Complete Results | House | Governor | Senate | By Area

Democrat Sebelius projected to win Kansas governor's race

Sebelius

Story Tools

TOPEKA, Kansas (CNN) -- Democrats scored a significant victory in Kansas as state Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius defeated GOP nominee Tim Shallenburger to become the state's next governor, CNN has projected.

The latest independent poll showed Sebelius with a double-digit lead in the historically conservative state. Democrats appeared to benefit from a longstanding split within the state between moderates, represented by term-limited Gov. Bill Graves and former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum-Baker, and social conservatives, led by Sen. Sam Brownback.

Shallenburger, the state treasurer who reigns from the social conservative wing of his party, did not draw a firm endorsement from Graves until late September, and only then after a well-documented public struggle. Graves is prevented from seeking re-election due to term limits.

Sebelius, meanwhile, leaned on her solid ties with Kansas' business community and her reputation as a strong fund-raiser.

Panel: Spy agencies in dark about threats • White House calls pope inspiration for millions • Lott delays vote on base closing nominee • Former Clinton adviser Berger to plead guilty

CNN/Money: Security alert issued for 40 million credit cards • Bin Laden deputy sends message • U.S. House votes to keep U.N. dues • Iran poll to go to run-off