A lot of talk in Topeka these days about the kind of governor Mark Parkinson will be when and if Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is confirmed in Washington.
Afterall, Parkinson is a former GOP leader who defected to the Democrats. And he's announced he won't seek public office in 2010.
Many long-time Republican lawmakers remember working with Parkinson (when he was a GOP lawmaker) and say they hope he's able to bring an a-political approach to the governor's mansion.
Their reactions to Parkinson's promotion were downright gracious.
"He will be very good to work with," said Senate President Steve Morris, a Hugoton Republican.
"I've always had a good relationship with Mark and consider him a friend," said House Speaker Mike O'Neal, a Hutchinson Republican who worked closely with Parkinson back in the latter's legislative days. "He’s somebody we can work with."
And Democrats hope the Republicans will dispense with the politics since Parkinson isn't running for anything.
Both sides say Parkinson faces a unique political opportunity and has as good a chance as any governor in state history to strike a bipartisan - or a-partisan - tone. Of course, that could mean that he just ends up angering both sides.
"He really doesn't have anything to lose," said Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat. "He's pretty much a free agent."
So ... any predictions on the state's (likely) future governor?
