Kansas Gov. Sebelius eyed for Dem VP

TOPEKA, Kan., July 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Democratic vice presidential hopeful Kathleen Sebelius is known as a low-key problem-solver in her current role as governor of Kansas, observers say.

Despite her lack of foreign policy experience, which many say should be a key qualification, Sebelius is on a short list of potential running mates for likely Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., The Boston Globe reported Monday.

The newspaper said Obama thinks highly of Sebelius, 60, because she uses a consensus-finding approach to govern successfully as a Democrat in a state where three-quarters of the population are either Republicans or independents. She also gets high marks for political symbolism, coming from a state that has traditionally voted Republican, analysts said.

"There is a real modesty of spirit and … an understatement of approach that is highly regarded in this state -- the sort of red-meat, fire-'em-up speaking style is often something that makes a lot of Kansans uncomfortable," she told the Globe. "Yes, you can disagree but you don't have to be disagreeable."

"I love Kathleen Sebelius," Obama said earlier this month. "I think she is as talented a public official as there is right now."