Take Two On HHS

Many news outlets this morning are reporting that President Obama has talked Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius into being HHS Secretary.

The officials told CNN that Obama is expected to make the announcement Monday afternoon. The officials asked not to be named because the announcement has not yet been made.

Sebelius, who administration officials say Obama seriously considered to be his vice-presidential nominee, has been rumored to be a top contender for the job for weeks.

The post is still vacant after the first pick, former Sen. Tom Daschle, stepped aside after questions were raised about his failure to pay more than $100,000 in taxes for use of a car and driver.

CNN reported earlier this month that Sebelius met in Washington with senior White House adviser Valerie Jarrett about the job, a sign that the administration has been giving her a close look since Daschle dropped out.

She seems to be a strong choice for the position. Sebelius is well-respected by a number of governors and brings that perspective to running a government health care program. I'm hoping she'll get to be a major influence on legislation for Obama's universal health care plans. We'll see.