Sebelius needs to lead

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was ranked by Time magazine among the nation’s top five governors. A recent poll showed her with a 62 percent approval rating. As our editorial today suggests, she should be in a position to shape Statehouse action on the biggest issues facing Kansas, even though she’s a Democrat and the state is predominantly Republican. But she didn’t show much inclination toward inspiring leadership in either her low-key State of the State address Monday night or her latest budget proposal. And she reportedly has no plans to offer a school finance solution herself in response to the legislative audit’s call for $400 million more, opting instead to assist legislators’ efforts. A governor so well-positioned for re-election in November should be bolder now.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

12 Comments

  1. mrcontroversy
    Posted January 11, 2006 at 2:29 pm | Permalink

    I think she did the right thing. If she proposes anything on education, it will be eviscerated by the Republicans.This way, she says, “okay, since you conservatives have ALL the answers, YOU come up with a plan”.Then, when they don’t–and we all know they won’t–she comes out smelling like a rose and cruises to re-election.

  2. mrcontroversy
    Posted January 11, 2006 at 2:31 pm | Permalink

    …and hopefully, takes a few Democratic House members with her.

  3. Steven E.
    Posted January 11, 2006 at 3:48 pm | Permalink

    But how do Kansans, especially our children, come out with this brilliant political move on her part?

    If her plan got eviscerated, putting one forward would at least gives her the higher ground of trying to do something. Maybe, as you argue, the result wouldn’t be different — but she would have at least done something. And isn’t the latter better politics? I think it is.

  4. XXX
    Posted January 11, 2006 at 4:02 pm | Permalink

    I think what she’s doing is good for re-election prospects, but maybe not in our best interests. But getting re-elected is what it’s all about, isn’t it? Still, why offer a target for republicans?

    We know the issues that are important will be set aside. The republicans have more important things to deal with. After all, we can’t stand by while gays are allowed to adopt!

  5. Joe Williams
    Posted January 11, 2006 at 4:49 pm | Permalink

    Consolidate the schools. Quit sports programs in schools and you will save a ton of money and focus more on education.

  6. Steven E.
    Posted January 11, 2006 at 4:51 pm | Permalink

    Nor, can we disallow anyone carrying a concealed firearm. I have seen polling data done by my state representative and in my very urban house district the results were: 70% against the Conceal/carry legislation and 30% for.

    I was surprised by some of the support guns recently got on this blog. I have an aluminum baseball bat in my front closet; any battery I perpetrate on anyone will be up-close and personal.

  7. mrcontroversy
    Posted January 11, 2006 at 5:18 pm | Permalink

    There are still too many Kansans who need that baseball bat applied between their eyeballs before they realize the Republican leadership would rather posture than lead, blame rather than offer solutions, criticize rather than discuss.They have the majority. They have the power. If they’re right, why can’t they do anything?I really don’t think the governor likes to be in that position, but trust me, given the mentality of some of these morons, more will be done for our children quicker if she waits for Legislative Republicans to fight themselves out first.

  8. Steven E.
    Posted January 11, 2006 at 5:37 pm | Permalink

    “They have the majority. They have the power. If they’re right, why can’t they do anything?”

    Isn’t the answer to this question: because they have a civil war going on between the moderates and ulta-conservative elements in their party.

  9. mrcontroversy
    Posted January 11, 2006 at 5:55 pm | Permalink

    You know that, and I know that, but the wing nuts still think they’re invincible.

  10. scott
    Posted January 11, 2006 at 8:36 pm | Permalink

    Joe,

    did you know that sports in usd259 total one half of 1 percent of teh entire total budget.

    i also find it interesting that she proposes nothing education and its good politics, but if the left doesn’t like the conservative plan then they are stupid. she needs a plan

  11. Joe Williams
    Posted January 12, 2006 at 8:36 am | Permalink

    Does it Scott? Well what about rural schools? If it only saves .5% for USD259, thats savings to me. Especially that USD 259 has a budget of $400 million. 71% of that is salaries and benefits.

  12. scott
    Posted January 12, 2006 at 11:56 am | Permalink

    yes it is savings, but not the kind needed. The money hole is spec ed that is mandated by the federal govt but unfunded by it. special education is expensive.

    we can cut sports and music and drama and all other supposedly non essential things but you won’t have much of a school. Whether we like it or not it is expensive to educate especially given the fact that schools are being asked to do to much outside of actually educating children.What would you propose we do to make schools better and find more money