Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius gets a high profile job & more talk of higher office

By Diane Silver

Could a Kansas governor ever become president? No one knows the answer to that question, but we may find out someday if Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' political fortunes continue to rise.

That thought comes along with word that Sebelius will take over as chair of the Democratic Governors Association next year. The job is considered one way for a governor to raise her or his profile nationally.

Sebelius is succeeding New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who has been frequently mentioned as a possible presidential candidate.

AP notes:

Sebelius has enjoyed a relatively high profile despite her state's second - tier standing in presidential politics and her relatively new status. As a Democrat leading a traditionally Republican state, she used her identity as a political moderate, her status as a farm-state governor and her gender to create political currency.

She reportedly was on Sen. John Kerry's short list of vice presidential candidates in 2004 despite her professed lack of interest.

The next few years should be interesting.