Mrs. Sebelius goes to Washington?
4:11 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2008
Blogs and message boards are abuzz with the speculation.
Beltway insiders expect a leak to come at any time, announcing Kathleen Sebelius is Barack Obama's pick for one of three Cabinet positions.
"We are all kind of waiting to see how that's going to play out," State Rep. Steve Brunk (R) said.
As state lawmakers gather in Wichita to discuss regional economic issues, it's not so much a question of if, but when, and what the appointment will be.
"I think the expectations are very high. She was an early supporter of Barack Obama's. She campaigned for him in other states," State Rep. Tom Sawyer (D) said.
The Associated Press reports Sebelius is a contender for both Energy and Education Secretary.
Meanwhile other insiders say she may head up Labor.
"I think she'd have a strength in any of those," Sawyer said.
In her 12 years in the Legislature and two terms as governor, Sebelius has made education funding a top priority. And recently, she's taken strong stands on energy policy. Sebelius joined four other governors this week in declaring a global warming emergency.
"Whatever role she has will be exciting for our state," Sawyer said.
Kansas Democrats and Republicans seem to agree that a Sebelius Cabinet appointment would make sense for Obama.
"Seems like early on he is appointing a number of people who were involved in the Clinton Administration, so she would be somebody who is different from that, that would bring a different or newer perspective," Brunk said.
The governor's spokesperson says Sebelius, so far, has not been offered a cabinet position. But Obama's people have thoroughly examined her background and record. And that process can be intense.
Sebelius would likely have to fill out a 63-question application and turn over her tax records, bank records and a list of her assets.
She'd have to answer questions about previous jobs, her family and anything in her past that may be embarrassing.
If Sebelius accepts an appointment, Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson will take over and fill out her term as governor.
Parkinson would then appoint a lieutenant governor. That person would not have to go through any confirmation hearings.
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