Archive for Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Senate approves Sebelius nomination
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius leaves her office with a security officer Tuesday at the Kansas Statehouse. She was confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services and will likely resign her post as governor.
April 28, 2009, 4:54 p.m. Updated April 29, 2009, 8:20 a.m.
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Parkinson sworn in as Kansas Governor
Gov. Mark Parkinson took the oath of office in front of about 150 people Tuesday night. His new job as governor comes just one day before the Kansas Legislature reconvenes for its wrap-up session. Enlarge video
Kathleen Sebelius: Two decades in politics
Kathleen Sebelius is the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services in Obama's Cabinet. She has served as Kansas' governor since 2002 and before that was insurance commissioner and a state representative.
Fifteen months ago, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama came to Kansas and received the endorsement of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who then spent a significant portion of her time helping Obama get elected.
That was before the economy tanked, and before the newest round of swine flu.
Now, Sebelius is leaving for Washington, D.C., to become secretary of health and human services in Obama’s cabinet.
Sebelius, 60, was confirmed late Tuesday afternoon by the Senate for the post by a 65-31 vote. She has resigned as governor, and Gov. Mark Parkinson was sworn in at 7 p.m. Tuesday to fill the 18 months remaining in Sebelius’ term.
Sebelius handed in her resignation letter to Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh.
Sebelius leaves a state reeling with its highest unemployment in 26 years -- 6.5 percent -- and a $328 million budget deficit that lawmakers, returning Wednesday for a wrap-up session, will have to mend with Parkinson.
Parkinson, 51, is a former Kansas Republican Party chairman, who switched parties in 2006 to run with Sebelius in her re-election bid. Some Republicans were angered by Parkinson’s switch, but those feelings seem to have dissipated somewhat. For his part, Parkinson has said he is ready to get to work as governor but that he has no intention to seek the job in 2010.
Sebelius will be taking the reins of a health agency amid an outbreak of a new strain of swine flu that has claimed more than 150 lives in Mexico, and sickened more than 50 people in the U.S. — including two in Kansas. Sebelius also is expected to be a key figure in moving through a charge from Obama to overhaul the nation’s health coverage system.
During the past year, much of the Kansas political world has been on Sebelius watch. For months, she was touted as a possible vice presidential nominee.
When Obama picked Joe Biden as his running mate and won the November election, talk turned to what job Sebelius would fill in the Obama administration.
But nothing substantial turned up until it was disclosed that Obama’s first choice for health and human services secretary Tom Daschle failed to pay $140,000 in taxes.
In March, he picked Sebelius, the daughter of a former governor of Ohio who married into a famous Kansas political family. She started her political career in Kansas as a state legislator from Topeka, then won statewide twice as insurance commissioner before running for governor in 2002.
Although a Democrat in a predominantly Republican state, she was often seen as a reformer who could work with members of both parties.
More like this
- Sebelius switch 2 comments / April 29, 2009
- Parkinson sworn in as Kansas Governor 19 comments / April 28, 2009
- Sebelius says she still hasn't talked with Obama about HHS job 8 comments / February 24, 2009
- Kansans await word on whether a new leader will lead state April 28, 2009
- Parkinson urges Democrats to run for governor 6 comments / October 4, 2009
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28 April 2009
at 5:06 p.m.
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kusp8 (Anonymous) says…
Wahoo!!!!
28 April 2009
at 5:09 p.m.
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gccs14r (Anonymous) says…
I hope Sebelius leaves fresh ink for Parkinson's veto pen. If he signs the coal plant legislation, I'll be very disappointed.
28 April 2009
at 5:21 p.m.
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grammaddy (Anonymous) says…
Congratulations Governor Sebelius! We'll miss you!!!!!!!!
28 April 2009
at 5:24 p.m.
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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
Well, as governor, she was only mildly dangerous.
She can do real damage now!
28 April 2009
at 5:41 p.m.
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Shardwurm (Anonymous) says…
Are they going to have live coverage of the moving vans?
28 April 2009
at 5:43 p.m.
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jt08 (Anonymous) says…
Congrats Secretary Sebelius! And thanks for all you did for Kansas!
28 April 2009
at 5:47 p.m.
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LiberalDude (Anonymous) says…
I agree with jt and grammaddy. Congratulations Governor Sebelius and thank you!
28 April 2009
at 6:02 p.m.
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beobachter (Anonymous) says…
Sorry rightwingers, your ideas and policies still suck Parkinson will continue her good work.
28 April 2009
at 6:09 p.m.
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ENGWOOD (Anonymous) says…
Obama's 2nd choice from his list of tax cheats, She should fit right in with the rest of the crooks.
28 April 2009
at 6:15 p.m.
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beobachter (Anonymous) says…
On the plus side, she's not a Republican.
28 April 2009
at 6:16 p.m.
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yankeevet (Anonymous) says…
Did she ever pay her taxes; so she could get this job???
28 April 2009
at 6:27 p.m.
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valveoil (Anonymous) says…
Good Luck Gov. Sebelius
28 April 2009
at 6:31 p.m.
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lawrenceguy40 (Anonymous) says…
“Sebelius leaves a state reeling with its highest unemployment in 26 years — 6.5 percent — and a $328 million budget deficit…..”
What more needs to be said?
Tragic…..
28 April 2009
at 6:37 p.m.
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Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
lawrenceguy40 (Anonymous) says…
“Sebelius leaves a state reeling with its highest unemployment in 26 years — 6.5 percent — and a $328 million budget deficit…..”
What more needs to be said?
Tragic…..
Yes, that has nothing to do the economic crisis that has effected our entire country, right? Is that really the best you can come up with? How does that compare to the governors of other states records, Democrat or Republican?
28 April 2009
at 7:24 p.m.
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N_Trenched (Anonymous) says…
“Sebelius leaves a state reeling with its highest unemployment in 26 years — 6.5 percent — and a $328 million budget deficit that lawmakers…..”
Thanks for the good times!
28 April 2009
at 7:30 p.m.
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AjiDeGallina (Anonymous) says…
ntrenched,
It is pretty evident that the now defunct but still squeeling Bush administration is culpable for the worst economic crisis since the great Depression,
but if it makes you feel better to blame it on someone else, then this is still a free country and you are still free to be a liar.
28 April 2009
at 7:37 p.m.
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RonBurgandy (Anonymous) says…
Congratulations Governor, er, Secretary! You were a great asset for the state and it is sad to see you go, but I am glad you will be helping the entire country now as HHS Secretary.
Thanks again!
28 April 2009
at 8:07 p.m.
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N_Trenched (Anonymous) says…
AjiDeGallina,
It is rather evident that you are diverting attention from the subject at hand. You see, this article wasn't about George Bush it was about the failed Governor. I was only quoting what the article so clearly stated. I could have mentioned the failure of the Gov. to pay her taxes on time or her blatant use of eugenics or her stifling economic policies but I thought this article summed up her reign quit well.
28 April 2009
at 8:19 p.m.
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beobachter (Anonymous) says…
n_treached, average Kansas voter does not consider Sibelius a failure. Average mindless Republican nutcase does. If she was so bad, how did she get re-elected by a goodly margin? Didn't the nutcase Republicans forget to vote? They seem to forget everything else, especially if it relates to any Republican screwup, ie: previous President.
28 April 2009
at 8:26 p.m.
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TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
“If she was so bad, how did she get re-elected by a goodly margin?” -BeoB
(See George W. Bush 2004).
28 April 2009
at 8:36 p.m.
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jumpin_catfish (Anonymous) says…
Won't miss her and she won't be back.
28 April 2009
at 8:41 p.m.
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RalphReed (Ralph Reed) says…
Let's see, The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows KS at 6.1% at the end of March. That may change when the April stats come out in a few days. But…
At the end of March, 42 states, DC and Puerto Rico has a higher unemployment rate that we do here in KS. That's not bad if you ask me. So, give it a rest. Did you really think Kansas was going to be unaffected by the economy we've been driven into for at least the past 8 years?
Now, instead of blaming Sec Sebelius and trying to be part of the problem, what ideas do you have that might help?
*****
I'm me. Who are you behind your hood of anonymity?
28 April 2009
at 10:02 p.m.
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Bob_Keeshan (Anonymous) says…
Roads_Collar, I find your 9:35 pm post to be hilarious when read in the context of your post on the story about Parkinson's swearing in.
On that story, you assert Parkinson will do a good job as Governor but only if he switches parties!
Those of us who are able delight in the irony.
28 April 2009
at 10:43 p.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
Someone, quick, check the contents of her bags as she deserts the sinking ship!!
28 April 2009
at 10:56 p.m.
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AjiDeGallina (Anonymous) says…
There are always 20% that could care less about truth…they need sides because that is the easy way out…they let someone think for them.
So the Rush Limbaughians can continue to repeat lies because it is easier than forming an opinion.
However, in doing so, they fail America and are a bigger threat to the power and wonders of this country than Al-Quada could ever be.
They are traitors to the very foundation of what America stands for, they choose to be robots in the land of the free-thinkers.
They are the weakest of Americans, to have sides and not values.
They have failed, and under any moniker, treanched is among the worst failures and traitors alongside righthinker and marion.
29 April 2009
at 6:56 a.m.
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snap_pop_no_crackle (Anonymous) says…
“Fifteen months ago, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama came to Kansas and received the endorsement of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who then spent a significant portion of her time helping Obama get elected.”
Can Kansas get a rebate for her salary while she was campaigning for Barry instead of taking care of Kansas business?
29 April 2009
at 7:45 a.m.
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KS (Anonymous) says…
Thank God, she is GONE! She will fit right in with the other cheats.
29 April 2009
at 7:50 a.m.
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Shardwurm (Anonymous) says…
Caption of the photo should read:
“Obama finalizes Kansas stimulus package.”
29 April 2009
at 8:10 a.m.
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ibroke (Anonymous) says…
I am sure she was hired because of how perfect kansas health system is
29 April 2009
at 8:46 a.m.
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snap_pop_no_crackle (Anonymous) says…
Just out of the frame behind Kathy's back was the teleprompter telling Barry what to say.
29 April 2009
at 8:52 a.m.
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Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
snap,
I didn't realize President Obama was the first president ever to use a teleprompter. It's good that you find meaningful things to complain about.
29 April 2009
at 9:36 a.m.
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justthefacts (Anonymous) says…
One wonders if she will continue her support of abortion on demand (even in the third trimester). As the national leader on health issues, we can probably expect to see a lot of money flowing to abortion providers. Even if she is a Catholic (in name).
29 April 2009
at 9:42 a.m.
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ridinthefence (Anonymous) says…
Bunch of sniffling Bush/McCain supporters, still boohooing! I feel so bad… ha!
29 April 2009
at 10:56 a.m.
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Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
justthefacts (Anonymous) says…
One wonders if she will continue her support of abortion on demand (even in the third trimester).
What a ridiculous statement. How many women do you know that would carry a pregnancy to the third trimester and then have an abortion “on demand” because the changed their minds? Women who have third trimester abortions typically wanted a child and something has gone horribly wrong with the pregnancy. These women are having to make funeral arrangements and pick out coffins instead of decorating the nursery for a child that was desperately wanted. It's because of insensitive statements like yours, that no one takes you seriously. Eighty-five %(85%) of abortions are performed by the 12th week of pregnancy in Kansas. Some statistics report 90% of abortions are performed by 9 weeks gestatational age. In 2008 in Kansas 3% of abortions were performed after 22 weeks gestation. Since it is difficult to find providers who perform third trimester abortions, a number of these abortions are performed on patients from other states.
I realize that to many people who are pro-life the gestational age is not relevent because they believe life begins at conception. My point is justthefacts implies that third trimester abortion “on demand” is the norm. It's not.
http://www.kdheks.gov/hci/abortion_su…
29 April 2009
at 1:02 p.m.
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snap_pop_no_crackle (Anonymous) says…
In other Washington news:
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/04/29…