Topeka ? Democrats have assumed for months that Kathleen Sebelius will be their candidate for governor, but the rest of the party’s ticket for this year’s elections has been slow to emerge.

Sebelius, the state insurance commissioner, and hundreds of other Democrats gathered Saturday for the party’s annual Washington Days festivities.

Sebelius didn’t kick off her run for governor, but her blue stickers were on many shirts and lapels, she took time to talk logistics and strategy with staffers and she sounded very much like a candidate.

For example, she pledged to supporters that she would continue to put Kansans first, which she said she has done as insurance commissioner.

“We need to put the people’s interest ahead of any special interest,” she said during a luncheon speech.

Before her speech, Sebelius said a campaign for governor would be expensive, because she would have to use TV commercials, direct mail and other means to talk to voters directly.

Three candidates have announced for the Republican nomination: Atty. Gen. Carla Stovall, State Treasurer Tim Shallenburger and Wichita Mayor Bob Knight.

“The numbers keep changing,” Sebelius said. “Everybody I talk to ups the ante a bit. It’ll be a minimum of $2 million. As much money as I can raise, I can use.”

Sebelius began the year with more than $551,000 in campaign funds. She promised to stick by a pledge she made while running for commissioner to refuse donations from people or companies licensed or regulated by the state Insurance Department.

Sebelius said controlling the rising costs of health care and prescription drugs, and funding education were top priorities.

The rest of the Democratic ticket for statewide and congressional offices is less certain, however. State Chairman Tom Sawyer said candidates for other offices should come forward soon.

“We have good people looking very seriously at running,” Sawyer said.

Democrats have mentioned Chris Biggs, Geary County attorney, as a possible attorney general candidate.

Sen. David Haley, Kansas City, Kan., was hesitant to commit but said he still is strongly considering running for secretary of state.

“I came out this weekend to see what kind of support was here,” he said.

Sawyer said he thought Haley has an excellent chance at winning and expected him to make an announcement soon.

“Haley has good statewide recognition and a good background,” said Sawyer. “He’d be an excellent candidate.”

Harper County Treasurer Carmen Alldritt, the wife of former Rep. Richard Alldritt of Harper, is considering running for state treasurer.

“I’m thinking about it; I have list with a couple of things left to cross off,” she said. “I’ll know in the next couple of weeks.”

The party hasn’t identified a candidate for insurance commissioner, nor have any party members announced in the 1st and 2nd Congressional districts. Sawyer said the party is trying to find candidates for Congress but wouldn’t identify any possibilities.

In the 3rd District, incumbent Dennis Moore, the only Democrat in the Kansas congressional delegation, is seeking his third term.

Carlos Nolla, a Wichita attorney, is running for the 4th Congressional District seat held by Republican Todd Tiahrt. Nolla lost to Tiahrt two years ago, but the race was closer than some Democrats thought it would be.