Sebelius Calls for Bipartisanship: In the Democratic Response to the State of the Union, Gov. Kathle

Jan 29, 03:07 AM

Jan. 29--Establishing herself as one of the rising stars in the national Democratic Party, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius spoke to the nation Monday night with a call to set partisan squabbling aside and work toward ending the Iraq War, expanding federal health care and developing alternative energy to battle global warming.

In the Democratic response to President Bush's State of the Union address, Sebelius had about 10 minutes of national television time to make the case for some of her party's favorite themes.

Sebelius avoided many of Bush's more controversial proposals, including a call for $300 million in grants for poor children to attend parochial schools and extension of tax cuts that Democrats have attacked as favoring the richest Americans over the poor and middle classes.

Sebelius framed her speech as a call to action, rather than a rebuttal to the president's remarks.

"In these difficult times, the American people aren't afraid to make difficult choices, but we have no more patience for divisive politics," Sebelius said, striking a tone that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has used with success on the campaign trail.

No fan of Iraq war

While her criticisms of the president were subtle, they were there, especially on Iraq.

"We stand ready in the heartland and across this country to join forces with peace-loving nations around the globe to fight the war against terrorists, wherever they may strike," she said. "But our capable and dedicated soldiers can't solve the political disputes where they are, and can't focus on the real enemies elsewhere."

On the shaky national economy, Sebelius praised the Democratic majority in Congress for raising the minimum wage and reducing costs of college loans.

She also praised a bipartisan stimulus plan, which Bush and the House of Representatives have approved, to give several hundred dollars in tax rebates to Americans and their families to spur economic activity.

But saying there is more to be done, she called on Bush to sign on to some Democratic ideas for reforming the health-care system.

"We know that we're stronger as a nation when our people have access to the highest-quality, most-affordable health care --when our businesses can compete in the global marketplace without the burden of rising health care costs here at home," she said.

As a start, she called on the president to reverse an earlier veto and approve a proposal to add 10 million children to the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which provides government-paid insurance for children and some adults.

Bush had said in his speech that he wanted to address the problem of high health-care costs through improved efficiency and expanded consumer choice, not government control.

Sebelius, who has made wind energy a signature priority in her state administration, called for greater efforts to fight emissions linked to global warming.

She cited tornado-ravaged Greensburg, which is working to rebuild itself as a "green" community, as an example of what can be accomplished.

"The majority in Congress are ready to tackle the challenge of reducing global warming and creating a new energy future for America," Sebelius said. "So we ask you, Mr. President, will you join us? It's time to get to work."

State delegates respond

Although it was a solidly Democratic speech, it drew some kind words from the Republican side of the congressional aisle.

"I appreciate her call for bipartisanship," said Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard. "We should be working in a bipartisan spirit to accomplish real solutions both in Kansas and in Washington."

Republican Sen. Pat Roberts called Sebelius' speech "a big night for Kansas."

"Obviously from listening to both speeches there are different priorities in Washington," he said. "But it is clear to me that Kansans want us to work together to get something done on behalf of the American people -- and the new economic stimulus package is an example of that," he said.

State Republicans were not as kind.

"When calling for bipartisanship, she needs to display bipartisanship," said Christian Morgan, Kansas GOP executive director. "I don't see the governor involved in a whole lot of decision making at the state level here."

Before the governor spoke, the state GOP issued a missive titled "The real Kathleen Sebelius," pounding the governor for increased government spending, lack of economic growth and her administration's rejection of a coal-fired power plant near Holcomb.

"Sebelius has the most radical and nonsensical environmentalist agenda of all the governors in America," state GOP chairman Kris Kobach said. "And she evidently doesn't care how many jobs Kansas loses."

The Republicans criticized the governor -- who is generally viewed as a moderate Democrat -- as a left-wing liberal who ignores the needs of her state. Morgan pointed to former Sen. Bob Dole, whom the president mentioned in his speech, as "a real Midwestern leader."

Morgan also said he thought the speech lacked substance and called it "a sandwich that was all bread with no meat."

Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, R-Independence, also said he thought the speech struck a tone of cooperation but "didn't have a tremendous amount of substance."

Democratic legislators, however, hailed the governor's performance.

"Others may be discovering what we've known for a long time," said Jim Ward, D-Wichita and the deputy minority leader of the Kansas House. "The governor is politically potent on the national scene."

Her speech "was exactly the right tone," he said. "Fight hard but cooperate and at the end of the day get something done."

House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, D-Greensburg, said he thought the speech exuded Kansas wisdom.

"I was raised by a southwest Kansas wheat farmer," he said. "It sounded a lot like what I grew up with."

Reach Dion Lefler at 316-268-6527.

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