Kansas Commissioner to Run for Governor

February 27, 2002

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius announced she is making a bid to become governor, a move that was not unexpected among political observers in the state.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reported that, Sebelius, a Democrat, has vowed to “fight for more affordable health care, improved public education, the elimination of waste and government bureaucracy, and higher ethical standards in state government.”

According to the Capital-Journal, Sebelius faces long odds in her campaign for governor, since a Democrat hasn’t won an open seat for the state’s top office in more than six decades.

Sebelius seeks to succeed Republican Gov. Bill Graves, who is prohibited by state law from running for a third term. In 1998 Grave made history by garnering more votes than any other previous candidate for governor of Kansas.

Currently the only Democrat serving in a statewide office, she was elected in 1994, defeating Republican incumbent Ron Todd. Sebelius faces no dominant challengers in her fight to become the Democratic nominee for governor.

Attorney General Carla Stoval, State Treasurer Tim Shallenburger and Wichita Mayor Bob Knight, all Republicans, have announced their intentions to run for governor.

Sebelius served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1987 through 1994.

Topics Kansas

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