Kansas Gov. Sebelius Among Top Choices for HHS Secretary, Obama Administration Officials Say
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) has emerged as "the leading contender" for HHS secretary, with Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) also under consideration, according to Obama administration officials, The Politico reports (Allen, The Politico, 2/8). According to the AP/Baltimore Sun, Sebelius has had a "long and close working relationship" with Obama, and she "worked tirelessly for Obama's bid and was a top surrogate to women's groups" (AP/Baltimore Sun, 2/9). In addition, advocacy groups believe that her former role as Kansas insurance commissioner benefits her candidacy for the position.
Bredesen also remains under consideration for the position, although some advocacy groups have raised concerns about his former role as an executive with a managed care company, as well as his continued financial ties to the health insurance industry. In addition, advocacy groups "haven't forgotten" his decision to eliminate about 170,000 adults from the Tennessee Medicaid program, The Politico reports (The Politico, 2/8). A senior official said that while Bredesen is still under consideration, his nomination is not as likely as Sebelius'.
According to the Sun, "[o]ther candidates, including former Clinton White House chief of staff John Podesta, remain in the mix." White House spokesperson Reid Cherlin on Saturday said that President Obama has not made a final decision (AP/Baltimore Sun, 2/9).
Lawmakers Endorse Dean
In related news, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Sunday became the latest of several lawmakers to endorse former Democratic National Committee Chair and former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) as the nominee for HHS secretary. In a letter sent to Obama, Sanders wrote that Dean, a physician, is "eminently qualified" for the position. He wrote, "Gov. Dean understands, as you do, that all Americans are entitled to health care as a right of citizenship, and that we must pay far more attention to the needs of our children if we are to have a healthy and prosperous society."
In addition, Sanders wrote, "As you well know, reforming our health care system will not be easy," adding, "It will take somebody with determination and focus to lead that effort," and "I think that Howard Dean is that person" (Brush, The Hill, 2/8).
