Daily Archives: March 1, 2009

Sebelius nomination makes sense

March 1, 20096:05 a.m.

Obama 2008 EndorsementFor Kansans, there was relief in learning at last whether Gov. Kathleen Sebelius would be asked to join President Obama’s Cabinet of secretary of health and human services. The unofficial news Saturday was that the job was offered and accepted, just days before an important White House summit on health care. The choice makes a lot of sense for both Sebelius and Obama.
Assuming she survives promised anti-abortion flak and Senate confirmation, it also will give Kansans a key insider to call in the new Democratic administration.

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Kansas government, President Obama | Comments (82)

Open thread 3/1

March 1, 20096:04 a.m.

thread355

By The Editors | Filed under Open thread | Comments (136)

Lt. Gov. Who?

March 1, 20096:03 a.m.

parkinsonmark4With Gov. Kathleen Sebelius now on track to join President Obama’s Cabinet, her successor needs to introduce himself to Kansans. In a SurveyUSA poll conducted Tuesday for KWCH, Channel 12, 63 percent said they didn’t know who would take over if Sebelius left. When asked their opinion of Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson, 82 percent were either neutral on him or had no opinion. Only 28 percent thought the Democrat was ready for the job, despite his two years as Sebelius’ second and six years in the Legislature. On a side note, it’s interesting how the native Wichitan’s official biography makes no mention of his four years as chairman of the Kansas Republican Party.

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Kansas government | Comments (17)

Superintendent candidates did well

March 1, 20096:02 a.m.

Both finalists for Wichita school superintendent did well at public meetings Saturday. Denise Wren, Wichita’s assistant superintendent for high schools, has a no-nonsense style and outgoing personality that helped her lead a remarkable turnaround when she was principal at Wichita North High School. “I’m a leader and I’m passionate about kids,” she said. John Allison, superintendent of Mount Lebanon school district in Pennsylvania, is thoughtful and has extensive administrative experience. One concern about Allison is that the districts he has worked in haven’t been as diverse as Wichita, though he made clear at the public meetings that he is committed to educating all children.
Both candidates think highly of USD 259 and want to help make it better. Allison considers Wichita “the flagship district of the state” and is impressed with the community support. “I would love to be here,” he said. Wren said simply: “I love this district.”

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Education | Comments (10)

Moran just happens to be in his way

March 1, 20096:00 a.m.

Here’s a quote to file away for later, when Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard, and Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Hays, are in the thick of a GOP primary next year for U.S. Senate: “Jerry’s a friend. I’m not running against Jerry. I’m running for the Senate,” Tiahrt said recently in Hays.

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Kansas delegation | Comments (27)