Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Friday said she loves her “day job” but declined to end speculation of becoming a possible vice presidential running mate to U.S. Sen. Barack Obama.

Obama has sung Sebelius’ praises, and political pundits have named her as a strong possibility on the Democratic ticket.

In a news conference, Sebelius declined to speculate on whether she would accept the nomination if Obama asked.

But she said she planned to do as much as she could to get Obama elected president.

And when asked what qualities would make a good running mate, Sebelius said someone who has had success reaching out to Republicans and shares Obama’s vision of change.

She said she would support anyone Obama picks.

Sebelius added, “I love my day job. I can’t imagine a better job in America than being the governor of a state.

“In the political sphere, being governor is the pinnacle because you actually get to do things, and watch things happen and make decisions day in and day out and get a national championship along the way,” she said.

Washburn University political science professor Bob Beatty watched the news conference and said Sebelius was definitely in the running.

Beatty said if U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., isn’t picked by Obama then Sebelius “is the last woman standing.”

Beatty added, “When Obama gets at that moment with his top advisers, and they will probably have two or three names — she (Sebelius) will be on that list.”

He said Sebelius can’t offer the ticket a state — Kansas is overwhelmingly Republican — and she has no foreign policy experience. But, he said, Sebelius and Obama are both “policy wonks.”

“She could be a great partner. The personal chemistry should never be underestimated,” he said.