Democratic vice presidential candidates

Kathleen Sebelius


The pitch
An up-and-comer in Democratic circles, Sebelius, the Kansas governor shown at left with former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, has a strong rapport with Obama, and has been active as a surrogate for him on television. She also has ties to the key swing state of Ohio: Her father, John Gilligan, is a former governor and congressman.

The downside
She also lacks foreign policy experience and expertise, and she can be a little wooden. Also, Hillary Clinton loyalists may get angry if Obama taps another woman for VP.
(AP)
Kathleen Sebelius The pitch An up-and-comer in Democratic circles, Sebelius, the Kansas governor shown at left with former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, has a strong rapport with Obama, and has been active as a surrogate for him on television. She also has ties to the key swing state of Ohio: Her father, John Gilligan, is a former governor and congressman. The downside She also lacks foreign policy experience and expertise, and she can be a little wooden. Also, Hillary Clinton loyalists may get angry if Obama taps another woman for VP.