LJWorld.com weblogs Statehouse Briefing
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by Scott Rothschild
February 3, 2009 at 5:15 p.m.
Speculation starts over Sebelius and new vacancy
Moments after Tom Daschle withdrew his name Tuesday from nomination to be secretary of health and human services, national media speculation focused on the possibility of President Barack Obama picking Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in his sted. Asked to respond to the reports, Sebelius’ office put out the following statement: “Today's news about Senator Daschle is unfortunate. Governor Sebelius has enormous respect for Tom Daschle, his talents and his many years of service to our country. “Governor Sebelius is focused on working through the challenges facing our state and continues to believe reforming health care is absolutely vital to our economic recovery. "She will continue to do what she can to help President Obama fix our economy, improve our health care system and get America back on track.” The statement seems different than her announcement in December when Sebelius said didn’t want to be considered for a Cabinet position. At that time, Sebelius said she made the decision because of the worsening budget problems facing Kansas. Questions about a possible job in the Obama administration came up again last month when New Mexico Gov. Bill Richards withdrew as Obama’s choice for commerce secretary. At that time, Sebelius said she stood by her decision to stay in Kansas. But secretary of HHS would be more in Sebelius’ range. Prior to her election as governor in 2002, she served eight years as state insurance commissioner where she worked on many health care issues.
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Comments
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Puff_Dragon (anonymous) says…
With the problems the state is about to face I'm sure she'd like to bail out of here. I don't think she carries enough clout to be any asset to Obama and a failure on the healthcare implosion would be political death for her.
63BC (anonymous) says…
This morning [literally this morning!] the Governor said any delay in reaching a state budget deal was intolerable.Wouldn't...um...quitting...delay things a bit?More proof it's all about #1 with her.
KS (anonymous) says…
BO isn't getting off to a very good start. Starting to make Jimmy Carter look good. Queen Kathy has said she is not interested. I wonder if she knows something the rest of us don't? Like maybe a tax problem? She would be a lame duck in HHS.
Godot (anonymous) says…
If Sebelius is tapped to be Commerce Secretary, it will be the epitome of "screw up, move up" in US politics.