Kansas: Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers appointed Treasurer, Kelly names new lt. gov.

[Hope For A New Era]

I actually find it kind of strange, since it's a lower position.

Treasurer has a built-in media spotlight in Kansas. There are these PSA commercial things. If you do the job well and use that media effectively, it’s easy to be popular holding that office. Her goal seems to be to try to give Democrats another foothold in a state that is trending their way.

Also, he’s qualified - a good fit for the position and for the state. He used to do some kind of agricultural banking thing.

[Hope For A New Era]

Do these appointments need legislative approval? The KS state legislature is dominated by the GOP.

Won't be a problem. Conservative/moderate split. Half of the legislative Rs are Romneys.

5 of 6 statewide offices were held by Democrats by the end of 2010 thanks to the appointment-happy Sebelius and Parkinson. Of course, they all lost in landslides because it was 2010, but it was nice while it lasted.