Daschle Replacement: Names

[NYCGirl]

from Ezra Klein

http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/ezraklein_archive?month=02&year=2009&base_name=daschles_replacement_names

-snipped-

Tier One.

John Podesta: A longshot, but the only player who equals Daschle in stature. Knows everyone in Washington. Knows how to close deals. Knows the issue. Knows the president. Jeanne Lambrew -- the deputy director of the OHR -- was his employee. Could possibly be brought on in a temporary capacity as director of the Office of Health Reform rather than Secretary of Health and Human Services. Would be powerful evidence of Obama's commitment to health reform. The question is whether he'd take the job.

Tier Two.

Ed Rendell: Bullish governor of Pennsylvania. Made a major play on health reform last year. Could stand up to Summers and Orszag and Emmanuel. Has administrative experience on the level of HHS. Is fairly well-versed in Washington.

Kathleen Sebelius: Pros: Former insurance commissioner in Kansas. Knows health care inside and out. Good relationship with Obama. Proven ability to work with Republicans. Knows how to close a legislative deal. High stature. Cons: Doesn't know Washington. Unclear whether she'd want the job.

John Kitzhaber: Articulate voice on health reform. Former doctor. Former governor of Oregon. Great media presence. Cons: Doesn't know Washington. Not necessarily good at working with legislatures. Not necessarily good at staying on message. In a way, he's Dean without the baggage.

Senators: I'm grouping them all together here. I've heard Kerry, Harkin, Wyden, Durbin and even former senator Bob Graham. This is, as one think tanker put it to me, "evidence that we all got accustomed to the idea of a senator." Wyden probably wouldn't work: He has his own legislation that he's committed to. Graham would be a very weird choice. Neither Kerry nor Harkin are particularly good on health care. Oddly, I haven't heard Jay Rockefeller's name, even though he'd make the most sense.

MORE AT LINK

[marylanddem]

1. Um, I think the best one ain't on there.

Paging Dr. Dean. Dr. Dean? You're needed in the operating room...

[Thrill]

3. Not going to happen

You have to be able to work with Repukes on this issue

[derby378]

5. That's bullshit - the vote on the stimulus package proved that

Bring on the Dean!

[Thrill]

19. Its not bullshit. In order to get Healthcare passed in the Senate

you need Republican votes

[biscotti]

6. I'm with you!

Howard Dean seems a natural for the post.

[ThisThreadIsSatire]

10. I'll second that, with a caveat...

If Podesta has a good relationship with Jeanne Lambrew, who co-authored Daschle's book and has a good track record, it could be the closest to having Daschle. Based on her record, would hate to risk losing her too.

[mckara]

2. How About Dr. Howard Dean?

[derby378]

4. Rendell would seriously screw things up at HHS

Keep him far, far away.

[KoKo]

12. and talk about "baggage" ....Rendell has plenty! n/t

[FightingIrish]

7. I like John Kitzhaber

He's a medical professional with executive experience. He stepped down as a very popular Oregon governor. I heard him speak on the health care crisis and I believe he really gets it.

[DFW]

8. That's from the Prospect?

If Diane Tucker Straus were still DC editor, she would have included Howard Dean at the top of the pist.

[NYCGirl]

13. This isn't about who Klein WANTS, this is about what he's heard. NT

[DFW]

14. I wonder who from?

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

9. Please don't take anymore Democrats out of the Senate! n/t

[KoKo]

11. Jay Rockefeller! Gotta be kidding....and same about most names on that list...

What is Ezra thinking? :eyes: What is Howard Dean's "baggage," anyway?

[Upfront]

15. No more bull shit!

The people demand Howard Dean!

[Stinky The Clown]

16. Hey! I have an idea. Let's raid the senate and appoint republicans.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

17. Kitzhaber would be a great choice. Probably "too liberal" for the centritsts making the selection.

[Ilsa]

18. Gov. Dr. Howard Dean. nt