Cabinet Talk Swirls Around Sebelius

November 20, 2008

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS)

by Chris Durden and Jim Grawe (WICHITA, Kan.)

Although no official cabinet appointments have been made, President-elect Barack Obama's cabinet is already taking shape.

Unofficially, the roster includes Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as Secretary of Homeland Security; Washington lawyer Eric Holder as Attorney General; and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle as Health and Human Services Secretary. Senator Hillary Clinton is also in contention to be Secretary of State.

Among the names also being talked about is Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. The governor was one of Obama's earliest supporters. She campaigned for him across the country. She was also on the short-list for Vice-President.

Sebelius' has been mentioned for several positions including Secretary of the Interior, Commerce and Labor. MSNBC Political Director Chuck Todd fueled speculation when on his "First Read" blog entry he said Sebelius is being vetted for Labor and Energy Secretary. Sebelius' chances may have also gotten a boost today when Obama campaign finance chair Penny Pritzker dropped out of the running for Commerce Secretary.

"We are all kind of waiting to see how that's going to play out," says Republican State Representative Steve Brunk. As state lawmakers gather in Wichita to discuss regional economic issues, it's not so much a question of if, but when and what the appointment will be.

"I think expectations are very high," says Democratic State Representative Tom Sawyer. "She was an early supporter of Barack Obama. She campaigned for him in other states." He adds, "Whatever role she has will be exciting for our state."

Eyewitness News contacted the Governor's office this morning about what would happen if Sebelius left office. A spokesperson tells us Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson would finish Sebelius' term which runs through 2010.

Parkinson, a former Republican and Wichita native, would then appoint a new Lieutenant Governor to take his position. That person would not have to go through any confirmation hearings. Parkinson's decision would be final.

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