Topeka ? Sen. Jean Carnahan of Missouri told Kansas Democratic leaders they need to build on the party’s heritage in the state.

“We are the party that dreams and dares and delivers,” Carnahan said. “Democrats should be proud of our heritage, proud of who we are and proud of what we have accomplished.”

Carnahan was the keynote speaker Saturday night at Washington Days, for which the Kansas Democratic Party is host. She spoke to about 400 Democrats, many of whom have elected offices or are party volunteers.

Carnahan’s appearance wrapped up two days of Democratic events. Much of the focus was on Kansas Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius. Although she hasn’t officially announced her candidacy for governor, Sebelius was referred to often Saturday night as “the next governor of Kansas.”

In introducing Carnahan, Sebelius said she had been an effective first lady of Missouri during the tenure of her husband, former Gov. Mel Carnahan.

Mel Carnahan was killed in an airplane crash in October 2000, as he campaigned for the U.S. Senate. The Carnahans’ son, Randy, and a campaign aide, Chris Sifford, also died.

The crash happened too close to the election to remove Carnahan’s name from the ballot. Jean Carnahan agreed to serve in her husband’s place if he was elected. He was, defeating John Ashcroft, who has since been appointed U.S. Attorney General. Carnahan was then appointed to the Senate by Gov. Roger Wilson.

Carnahan praised Harry Truman as the president who ended World War II, rebuilt Europe, and integrated government and the military.

“Harry acted on what he believed to be true and right,” she said. “That was his strength and it’s the Democrats’ strength today.”

Carnahan said the nation has endured a difficult time in recent months.

But she said Democrats would deliver.

“We are not a smooth broth,” she said. “We are more like a hearty chowder with many ingredients and spices and flavors. We are a diverse group.”