As expected, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday. There’s been some speculation that Sebelius, who hails from a “red” state, could be a contender for the vice-presidential nomination this cycle.

Sebelius, who delivered the Democratic response to the State of the Union Monday night, made her endorsement official during an event at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan. — Obama’s grandparents’ hometown. “Senator Obama demonstrates a unique ability to reach across party lines — a quality we need now, right now, to unite our leaders and meet the serious challenges our country faces at home and abroad,” Sebelius said. “For months now, my two sons have implored me to make my admiration for Senator Obama public. To offer him my endorsement, and join this fight for change all of us can believe in. I am proud to do so today. Life at home will be easier for me after today, Barack, I assure you!

“In all seriousness, though: I have long been concerned that America might ‘lose’ a generation of its young to their disinterest in a politics that often seems stale and tired. But Barack Obama has spoken to young Americans — like my two boys, Ned and John — and he has struck a chord. They are listening. Mobilizing. Participating. And our public life is so much better for it.”