Gov. Sebelius goes to Washington
By Patrick Kelley
Originally published 12:39 p.m., January 17, 2008
Updated 12:39 p.m., January 17, 2008
For once, Kansans have a good reason to watch the president’s State of the Union address.
In spite of all the attendant hoopla and folderol, the speech is rarely of much interest outside the government ranks of Washington, D.C. The president stands in front of a joint session of Congress, recites some platitudes, expresses some vague hopes and then proposes two or three pieces of specific legislation. Members of Congress applaud, stand and applaud, look thoughtful or quietly nap, secure in the knowledge that anything the president proposes is likely to be rendered unrecognizable by the time it has been subjected to the legislative process.
In the nation outside Washington, there are usually more entertaining or even instructive things to do on a cold January night than watch this performance of democracy’s traditional folk theater. Even with the writers’ strike, some of the dozens of national television channels are bound to be showing an interesting old movie or a “Law & Order” rerun.
But this year, the people of Kansas will have a reason to watch the speech. The Democrats have chosen Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to deliver their response to the Republican president’s address. The selection is considered to be an honor — a sign that the national party is taking notice of Kansas’ favorite Democrat. Expect to hear some renewed speculation about the governor’s chances for a vice presidential nomination or a Cabinet post.
Such speculation ranks with the windy platitudes of the State of the Union address. For now, it is enough to know that Sebelius and the state have been honored by the choice.
Kansas has something to gain from this honor. Far too many people in the United States know only three things about Kansas: “The Wizard of Oz,” anti-Darwinism and Fred Phelps.
Now, for a few minutes, the nation will get a look at the real face of Kansas — the likeable, smart and articulate woman who, as a Democrat, has twice been elected governor of the state considered to be the most hidebound of Republican strongholds.
Those who care to dig a little deeper will be surprised to find that, even though she is a member of the minority party in the state, Sebelius maintains a 65-percent approval rating.
That reflects equally well on the governor and the people of Kansas.
The State of the Union address and the governor’s response will be televised on the evening of Jan. 28.