Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is among the many party leaders - including several vice-presidential contenders - who will speak tonight at the Democratic National Convention. Sebelius' speech is scheduled between 8 and 9 p.m.

Sebelius has publicly endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and seemed to have a good chance at becoming Obama’s running mate. The vice-presidential nomination however ultimately went to Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., who will address the DNC tomorrow evening.

When it came to Sebelius' potential talking points, Kansas' political leaders had various hopes and predictions.

Kansas Rep. Dennis McKinney, the Greensburg Democrat who is House minority leader, said he hoped Sebelius’ speech would focus on promoting morals and ethics in society as well as stressing the importance of education.

“I hope she talks about how we can empower individuals by equipping them with a good education and by making sure there are opportunities for them,” said McKinney. “These factors will allow our communities and the economy to improve.”

McKinney said Kansans should be proud to have the governor speak at the convention, regardless of partisan preference.

“I just think it’s great when a governor from Kansas is asked to speak at a national convention, whether it’s a Republican or Democrat,” McKinney told KansasLiberty. “We have a strong leadership here on both sides which is why we are a state that is usually doing better in comparison to other states.”    

Sen. Karin Brownlee, R-Olathe, said although she did not have much in common with Sebelius' position on Obama she still had some interest in what Sebelius has to say tonight.

“From a Republican perspective there are a few things I would have in common with Sebelius in that I hope she reflects positively on the state of Kansas but our points in common dwindle after that,” said Brownlee, assistant Senate majority leader.

“Her goal is to elect Barrack Obama and she has logged a lot of days and miles in her effort to do that, but I am just not with her on that position.”

Sebelius' speech will be followed later by Sen. Hillary Clinton's much-anticipated speech as Democrats try to reunite after a bitter presidential primary season.

- Holly Smith