Governor Sebelius to Deliver Democratic Address on the State of the Union: January 28

Trinity graduate and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius ’70 will deliver the Democratic Address on the State of the Union following the President’s speech to Congress on Monday, January 28. Governor Sebelius will deliver her speech from the Governor’s residence in Topeka, Kansas.

“Governor Sebelius is a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented Democratic leader, who has worked in a bipartisan way to create jobs, grow the economy, make historic investments in education, and make college more affordable,” said Trinity graduate and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ’62 and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in a joint statement. “Her record of accomplishment in Kansas is evidence of what can be achieved when leaders reach across the aisle on behalf of all Americans. Governor Sebelius epitomizes the leadership that is moving America in a New Direction.”

Governor Sebelius said, “These are extraordinarily challenging times, both at home and abroad. To meet those challenges, the American people expect their leaders to resolve their differences and put partisanship on the back-burner. They demand leadership focused squarely on solving our problems, making the most of our opportunities, and moving America forward. That is exactly the kind of leadership we’ve demonstrated in Kansas, and I am honored to share that example with the American people in response to the President’s State of the Union message.”

Named by Time magazine as one of America ‘s five best governors, Governor Sebelius was re-elected to a second term as governor in 2006 with 58 percent of the vote, even though fewer than a third of voters are registered Democrats in Kansas. She is widely respected for her leadership and skill in building a bipartisan coalition in the state. In 2007, she became the first woman in history to be elected chair of the Democratic Governors Association.

Governor Sebelius is featured in the February 2008 issue of Vogue magazine.

President Patricia McGuire will be in the gallery during President Bush’s State of the Union address as a guest of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Official Announcement from Speaker Pelosi

TRINITY Magazine Profile of Governor Sebelius During Her First Campaign

Governor Sebelius Elected Chair of the Democratic Governors Association

Governor Sebelius Named One of Time Magazine’s 5 Best Governors