Lawrence and Douglas county
What is she up to?
Governor picked to provide Democrats’ response to State of the Union address
Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius thanks local heroes who rose up to help their storm-devastated neighbors in the 2008 State of the State Address on Monday at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka, Kan. "Kansans came together," Sebelius said on Monday to a packed House chamber. Democratic congressional leaders announced Tuesday that Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will deliver their party's response after President Bush's State of the Union Address later this month.
January 15, 2008
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Gov. Sebelius to respond to State of the Union
Topeka — Democratic congressional leaders announced Tuesday that Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will deliver their party's response after President Bush's State of the Union Address later this month.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Harry Reid of Nevada praised Sebelius' bipartisan work "to create jobs, grow the economy, make historic investments in education, and make college more affordable."
This is an audition of sorts, observers say, and could be an opportunity for her to be showcased for a national office.
Sebelius will give her speech live from Cedar Crest, the governor's residence, after Bush's address on Jan. 28, which will be his last State of the Union.
Sebelius said she was honored to have the opportunity to share with the nation how Kansans have worked together.
"These are extraordinary times, both at home and abroad," Sebelius said.
"To meet those challenges, the American people expect their leaders to resolve their differences and put partisanship on the back burner," she said.
Kansas politicians and observers said Sebelius' selection to carry the Democratic message showed her political ascendancy.
"She has definitely arrived on the national scene," said Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley of Topeka.
Hensley said Sebelius is a serious contender in 2010 for the U.S. Senate seat expected to be vacated by U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., or a presidential cabinet position if a Democrat wins the White House.
Hensley said it's not outside the realm of possibility to think that Sebelius might some day run for president.
Sebelius, a Democrat who has always been able to attract Republican voters, routinely deflects questions about her political future. Re-elected in 2006, Sebelius' term as governor will expire after 2010.
Allan Cigler, a political science professor at Kansas University, said the selection of Sebelius shows that Democrats have confidence in her, especially during an election year.
"A year like this is more important than most. The address sets an agenda that the Democrats are going to run under," Cigler said.
Sebelius' spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran said the governor will write the speech with her Kansas staff. "She made sure before she accepted that she'd control and write it - not D.C.," Corcoran said.
Cigler also noted that the speech gives Sebelius some time with a national audience.
"In many ways you are auditioning to be thought of for higher things," he said. Sebelius also will serve as one of the three co-chairwomen of the Democratic Party's national convention in August in Denver. She also just finished a stint as chairwoman of the Democratic Governors Association.
Kris Kobach, chairman of the Kansas Republican Party, said Sebelius was picked to deliver the Democratic response for political reasons.
"It's a win-win for Democratic leaders in Congress and Sebelius," Kobach said. "She gets the national stage she has been craving so long, and Pelosi and Reid get this image of a Midwesterner representing the party."
But state Senate President Steve Morris, a Republican from Hugoton, said he was glad a Kansan would be getting national airtime.
"It makes us all look good," he said.
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- State of the State address tonight 4 comments / January 14, 2008
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15 January 2008
at 10:57 p.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
Hey this lady has more thinking and brain cells than Bush and Cheney combined. Gov. Sebelius is presidential whereas
Bush and Cheney are not.
15 January 2008
at 11:45 p.m.
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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
“What's she up to?”
Looks like she's been reading Mein Kampf.
Sieg Heil!
16 January 2008
at 1:39 a.m.
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Keith (Anonymous) says…
“Kris Kobach, chairman of the Kansas Republican Party, said Sebelius was picked to deliver the Democratic response for political reasons.”
Well duh, captain obvious. Did this guy get to be chairman on brains alone, or for political reasons?
16 January 2008
at 2:34 a.m.
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KS (Anonymous) says…
You know, when you are a do nothing Governor, it is easy to shine. Regarding Bush and Cheney, hisotry will judge them and I predict it will be a lot different than what some people may think today. I agree with “right_thinker”, in that in ten years or less, we very well may not be a super power anymore. If that is the case, we better spend more money on our own defense.
These posts seem to be typical of the left. Make the attacks personal.
16 January 2008
at 5:35 a.m.
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Souki (Anonymous) says…
I worry, too, that our nation may be on the wane. I suspect it will take more than just a decade or two, but I worry that our years as a superpower may be numbered.
And if they are, the blame lies largely with the Bush administration, which has imbroiled us in “wars” we can't win against peoples who are not our enemies while at the same time ignoring looming threats such as climate change and the end of oil while simultaneously undermining the civil liberties that have always made this country resilient.
16 January 2008
at 6:19 a.m.
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LogicMan (Anonymous) says…
I was giving her the benefit of the doubt, but now it is obvious that the powerplant decision was, unfortunately, purely political. The Kansas court system, and if necessary the Legislature, should swiftly reverse her administration's action.
But I wish her good luck in her quest for national office.
16 January 2008
at 7:22 a.m.
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jumpin_catfish (Anonymous) says…
Hey Merrrill didn't Bush elected president twice?
16 January 2008
at 7:25 a.m.
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johngalt (Anonymous) says…
Did anyone watch her State of the State?
It was awful.
16 January 2008
at 7:30 a.m.
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KS (Anonymous) says…
jumpin_catfish, you can't say that to these folks. They will tell you that Bush wasn't elected, but rather stole the election. Frankly, I thought it was the other way around. Gore tried to steal it and Bush caught him and stopped it. :)
16 January 2008
at 7:39 a.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
Being a super power is not based on military might alone.
Bush/Cheney have definitely reduced our status substantially as an economic superpower which is why the USA is now in a recession. The USA has effectively not created any new industry to replace middle class employment going to China,Pakistan and India. This in addition to the $2 trillion dollar war that will cost the USA citizens for at least another 50 years in medical treatment and disability costs alone. Extreme Reaganomics = failure.
The republicans in Topeka need to get out of the way and allow Governor Sebelius to bring in new industry.
Tens of thousands of jobs are on the chopping block as we speak. Several thousand of those jobs are tied to Sprint. Lawrence has a lot of residents tied to Sprint.
Governor Sebelius knows what she is doing. Usually a sitting vice president or president generates economic growth for states in which are repesented.
16 January 2008
at 7:54 a.m.
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average (Anonymous) says…
I still have a real hard time seeing Sebelius as a VP option this year. If it's Obama, he would hopefully pick someone with more foreign or military experience (Richardson, Bill Cohen?). Clinton? I assume she'd pick someone more sycophantic to the Clinton Machine (Lieberman or Clark). I don't see what our governor brings to the table for any of them. Certainly not a state (if a Dem wins Kansas, they've already won 45 other states).
16 January 2008
at 7:58 a.m.
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RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Anonymous) says…
Is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin a Vice Presidential contender?
16 January 2008
at 8:16 a.m.
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snap_pop_no_crackle (Anonymous) says…
Will she say something else snotty about Kansas?(remembering her remark about Kansas wine-makers)
16 January 2008
at 8:28 a.m.
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grimpeur (Anonymous) says…
Where in the world does LJW get its headlines?
News?
Editorial?
Who cares?! Who knows the diff, anyhow?
Good thing it was quickly replaced online by more important stuff—KU pigskin.
Sheesh. That's just bad.
16 January 2008
at 8:31 a.m.
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staff04 (Anonymous) says…
“A Clinton/Sebelius Whitehouse will ultimately more or less dismantle our military”
I didn't realize you were clairvoyant…an idiot savant, shall we say?
So which is it? More, or less?
16 January 2008
at 8:33 a.m.
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SearchingForTruth (Anonymous) says…
The article stated: “It's a win-win for Democratic leaders in Congress and Sebelius,” Kobach said. “She gets the national stage she has been craving so long”
I know this is old news, but we need to remember that Sebelius attended Bilderberg using tax payer money:
Sebelius guest of Bilderberg Group
The Associated Press
Published Monday, September 03, 2007
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was the guest this summer of a mysterious international group that is a frequent target of New World Order conspiracy theorists.
Sebelius attended the annual meeting of the Bilderberg Group, which held the conference May 31-June 3 in Istanbul, Turkey, The Kansas City Star reported Sunday.
Bilderberg is made up of international business leaders, top politicians and academics from around the world who meet once a year at posh resorts. The group's enigmatic purpose and zealously guarded privacy lead to accusations of sinister motives to control world affairs.
The governor's spokeswoman, Nicole Corcoran, said Sebelius was invited to speak about cooperation and consensus-building in government.
The group was started in 1954 with the original goal of improving ties between Western Europe and the United States. Bringing together more than 100 international leaders to resorts each year, Bilderberg now is a sort of symposium of the elite.
While Bilderberg paid for Sebelius' flight to Istanbul, she paid the $1,274 in other expenses during the four-day meeting from her office budget.
That has some conservatives and anti-tax advocates complaining that the state paid for a trip from which it likely received little benefit.
“It's very distressing to discover that Kansas taxpayers were helping to fund an international conference for the governor,” said Karl Peterjohn, director of the Kansas Taxpayers Network. “I think it's hard to find a benefit to us for her going to the Istanbul Ritz-Carlton.”
http://cjonline.com/stories/090307/st…
16 January 2008
at 8:45 a.m.
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jumpin_catfish (Anonymous) says…
Merrill you're first post was that Bush had reduced brain cells and so on but apparently he was smart enough to get elected twice. Our governor hasn't shown that much yet in the way of real leadership but she is good at the old bob and weave. You know jumping in and out of the limelight as the situation may dictate. She gets a C+ from me on job performance and I'm being generous. Oh she's in favor of illegals having drivers license in which case she gets an F.
16 January 2008
at 8:51 a.m.
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Defender (Anonymous) says…
KS says:
“These posts seem to be typical of the left. Make the attacks personal.”
But first KS said:
“You know, when you are a do nothing Governor, it is easy to shine.”
Hypocritical much? Folks like yourself show just how little sense you really have by posting crap like this.
16 January 2008
at 8:57 a.m.
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dizzy_from_your_spin (Anonymous) says…
Sebelius is a good choice—provided they use good scriptwriters…and she doesn't have to take any questions…and she doesn't have to make any decisions.
16 January 2008
at 9:13 a.m.
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BigAl (Anonymous) says…
Posted by dizzy “Sebelius is a good choice-provided they use good scriptwriters:and she doesn't have to take any questions:and she doesn't have to make any decisions.”
*************************************************************
Sounds just like Ronald Raegan.
16 January 2008
at 9:15 a.m.
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BigAl (Anonymous) says…
The hatred from the far right is in full bloom this morning.
16 January 2008
at 9:22 a.m.
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blue73harley (Anonymous) says…
When I read the headline, I thought it was going to be another article about Sue Hack. ;-)
16 January 2008
at 9:29 a.m.
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lounger (Anonymous) says…
I find it very funny that she intimidates so many men! Im a man and I find her smart, Plugged in and refreshing! Im so glad she at least brings up enviormental issues in a state that historically has no regard for the enviorment (Just check out our poor polluted Kansas river).
She would fit in with an Obama white house or a Clinton white house. Either way the thought is so fresh compaired to the slouching war mongers we have in the white house currently.
16 January 2008
at 10:06 a.m.
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gayokay (Anonymous) says…
Congratulations Governor. She is blue in a red state. She will make a great VP.
16 January 2008
at 10:26 a.m.
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acg (Anonymous) says…
I agree with you lounger. She does intimidate men. Which is why right-thinker, and other idiots above are foaming at the mouth at the thought of her going farther in her political career. They just can't stand the thought of a woman in the white house, no matter who she is or what her politics may be. It really burns your a**, doesn't it right thinker? You neanderthal republican jerks are so sure that we need to maintain the status quo, right? How's that been working for the past few hundred years?
16 January 2008
at 12:08 p.m.
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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…
“Is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin a Vice Presidential contender?” R_I
If being good looking is a qualification, Palin is a cinch for the VP candidacy.
—
Blue's 9:22 wins.
16 January 2008
at 12:36 p.m.
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bunnyhawk (Anonymous) says…
I think a MUCH better question is:
What is the Journal World up to?
Clearly, an unbiased presentation of the news is beyond the capability of your staff
16 January 2008
at 12:42 p.m.
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Kontum1972 (Anonymous) says…
right thinker what branch of the service were u a part of?
16 January 2008
at 1:14 p.m.
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dirkleisure (Anonymous) says…
r_t needs to be reminded that the Mission was Accomplished in Iraq with Bill Clinton's military. Just as Dick Cheney effused praise on Bush the Elder in 1991 for the strong military that was used in Desert Storm, so should he have thanked President Clinton for the troops they threw at Saddam in 2003.
Sounds like he is trying to bring up the “not ready for duty” crap all over again. Pssst, you little fascist, that was a lie told by your leader. That's what fascist leaders do, they lie to you to win your undying support.
16 January 2008
at 1:21 p.m.
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sweetiepie (Anonymous) says…
That is, without a doubt, one of the strangest headlines I've read in the Journal World. Maybe an even better question is “What is the JW up to?”
I am impressed by Senator Morris's comment. In the midst of all this partisanship and back-stabbing, he remains diplomatic and recognizes the greater good that can come out Governor Sebelius's honor.
16 January 2008
at 1:53 p.m.
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stuckinthemiddle (Anonymous) says…
~chuckle~
kris kobach…
16 January 2008
at 2:36 p.m.
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Keith (Anonymous) says…
Special Ops:.I'm not at liberty to divulge this information.
ha ha ha, I'm sure it was special.
16 January 2008
at 2:53 p.m.
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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…
The Merchant Marine has special ops?
16 January 2008
at 3:43 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
oh Righty, now they're calling sexism…a sure sign they're feeling faint and losing the arguments. we only oppose gov. c.bilius because she's a woman! did you get that, and the concerns about abortion money don't mean anything, and the concerns about her bitching and moaning about the national guard shortage personnel/equipment (in part caused by her party's actions). no, couldn't be reasoned disagreement with her…no, righty you are an eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeevil sexist! that's a hoot, she's gonna talk in the reply about kansans pulling together when she pulled that stunt claiming personnel and equipment shortages in the national guard; these were denied by the chief of the ks national guard. pulling together, or pulling our hair out? right.
vapid choice to deliver the reply.
16 January 2008
at 4:28 p.m.
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Kontum1972 (Anonymous) says…
jumpin cat…bush got elected illegally …bogus…just like his war….troops expected to be in iraq for the next 50 yrs…gee we thought the russians were bad…and bush handed over billions of dollars of miltiary equipment to the saudis….bet u cant guess where that equipment will end up…right in the enemies hands…
16 January 2008
at 4:35 p.m.
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Kontum1972 (Anonymous) says…
i just love these arm chair warriors….when i was 20 i was flying huey gunships in Nam …
R_T ..specials ed ops…u PoS
16 January 2008
at 4:37 p.m.
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Agnostick (Anonymous) says…
http://www.cjonline.com/stories/08210…
http://www.cjonline.com/stories/02260…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greensbu…
16 January 2008
at 5:13 p.m.
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BABBOY (Anonymous) says…
right_thinker (Anonymous) says:
Clinton/Sebelius
-
The thought of this ranks up in the top five most depressing occurrences in my life to date. We really do need a shake-up though in this great nation:..this scenario could be what we need. Like a drug addictyou usually have to hit the absolute rock-bottom in order to fix things.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-
What are you blind man, that rock bottom was called George W. Bush.
Clearly, Bush is without question the worse president ever elected in modern times (since the depression).
I know he agrees with you on religion, but he blew all the other issues including 911. At least Clinton was bombing Bin Laden and knew he was threat. I would bet real money George Bush did not know who Bin Laden was until the 911 bombing.
Lets not even get started on choosing to stay in an occupation in Iraq (could have pulled out and chased the real enemy in Afghanistan), or the economy (price of gas), or Katrina or any of the other screw ups this bone head contributed to by putting stupid people who had no substance in positions of power. Yeah, they were all born again types like him but totally unqualified to do the job he appointed them for.
16 January 2008
at 5:19 p.m.
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nugget (Anonymous) says…
“Kris Kobach, chairman of the Kansas Republican Party, said Sebelius was picked to deliver the Democratic response for political reasons.”
Maybe one of the more stupid things he's said. As long as he's at the helm of the Republican party one thing is for sure. It's being led by a moron.
17 January 2008
at 12:34 a.m.
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kansascrone (Virginia Rigney) says…
Kris Kobach is very unprofessional. His inability to be gracious under these circumstances bodes ill for the Kansas Republican Party.
Kansas has done well under Kathleen's leadership. The majority of Kansans (Democrats, Independents and Republicans) who elected her understand that she is a gifted leader.
You go girl!
17 January 2008
at 2:54 a.m.
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lounger (Anonymous) says…
Kobach is a coward. I walked right up to him and confronted him about Dick Cheney's behavior back a few years and he not only woulnt respond but didnt even look me in the eye! Our current governor is smart and will go somewhere one day. So deal with it!!!
17 January 2008
at 10:23 a.m.
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dirkleisure (Anonymous) says…
fascist thinker sez:
I actually believe we could be presided over or governed by a woman-imagine that! But the woman has to be a good ***Republican*** , like I would expect of a man. The woman has to be ***Republican*** and put ***Democratic*** agendas aside. They have to stand by ***Republican*** principles.
–—
Fixed your post.
17 January 2008
at 10:04 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
once again, poor Aggie, you have posted irrelevancies! the first link does not address what the Adj. Gen. in charge of the kansas national guard said at the time, that there was plenty of personnel, and plenty of euqipment, your article addresses a more general problem, one which has been contributed by the actions and policies of congressional demorats holding up pentagon funding for years now…to maintain the boots on the ground, replacement equipment and signing bonuses get delayed!
the second link is also irrelevant, as once the controversy started, governor c.bilius tried to backpeddle in your interview; everyone recognized it at the time. finally the wiki ref is completely irrelevant and doesn't even mention the national guard.
poor Aggie, you are now something like 0 for twelve tries, I keep hitting your poorly aimed smears and irrelevancies down like annoying flies.
Gov. C.bilius has huge ties to the abortion industry. this will limit her national support base about as much as sHrillary's is. sHrillary has about 45% of americans who say under no circumstance would they vote for her.