Topeka ? Kathleen Sebelius kicked off her bid for governor Monday with a rally at a school cafeteria, but she wouldn’t say whether she supports a tax increase to help fix a record state budget shortfall that threatens serious cuts in education spending.

Sebelius, 53, a Democrat who is state insurance commissioner, said she didn’t want to “second-guess” Republican Gov. Bill Graves and the Republican-dominated Legislature on ways to repair a more than $500 million revenue gap in a $4.5 billion budget.

But, she said, “I think it’s critical that they tackle the problem that they helped to create over the last eight years.”

Sebelius said she hoped legislators would save money by cutting waste and making government more efficient.

On school funding which is about half the state budget Sebelius said, “The challenge is there for school boards across this state to shift every important education dollar this year from administration and into the classroom.”

Graves has proposed a $228 million tax increase, including a 65-cent-per-pack increase in the cigarette tax.

Graves, ending his second term, is prohibited from running for a third. GOP gubernatorial hopefuls include Atty. Gen. Carla Stovall, State Treasurer Tim Shallenburger and Wichita Mayor Bob Knight.

Stovall has said she supports the 65-cent increase in the cigarette tax with the funds going toward schools; Shallenburger has said he opposes any tax increase. Knight has not taken a position.

Sebelius’ announcement was a staged event before about 300 supporters in the cafeteria of Topeka High School, where her son, John, is a senior.

Sebelius said Kansans want better health care, quality public schools, high ethical standards from public officials and less government waste and bureaucracy.

She said her recent rejection of a proposed merger involving Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas was an example of how she fights for “everyday Kansans.”

The merger between Blue Cross of Kansas with a larger Indiana-based insurer would have meant higher health insurance premiums, she said. The insurers have appealed to state district court.

Sebelius said her agency has become more consumer-oriented, streamlined and efficient during her tenure.

Sebelius is the only announced Democratic candidate for governor. She served eight years in the Kansas House before running for insurance commissioner. Her father is former Ohio Gov. John Gilligan. Her husband, Gary, is the son of former U.S. Rep. Keith Sebelius, who represented western Kansas.

Sebelius has been raising money for months. At the end of last year, she had about $550,000, more than the three GOP candidates combined.

Sebelius scheduled campaign stops during a two-day state tour in Overland Park, Wichita, Pittsburg, Hays, Garden City, Colby and Norton.

Staff writer Scott Rothschild can be reached at (785) 354-4222.