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Sebelius Eyed To Lead HHS

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The Associated Press

Published: February 9, 2009

WASHINGTON - Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is near the top of President Barack Obama's list of candidates to head the Health and Human Services Department at least partially on the strength of her long and close working relationship with the president, a senior administration official said.

Other candidates, including former Clinton White House chief of staff John Podesta, remain in the mix. A decision is not imminent, a senior administration official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity on the private administration deliberations.

Sebelius, 60, signed on early with the Obama campaign, backing him over Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Sebelius worked tirelessly for Obama's bid and was a top surrogate to women's groups, especially after Republicans picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as their vice presidential nominee.
Advocacy groups like the consumer watchdog role Sebelius played as insurance commissioner for eight years before she became governor.

Her name had been floated for several Cabinet posts right after Obama won in November, but she announced in early December that she had removed herself from consideration for a Washington job, citing Kansas budget problems that needed her attention.

THE COMPETITION

•John Podesta: The leader of Obama's transition team and head of the liberal think tank Center for American Progress, he was the fourth and final chief of staff to serve President Bill Clinton.

•Phil Bredesen: The Tennessee governor is a possibility, but some advocacy groups oppose the Democrat. A senior Obama administration official said he is not as likely to make the cut as Kathleen Sebelius.

Source: The Associated Press

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