats controlled states totalling 208 of the 270 electoral votes needed to elect a president. Now they control states worth 295 electoral votes.

  "This election proved that Democratic governors were competitive all around the country, in red and blue states," Richardson said.

Posted by David Goldstein

It's official: Sebelius in as new DGA chair

   Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has just become the first woman to chair the Democratic Governor's Association.

   Sebelius said she was honored: “Democratic governors are, by nature, results-oriented public policy entrepreneurs. I intend to strengthen the DGA’s role as a clearinghouse for best practices in the states.

   "It’s been my experience that good policy equals good politics. And I expect that to be a hallmark of my leadership as DGA Chair.”

   More in Thursday's Star.

Posted by Steve Kraske

The talk: Sebelius to head Demo governors

   The buzz out of Washington today:

   Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will be named tomororw to head the Democratic Governor's Association.

   She'd be the first woman to hold the post.

   Yes, folks, her national profile is rising, rising....

Posted by Steve Kraske

Blunt, Sebelius share the dais

   Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius are scheduled to be in Phoenix this week to participate in a seminar on the challenges of the global economy.

   The seminar is part of the National Governors Association's Innovation America Initiative, an effort to maximize innovation at the state level to deal with changes caused by worldwide competition.

   The two-day meeting of state and national leaders will focus on three areas of concern:

• emphasizing science, engineering and mathematics in elementary and secondary school;
• aligning college instruction with the needs of high-growth industries;
• ensuring state policies help companies remain innovating.

  The meeting kicks off Tuesday.

   Meanwhile, Blunt has been elected vice chairman of the Republican Governors Association, putting him in position to be elected chairman next year.

   The RGA develops policy proposals to address state issues and supports the election of Republican candidats for governor.

   "There is no bigger star in the RGA than Matt Blunt," said Phil Musser, the group's outgoing executive director. Musser said Blunt has been selfless with his time in support of the group and was chairman of the group's annual fund-raising gala earlier this year, which raised a record $9.6 million.

    The vice chairman traditionally is elected chairman the following year. Gov. Sonny Perdue of Georgia was vice chairman until being elected chairman last week.

   Membership in the RGA is about to become more exclusive. Republicans held 28 governorships this year. In the wake of the November elections, the number of Republican governors will drop to 22 in January, Musser said.

Posted by Kit Wagar

Parkinson energized

    Kansas Lt. Gov.-elect Mark Parkinson got his first assignment today (the first that we know of, anyway, since he and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius won last week's election).

  The job? Co-chairing the Kansas Energy Council, which looks at the state's energy needs and resources and plays a key role in the production and use of wind energy and ethanol.

   “Energy will be a key focus of my second term, and Mark will lead our administration’s efforts to promote renewable energy production and energy conservation,” Sebelius said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon.

   Parkinson said in the statement that “We really do have an opportunity to make Kansas a national leader in renewable energy, and the Energy Council has done great work in soliciting input from producers, consumers and Kansans on how we take advantage of that opportunity.”

How 'bout that Sebelius?

   Kansas voters earlier today weighed in on their soon-to-be-recrowned governor. Per the Associated Press:

   Robert Slusher, 44, a Prairie Village marketing consultant, said he voted for Kathleen Sebelius for the second time:

   “I think she’s been more fiscally conservative than many Republicans. I just have a good feeling about her.”

   Mark A. Taylor, 38, of Shawnee, went for Jim Barnett: “Kathleen Sebelius, she scares me...She tried to make it legal to give driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and that scared me because that would be saying that it’s OK for them to cross the border and come into America.”

   Carolyn Atkinson, 65, a Republican and retired business owner from Belle Plaine, broke from her party to back Sebelius: “She is for expanded gambling as a way to relieve taxes overall and school finance...What is better than a voluntary tax?”

   Leanne Hayes, a 37-year-old nurse at the University of Kansas Medical Center, said she voted exclusively for Democrats:

    “I’m not happy with the way Republicans are running the country."

Posted by Rick Montgomery

Money pouring into Topeka

   Revenue estimators added another $300 million to the expected revenue flow into Kansas state government this fiscal year.

   Nothing like another chunk of good news for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius four days before election day.

Posted by Steve Kraske

Four more years -- or two?

  Her eyes perhaps on a bigger prize, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius isn't making any promises to serve out her second term if Kansans re-elect her next week.

   With a victory destined to boost her visiblity on the Democratic national stage, Sebelius hedged Thursday when the Topeka Capital-Journal asked if she was willing to pledge a full four years of service in Topeka.

    "That's what I've always planned to do," Sebelius said, but she declined to make guarantees.

    In a debate last week with Republican challenger Jim Barnett, Sebelius questioned the Emporia physician's commitment to the gubernatorial job because Barnett has said he planned to keep up his medical practice if elected.

    Washington wags have bandied about Sebelius' name as a possible vice-presidential choice for the Democratic ticket in 2008. The smarter money is on the governor possibly being tapped for a cabinet post should Democrats win the White House that year.

   For the full report in the Capital-Journal, click here.

Posted by Rick Montgomery

Sebelius, Morrison come up big on cash front

   Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius outspent her Republican rival, Jim Barnett, by better than 5:1 since late July, campaign reports showed today.

   Since shortly after she was elected in 2002, Sebelius has raised $5.8 million, a record for candidates for Kansas governor.

   During the reporting period, Sebelius raised $2.1 million to Barnett's $670,000.

   In the race for attorney general, Democrat Paul Morrison raised about $1.2 million between July 21 and Thursday. That's double what Republican incumbent Phill Kline brought in.

   Since Jan. 1, Morrison has raised about $2 million to Kline's $1.4 million.

   More in tomorrow's Star.

Posted by Steve Kraske

McInerney says nope to prosecutor gig and other Torch tidbits

   Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Pat McInerney was the early front-runner to be the next Jackson County prosecutor to replace Mike Sanders, who is expected beat in November less-financed foes. McInerney had the backing of important folks on the courthouse's second floor and even had the endorsement of at least one district court judge. He had the necessary telegenic presence, the experience and the Democratic connections. The Buzz was that Chief Deputy Jim Kanatzar would get the consolation gig of county counselor, where he could ably continue keeping Sanders out of hot water. Now, Kanatzar is the No. 1 possibility with a bullet.

   Torch Dinner hostest-with-the-mostest Beth Gottstein saw fit to place KC Buzz Blog next to McInerney. And the obvious question had to be asked. And the Blackwell Sanders partner forthrightly admitted without any Hillary Clinton puss-footing around that he was content at his current gig (read: ka-ching!) and has no interesting in moving his shingle to the courthouse again. So McInerney is out as a prosecutor candidate, but like most everyone else he wonders who will wind up on the blue-ribbon selection committee.

  Buzz Blog even moseyed over to the Sanders table to try and get a scoop from Women's Caucus VP Georgia Sanders while her hubby was off kibitzing with KC Councilman Terry Riley and others. She swore no decision on the prosector has been made (Mike would die if he knew what she did confide!).

  But other decisions were made last night before, after and during the Westin gathering. Expect to see Congressman Emanuel Cleaver politicking on behalf of Missouri House candidate Chris Moreno in his race against Republican incumbent Will Kraus.

   Cleaver got stuck in DC but sent his ever gracious and lovely wife Dianne to speak in person on his behalf. (He also sent taped comments that talked about the influence in his life of strong women and a precocious granddaughter as well as funny comments about how mean his three sisters were to him as a child.)

   Missouri Auditor Claire McCaskill got the first standing ovation last night. A late-arriving from Wichita Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius also was well received, particularly when she offered up as an unexpected auction item dinner for six with her and the First Dude at the Governor's Mansion. Speaking of auction items, this is what happens when former Jackson County employee/former KC school board member Sandy Mayer allows hubby Bob to go to the Torch Dinner by himself. He successfully bid $1,000 for lunch with Her Honor, Mayor Kay Barnes.

   Barnes was wearing a lovely cream and apricot jacket (sans flower! and she wasn't one of the many people wearing stickers promoting the stem-cell initiative). The outgoing mayor (in perhaps her swan song?) spoke about past leaders, future leaders and being assured that the future is in good hands. Which all in all could have been the theme of a night where progressives partied like it was 1999 and certainly hope it will be again come the morning of Nov. 8.

Posted by DeAnn Smith   

Progressives belly up to Bar Natasha

   The cool after-party for the coolest Torch kids was at trendy downtown establishment Bar Natasha. Some progressives partied until after 1 a.m. today (yawn!).

   After working their skinny tushes off, 15th annual Torch Dinner of the Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus organizers Beth Gottstein, Tamara Morris and Jennifer Danemore had earned a relaxing drinkie (or two or....oh heck who was counting?!). Belting out songs and serving up drinks was Bar Natasha co-owner Missy Koonce (sporting her usual fabulous 'do thanks to Amber at the nearby IMIJ Salon).

    And this was a two-stater group. Among those gabbing were staffers for Congressman Emanuel Cleaver and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas state Rep. Paul Davis, Missouri state rep-elect Mike Talboy, Jackson County Legislator-elect Theresa Garza and newly named Jackson County Drug Court Administrator Lisa Honn. Vying for the power couple at the soiree was Missouri state Rep. Beth Low and fiance, Brett Shirk, executive director of the area ACLU. Low was sporting an exquisite sapphire engagement ring and said the wedding date is set for October 2007 in Jeff City.

   But Gottstein, who manages to pull together the strangest of Democratic bedfellows, outdid herself when she got Missouri state Sen. Victor Callahan to head over afterward for a Diet Coke. And never short of a quip, Callahan regaled the group with his viewing this week of the second-floor mural at the Jackson County Courthouse. He had everyone in stitches while describing the pictures of Presiding Judge J.D. Williamson and, of course, his BFF county official, Executive Katheryn Shields. (There was muttering from others about the hiring of a NEW YORK CITY artist instead of a local one.)

   But Callahan saved the punch line for last. A common joke at the courthouse of late has been whether likely successor Mike Sanders seek donations to paint over Shields' picture come Jan. 2, and who will contribute.

  Callahan says wonder no more. He'll contribute all the money needed to buy the gallons of white paint to do the deed so that Sanders doesn't have to walk underneath Shields every day he shows up for work. He says he doesn't want the second floor scarred for perpetuity once Shields leaves. And, on a more serious note, he says the modern-looking mural doesn't fit in with the decor of the 1930s Art Deco building.

Posted by DeAnn Smith

New poll: Sebelius over Barnett by 20

   Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius topped her Republican challenger, Jim Barnett, by 20 points in a poll out over the weekend.

   The survey, conducted by SurveyUSA for KWCH-TV and The Wichita Eagle, showed Sebelius leading Barnett 58-38 percent.

   Margin of error: 4.1 percent.

Posted by Steve Kraske

No minorities? Sebelius faces questions

  Where are the kids of color?

   Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius faced criticism today from an unexpected direction. Some Republicans were pointing fingers at her latest campaign ad -- the one where she's driving a Kansas school bus -- and asking why no minority kids were shown in the spot.

   Indeed, a viewing of the spot (go here) doesn't appear to reveal any Latino or African American students. And all of the pupils with speaking roles appear to be white.

   But a Sebelius spokeswoman, Nicole Corcoran, insisted that minority students were part of the shoot.

   "There were children of several different backgrounds on the bus," she said.

  As proof, Corcoran sent over a pic of the governor with most of the kids who took part that day. Take a look for yourself.

   Among Republicans raising a ruckus was John Altevogt, former chair of the Wyandotte County GOP Central Committee.

   "While the ad doesn't indicate the destination of Kathleen's bus, one logical possibility is a segregated school since every face on Kathleen's bus is a white face," Altevogt wrote in an e-mail to Ron Freeman, executive director of the Kansas Republican Party.

Posted by Steve Kraske

Sebelius out front on debates

   Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius beat her Republican opponent, Jim Barnett, to the punch Friday, announcing that she had accepted four debate invitations.

   The four: Hutchinson on Sept. 9, Lake Quivira on Oct. 11, Wichita on Oct. 23 and Topeka on Oct. 28.

   No word yet on whether Barnett will accept.

   Challengers like Barnett typically bludgeon their opponents by complaining that they are avoiding debates. Sebelius now has taken that card out of Barnett's hand.

Posted by Steve Kraske

What's this in the shoe box? Flip-flops!

   Dear Kansas Democratic Party:

   What a neat surprise!

   I just got back to my desk...and what do I find? A neat white box with a pair of brand spankin' new flip-flops tucked inside.

   And how did you know that my size 10s look so dreamy in purple?

   On this hot summer day, it was so nice of you to think of me. Thank you.

   And...what's this? I just noticed the message on top: "Flip-Flops: The Official Shoe of the Barnett/Wagle Campaign '06."

   I see a note tucked inside headed, "Jim Barnett on the Issues: Take Two Positions and Call Me in the Morning." Let's see: You cover school finance, concealed weapons, prescription drugs.

   And...now I get it. I wasn't born yesterday, ya know. You think Sen. Barnett is one of those flip-floppers, don't you? Did he get a pair of new purple ones, too?

   So here you are, taking a dig fewer than 24 hours after Barnett's big win Tuesday, at the new GOP nominee for governor. The guy hasn't even issued his first news release, and you're out pumping him full of rhetorical lead.

   This really has nothing to do with me, does it? This is just another one of those political gimmick things.

   Well, thanks anyway...I guess.

Posted by Steve Kraske

New poll looks at who should challenge Sebelius

   Which Republican is best positioned to challenge Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in Kansas this fall?

   A new Rasmussen poll coming out this weekend suggests that state Sen. Jim Barnett of Emporia has the slightest of edges.

   The survey, a preview of which was provided to The Star, shows Sebelius beating Barnett 49-36 percent. A second Republican, former House Speaker Robin Jennison, loses to Sebelius in a hypothetical matchup by 51-31 percent.

   The governor "continues to enjoy healthy leads over the two Republicans with the best chance of facing her this fall," the pollster concluded.

   The poll of 500 voters taken June 5 also showed that Sebelius is viewed favorably by 68 percent of voters and unfavorably by 30 percent.

   Oh, the GOP field is now seven candidates strong, prompting one wag to describe the race as "Snow White vs. the Seven Dwarfs."

   Double oh, Rasmussen said 51 percent of voters in oh-so-red Kansas approved of President Bush's job performance while 48 percent disapproved.

Posted by Steve Kraske 5:40 p.m.

Kansas Ds claim more converts

    The ol' switcheroo continues.

    With the 2006 filing deadline just hours away, Kansas Democrats today claimed a total of eight Republicans who have switched to the Democratic Party to run for office this year.

   That list, of course, is headed by Mark Parkinson, the former GOP chair who is running as Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' running mate, and Paul Morrison, the Johnson County district attorney running for attorney general.

The other six:
   Steve Lukert, seeking re-election in the 62nd House District.
  Cindy Neighbor, former GOP lawmaker running to again represent the 18th House Distric   Shawnee area).
  Duane Mathes, current Edwards County Commissioner, in the 117th House District.      
  Judy Leyerzapf, current Abilene City Commissioner, in the 68th House District.Kent Goyen in the 114th House District.
   Walt Chappell in the 91st House District.

   Kent Goyen in the 114th House District. 

  And get this: In 2004, Kansas Democrats contested 39 Republican-held legislative seats. This year, the party has candidates running in 100 seats, including 58 seats held by Republicans.

Posted by Steve Kraske 3:30 p.m.

Gentlemen, cross your swords

    The first mano-a-mano in the Kansas Attorney General's race is set for Saturday.

  Phill Kline and Paul Morrison -- without, one assumes, American flags behind them -- will both take part in a candidate forum sponsored by the Kansas Bar Association.

   It starts at 8:30 AM at the Overland Park Marriott in -- uh, Overland Park.

       The KBA says media and members of the public are welcome.

       Also on the agenda:  Gov candidates Jim Barnett, Ken Canfield, and Rob Jennison's L-Gov pick, Dennis Wilson.

       No Kathleen Sebelius, tho, which should leave most of the spotlight on Messrs. Kline and Morrison.

       Watch for Steve Kraske's story Sunday and I'll blog about it Saturday....

Posted by Dave Helling 2:45 p.m.

Parkinson in USA Today: What's Right with Kansas?

   What's Right With Kansas?

   Mark Parkinson says that ought to be the title if Thomas Frank writes another book on the state of Kansas politics. Frank, of course, penned the 2004 best seller What's the Matter with Kansas?

    Parkinson, now running with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, was quoted in USA Today this morning in a column describing potential leaks in the Good Ship Republican. Parkinson, a former state GOP chair, is one of several prominent Republicans around the country who have abandoned the party.

   "What's happened in Kansas, and what's attracted me and excited me about serving on this ticket is that the person that's captured (the political middle) of Kansas is Gov. Sebelius," Parkinson says in the column.

   To read the full column go here.

Posted by Steve Kraske 3:45 p.m.

Mark Parkinson's ex-stepmom posed in Playboy

    Let's put this one in the "weird" file.

   Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' new running mate, Mark Parkinson, is the former stepson of a one-time congressional lobbyist who modeled for Playboy and tripped up, of all people, Dan Quayle.

   Paula Parkinson was briefly married to Mark Parkinson's dad. In the early 1980s, scandal erupted after it was disclosed that lawmakers joined Ms. Parkinson for a "golf" trip to Florida. One of those lawmakers: Quayle, then a member of the U.S. House.

   It didn't help that Parkinson had also posed nude for Playboy.

   Quayle denied any improper behavior but innuendo dogged him all the way to the vice president's office. Nothing juicy was ever confirmed.

   Delaware Republican Thomas Evans wasn't so lucky. Evans said he regretted his "association" with Parkinson, and lost his next election.

   A spokeswoman for Mark Parkinson confirmed the story Monday, but couldn't say what happened to Ms. Parkinson since. As far we know Ms. Parkinson's past has never any impact on the political career of Mark Parkinson.

   Anyone curious about more details of this quarter-century old scandal can do a Google search.

Posted by David Klepper 4 p.m.

It's the "wedgies" fault

   Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius coined a new term for her political opponents this week. Her new running mate, former Republican guru Mark Parkinson, was talking about how "wedge issues" had driven him from the GOP. When a reporter asked Parkinson which "wedge issues" he was referring to, Sebelius stepped in.

   "You'll have to ask the wedgies what the wedge issues are," she said.

  Wedgies? Yes, the governor called them wedgies.

Posted by David Klepper 5:20 p.m.

Brownback, Roberts weigh in

  It's rare that Sunflower State senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts take a public stance on state politics, but Mark Parkinson's defection to the D's was enough to prompt a few soundbites Wednesday.

   Brownback said he felt "personally betrayed" by Parkinson.

   Roberts pointed out that party switches aren't that uncommon in Kansas. Still,  he was "surprised and perplexed" by Parkinson's decision.

  "I wish him well but not success."

Posted by David Klepper 6 p.m.

It's official: Parkinson Sebelius' Pick

   Former state GOP chief Mark Parkinson officially joined the ticket of Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius this morning.

   Parkinson is Sebelius’ pick to be lieutenant governor should she be re-elected in November. Current Lt. Gov. John Moore will retire at the end of his term.

   Before heading out on a two-day tour of the state, Sebelius announced the selection at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus in Johnson County. “What we’re trying to do is bring Kansas together,” she said.

   Parkinson, a former state House and Senate member from Olathe, served as chairman of the state Republican Party. A political moderate, he said he was increasingly alienated from his own party after conservatives increasingly focused on “wedge issues” rather than solutions to the state’s problems.

   He said Sebelius has proven that she can lead the state, and not just a partisan faction within it: “Great ideas don’t come with a party label.”

  Sebelius faces no primary opponent. The three leading Republican challengers are state Sen. Jim Barnett, of Emporia; fatherhood advocate Ken Canfield of Johnson County; and former House Speaker Robin Jennison, of Healy.

  Sebelius' release on the event is on her election website.

Posted by David Klepper 11:10 a.m.

GOP leader "shocked" by disloyalty

   GOP House Speaker Doug Mays had some tough words for Mark Parkinson, the running-mate choice of Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

  Parkinson, of Olathe, is a former state GOP chairman and state senator, a nd Mays said Parkinson has betrayed his party:

  "He is disloyal. He is a discredited Republican. I can't describe just how shocked and dissappointed I am."

  KC Buzz Blog found a 2003 photo of Parkinson and his wife getting chummy with Kansas' two top Dems, Rep. Dennis Moore and new boss Sebelius.

Posted by David Klepper 2:20 p.m.

Parkinson seals the deal

   Mark Parkinson, a former Kansas Republican chairman, formally joined the Democratic Party today, obstensibly to run as Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' running mate.

   Brian Newby, an election commissioner with the Johnson County Election Commission, said Parkinson came into the office shortly before noon to file paperwork ending his affiliation with the GOP.

   Sebelius is to introduce Parkinson tomorrow during a seven-city tour that begins at 9 a.m. at Regnier Hall at the University of Kansas-Edwards campus, 12600 Quivera Road, Overland Park.

Posted by Steve Kraske 2:05

Sebelius flips the GOP's Parkinson

   Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, is set to announce her running mate at 9 a.m. Wednesday at KU's Edwards campus in Overland Park.

   As the new week began, all indications were that her pick would be former Kansas Republican chairman Mark Parkinson.

   And that would mean another upheaval in state politics and another blow to a state GOP beset for more than a decade by infighting between conservative and moderate factions.

   Parkinson presumably would switch parties to run with Sebelius, becoming the second prominent Republican this year to change sides. He would join his buddy, Johnson County District Attorney Paul Morrison, who jumped the GOP ship to run as a Democrat against incumbent Attorney General Phill Kline.

   All this, of course, raises questions about whether this is something of an isolated pair of cases or the beginning of a major political realignment involving Republican moderates saying they've simply had enough.

   More reaction later today (it's now here and here) and in tomorrow morning's Star a more complete analysis about what all this means.

Posted by Steve Kraske 10 a.m.

Sebelius takes aim at re-election

    Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius kieked off her re-election campaign Friday, saying the state's future is as "boundless as the Kansas sky." For more kick-off cliches, here's the AP story. More seriously, here's her campaign Web site.

Posted by Keith Chrostowski 3:30 p.m.

Sebelius to announce re-election bid

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will kick-off her re-election effort with a rally at noon Friday on the south steps of the Statehouse in Topeka.

Sebelius, a Democrat, was elected to a four-year term in 2002 and is trying this year to win a second four-year term. Several Republican candidates are vying for the opportunity in the August primary election to challenger her in the Nov. 7 general election.

Posted by Jim Sullinger 2:25 p.m.

Sebelius signs school finance bill

   Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius just signed the $466 million school-finance bill.

   Now the bill goes to the state Supreme Court for review. If the judges reject it, lawmakers likely will be called back into a special session -- just like last year.

    The early betting line: The judges will give their approval. After all, the measure had bipartisan support from two branches of Kansas government and addresses a host of the court's concerns.

Posted by Steve Kraske 4:28 p.m.

Sebelius looking for new Lt Gov

    Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius just announced that her lieutenant governor, John Moore, won't be running with her this fall.

   Moore, a one-time Republican and Cessna executive, no longer wants to divide his time between Wichita and Topeka.

   "It's time to go home," Moore said in a statement.

   The hunt is on for a new running mate. One name that's already floating: House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, a Greensburg Democrat.

Posted by Steve Kraske 3:19 p.m.

Sebelius, Bush and troops at the border

  Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is less than thrilled at the prospect of sending National Guard personnel to patrol the border. Technically, the state's guards are under her command, but her office hasn't heard anything about the idea. Needless to say, she'll probably be watching Bush on TV tonight to find out the details.

   Her spokeswoman, Nicole Corcoran, sent this reaction in an email:

   "At this point neither Governor Sebelius nor our Adjutant General Tod Bunting have been consulted, included or informed about any movement to pull our troops to the borders... She did say it is appropriate we defend our borders and President Bush promised that after the 2001 attacks, however she's concerned about where this approach would leave states and how it all would work."

Posted by David Klepper 2:35 p.m.