It was a moment, however, brief. Two governors -- one Democratic, one Republican -- both mentioned as possible vice-presidential candidates, standing side by side today in Overland Park.
But presidential politicking wasn't the topic. Energy was at a National Governor's Association summit on clean energy. Besides, one of the governors, Republican Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, didn't stick around long enough to talk about national politics anyway.
He left a Doubletree news conference shortly after telling the few reporters in attendance that he was having trouble talking as a result of a recent hockey injury.
(Hockey: A game crazy people play, especially in nothern climates such as Minnesota).
After he left, Sebelius and John Hoeven of North Dakota were asked about the proposed 18-cents-a-gallon federal gas-tax holiday being kicked around by Hillary Clinton and John McCain on the presidential campaign trail. Both said they don't like it.
"Waving that tax I'm not sure will show up at the pump," Sebelius said, suggesting that the big oil companies might jack up the cost of gas on their end if the federal tax is removed. Hoeven, a Republican, also said he wasn't sure waving the tax would have any effect.
Sebelius added that she's not satisfied with the quality of the national debate over energy policy, especially because of the lack of a federal energy policy that's not doing anyone any favors.
She said the gas-tax holiday is being treated as if it's a major policy initiative or even a "silver bullet" for Americans. "It is if this is a major energy policy, and it is not," Sebelius said.
Oh, Matt Kistler from Wal-Mart unveiled the identities of 20 state Capitol compelxes around the country that will receive energy audits, courtesy of the giant retailer. The audits will identify ways for those states to save money on energy. Missouri was one of the states listed, but Kansas was not.
Sebelius said the state didn't apply because the Capitol in Topeka is undergoing a major renovation right now that includes some green initiatives. Other states could better benefit from such an audit, she said.
