Sebelius joining Obama's cabinet now could potentially help the future of Dems" in Kansas in one particualr way.

If Sebelius departs early, it puts her Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson (who has stated he is leaving politics after this term) in the Governor's Mansion for a transition period, and that might inspire him to run against Brownback (brownlung..), which may be the best possible option available.

There are other Kansas Dems whose names are circulating for the Senate seat Brownback will leave open, but Sebelius could still come back and make that run if it looked like the best chess move for Obama, to assure 60+ Senate seats.

But realistically, only Sebelius now stands that chance, so while her early departure gives us an opportunity to culture a Parkinson-for-Gov. campaign, it also leaves a gaping hole in the Senate race, unless she keeps that door wide open from the start.

As for her qualifications, Foley hit the nail on the head with this sentence; "There are few positions in the Cabinet that Kathleen Sebelius wasn't rumored to be in the running for."

Leadership, in the wake of the Bush era, has become a rare commodity. When we spot it these days, we tend to rejoice about it and stumble all over ourselves to get it put into place as quickly as possible. Sebelius is so blessed with it, she could fit anywhere that good management is required.

That she might actually be chosen to do the particular job she is most imminently qualified for is all the more encouraging.