White House: HHS nomination 'possible' next week

[babylonsister]

White House: HHS nomination 'possible' next week
By Jeffrey Young
Posted: 02/27/09 06:43 PM


President Obama could name his pick for secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) next week, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Friday.

Responding to a reporter's question aboard Air Force One, Gibbs said "it's entirely possible" that the president would announce his nominee within days. "I think we're getting close," Gibbs said.

HHS is the last Cabinet-level entity without a confirmed person at its helm or nominee in waiting.

The rumor mill has churned out a lengthy list of HHS candidates. Most recently, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) has emerged as the frontrunner but other people, such as former Clinton administration health official Nancy-Ann DeParle, have been thought to be in the mix.

more...

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/white-house-hhs-nomination-possible-next-week-2009-02-27.html

[Ocracoker16]

1. I hope that O makes a good choice for HHS soon

[FLAprogressive]

2. Sebelius = DLC....no thank you

[OKNancy]

3. How would that matter at HHC?

I can't see that it would make much difference in that particular cabinet post. Or is it a matter of principle?
Also, are you sure she is a member?

[FLAprogressive]

4. I am 100% sure she is a member....DLCers are in the pocket of big pharma / big insurance

http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?kaid=104&subid=116&contentid=254373

[OKNancy]

5. As a neighbor, I remember when she fought the insurance companies

I have no qualms about her. Dean would be good too. Alas, we have no say in the matter.

[babylonsister]

7. Whoever gets selected will do Obama's bidding.

And I really don't think big pharma/insurance is going to make out too well with the new healthcare reform. Here's a shot across the bow already:


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090227/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_budget_generics

Obama calls for generic biotech drugs


By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, Associated Press Writer – Fri Feb 27, 6:32 am ET

snip//

Debate over the issue has dragged on for years over issues of quality and equitable treatment for the innovator companies that invest in developing the original version of a medication. One thorny question involves whether biologic drugs should get protection from competition for longer than the 20 years from submission of a patent now generally given.

Obama's budget called for resolving that debate.

"The administration will accelerate access to make affordable generic biologic drugs available through the establishment of a workable regulatory, scientific and legal pathway," said the budget documents. The administration said it will work also to prevent biologic manufacturers from reformulating brand name drugs so that a slight change wins them additional years of patent protection.

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., long an advocate for generics, said he is "delighted" with the administration's endorsement.

"Legislation to permit FDA to approve generic biologics is one of my highest priorities this year," said Waxman, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee. "I am in full agreement with the president that such a program will be self-defeating if it provides monopoly periods to brand name biotech drugs that are significantly greater than those currently provided to traditional drugs."

[Sebastian Doyle]

6. Howard Dean is the best available choice for the job.

Do we want health care fixed in this country now? YEEEEEEEAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!

[w4rma]

8. Head and shoulders above the rest. Easily. (nt)

[acmavm]

9. Not only would Dr. Dean be fantastic, he deserves it. We would not be

sitting here today talking and fighting about a Democratic President if not for Dr. Howard Dean.

[Cleita]

10. Whoever it is, they will be a Daschle clone without the tax problems.

I'm not thrilled. I would really would have liked Howard Dean, who would have been the person to tell him the truth even if he didn't like it.

[Cha]

11. Obama chose Daschle because

he thought with his expertise in the machinations of the Senate and House..that they could get something done.

I've read that time and time again, but thanks to Daschle not being up to speed on his taxes..there will be someone even better.