Topeka ? Kansas politicians gave a thumbs-up or thumbs-down, depending on party affiliation, to Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry’s selection of John Edwards to be his vice presidential running mate.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, said Kerry’s selection of Edwards, a one-term senator from North Carolina, was “an inspired choice.”

“Adding John Edwards completes this team and signals that John Kerry is committed to revitalizing America’s economy, creating jobs, strengthening schools and providing working families with affordable health care and prescription drugs,” Sebelius said.

But Kansas Republican Party Chairman Dennis Jones blasted Edwards, describing him as an “East Coast liberal” and criticizing him for being a former trial lawyer.

“By picking a trial attorney with less than a decade of experience for the second-most important job in the country, the Democrats are clearly showing that they’re more interested in representing special interests than mainstream America,” Jones said.

Strategically, Edwards will probably help the ticket generate excitement among labor in key states, according to Kansas University political science professor Burdett Loomis.

“It probably is the best pick for Kerry,” Loomis said. “Edwards complements Kerry’s more aristocratic demeanor.”

In Kansas, where Republicans have a large advantage in voter registration, the selection of Edwards will not have much consequence for the presidential race, Loomis predicted. He said Edwards might visit Kansas to help Democratic candidates in congressional races.

The selection also ended speculation about Sebelius’ future. Some reports had named her as a possible contender for vice president, but Sebelius had maintained she wasn’t interested in the job.

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