Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

VP Longshot Sebelius Offers Bipartisan Lure

But the popular Kansas governor lacks foreign policy clout

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 20, 2008 10:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – Kathleen Sebelius, the dark horse among Barack Obama's potential running mates, is the best suited to carry his postpartisan torch, writes the New York Times. A popular Democratic governor in strongly Republican Kansas, her lieutenant governor is a Republican and she even married a GOP member. But Sebelius is a longshot because she has the same gaps in foreign policy and military experience as Obama, and many wonder whether choosing a woman would further alienate Hillary Clinton supporters.

"I love Kathleen Sebelius," Obama gushed last month, and her roots in the heartland could help the candidate to highlight his own Kansan roots. But the Catholic governor's moderate stance on abortion has angered the church, and Kansas has picked a Democratic president just once in 72 years. "If Obama were up 10 points, I think it would be very viable," said one professor. "But at 2 points up, she doesn’t bring anything, politically."

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, right, waves with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., following a rally at Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kan., Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008.
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, right, waves with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., following a rally at Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kan., Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, right, waves with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., following a rally at Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kan., Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008.
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, right, waves with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., following a rally at Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kan., Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who endorsed Obama, greet supporters Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, in Kansas City, Mo.
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who endorsed Obama, greet supporters Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, in Kansas City, Mo.   (AP Photo/Dick Whipple)
Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius speaks at a Michigan Women for Obama town hall meeting at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich., Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008.
Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius speaks at a Michigan Women for Obama town hall meeting at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich., Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius speaks at a Michigan Women for Obama town hall meeting at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich., Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008.
Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius speaks at a Michigan Women for Obama town hall meeting at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich., Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Biden: 'I'm Not the Guy'

Feisty Sebelius Has VP Chops

Clinton Never Was in Running for Veep Slot

Kaine Has Obama's Appeal, and His Flaws

Running Mate 'Bounce' Doesn't Climb Very High


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne