Sebelius

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Nov 14, 2005 by Ric Anderson Capital-Journal

Time magazine has placed Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on its A- list of American governors.

The magazine lists Sebelius, a Democrat elected in 2002, among the nation's five best governors in this week's issue, which goes on newsstands today. Time gave Sebelius high marks for cutting a budget deficit while navigating her way through a predominately Republican Legislature.

"Through spending cuts, fee increases and some borrowing, Sebelius was able to balance Kansas' budget in her first year in office without raising taxes or cutting funding for education," Time said.

Time said it compiled the list based on discussions with political analysts, former governors and educators.

Sebelius couldn't be reached for comment Sunday evening. Nicole Corcoran, spokeswoman for the governor, said Sebelius was "humbled and gratified" to be included in Time's list.

"She's especially grateful for the magazine's recognition of her work to control state spending, streamline government, and improve Kansas' public schools," Corcoran said in a written statement.

Kansas Speaker of the House Doug Mays, R-Topeka, declined to comment. Mays has announced he will seek the GOP nomination for governor.

TODAY ON NEWSSTANDS

In its new issue, on newsstands today, Time magazine named Gov. Kathleen Sebelius among its top five governors nationwide. Also included are:

Kenny Guinn, of Nevada

Mike Huckabee, of Arkansas

Janet Napolitano, of Arizona

Mark Warner, of Virginia

Time named the nation's three worst governors: Louisiana's Kathleen Blanco, Ohio's Bob Taft and South Carolina's Mark Sanford.