Obama coattails?

In endorsing Barack Obama for president, a group of Kansas Democrats may have had self-preservation in mind.

The theory goes that Obama at the top of the ticket would have a positive effect, or at least less of a negative effect, on downballot Democrats than having Hillary Clinton, who some believe would unite and energize Republicans to oppose Democrats in a state where Republicans vastly outnumber Democratic voters.

State Rep. Candy Ruff, D-Leavenworth, said Obama’s impact would be similar to when Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, who is known to be able to attract Republican and independent votes, ran for re-election in 2006.

Having Sebelius “was golden,” Ruff said, and putting Obama at the top would “be even better.”

Kansas wind

Kansas ranks 12th in the nation in installed wind energy with 364 megawatts, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

These are the 11 states in front of Kansas and their megawatt totals: Texas, 4,356; California, 2,439; Minnesota, 1,300; Iowa, 1,273; Washington, 1,163; Colorado, 1,067; Oregon, 885; Illinois, 699; Oklahoma, 689; New Mexico, 496; New York, 423.

According to AWEA, the nation’s wind generating capacity increased by 45 percent in 2007, the third record-setting year.

Bruce Nilles, director of the national coal campaign for the Sierra Club, was at the Statehouse last week to talk with legislators about the need for more renewable energy.

Nilles said Kansas should increase its wind-generated power portfolio.

“There is this tremendous opportunity to really build and find balance in your energy mix,” Nilles said.

Sebelius to respond to Bush

Watch President Bush’s final State of the Union address tonight and you’ll see Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius delivering the Democratic Party’s response.

Sebelius was chosen by congressional Democratic leaders to provide the Democratic talking points. The move was seen by many political observers as proof that Sebelius is being groomed by the Democratic Party for bigger things.

Asked about Sebelius getting national airtime, U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said, “I’m happy that a Kansan is doing it, and I’ve offered to help write her speech, but she hasn’t called me back.”

House P.E.

Some House members are competing in a fitness challenge.

“We’re trying to model responsible health care,” said state Rep. Tom Hawk, D-Manhattan, one of the organizers of the effort.

House members are challenged to exercise – including walking 10,000 steps per day – and eat healthy foods. Individuals and committees that have the highest point totals will receive awards at the end of the session.

Quote of the week

“I told him I knew his dad, but I know everybody’s dad these days.”

– Former Attorney General Bob Stephan, 75, talking about a conversation he had with incoming Attorney General Stephen Six, whose father is retired Kansas Supreme Court Justice Fred Six.

What’s next

9 a.m. Tuesday: House Appropriations Committee, presentation on the impact of the disbanded central motor pool. Capitol, 514-South

3:30 p.m. Wednesday: Joint meeting of House Economic Development and Tourism Committee and Senate Commerce Committee, to hear presentation on Kansas Tourism Initiative. Capitol, 123-South