Sebelius starts her second term

Also sworn into office today was Attorney General Paul Morrison, a Democrat, who routed Republican incumbent Phill Kline

? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat who has never lost an election in Republican-dominated Kansas, started her second four-year term in office, urging Kansans to work together “to find a brighter future.”

Sounding broad themes in her inaugural address today, Sebelius said the state should act as “one Kansas” to improve the state.

“The promise of our state is best realized when all our citizens are able to achieve their highest potential,” she said.

“We have many families but we share one kinship. And we have many paths but we all share one journey,” she said.

Sebelius shared no details of her upcoming proposals for the 2007 legislative session. She plans to flesh those out during her State of the State address on Wednesday.

But the state is in much better financial shape now than it was when Sebelius was first elected in 2002. Back then, state coffers had dried up, but since have been replenished with a surging economy.

Sebelius was first elected governor after winning two statewide races for insurance commissioner, and serving in the Kansas House.

In November, she easily defeated Republican Jim Barnett, a state senator from Emporia.

Also sworn into office today was Attorney General Paul Morrison, a Democrat, who routed Republican incumbent Phill Kline.

Sworn in for second terms were Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger of Lawrence and State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins. Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh was sworn into office for a third term. All are Republicans.

The Legislature will convene its session later today.