With a 65-31 confirmation vote, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has been confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This brings to an end a tumultous process that saw President Obama's first choice, former Senator Tom Daschle, withdraw over revelations that he failed to pay his taxes. The senate voted largely on party lines, with many Republicans objecting to Sebelius because of her pro-choice stances.
She will face immediate challenges dealing with the Swine Flu outbreak, but her primary task will be to execute President Obama's overhaul of the healthcare system. The financial collapse has been at the forefront of the news all year, but the addition of Sebelius to the Obama Adminstration should bring the issue of affordable healthcare to the forefront.
Sebelius has a record of reaching across the aisle and enlisting Republican support. As Governor of Kansas, she was successfully able to stop the development of coal burning power plants. The majority of the electricity would have been exported to Colorado and Texas, while Kansas would have had to deal with the environmental impact. On the healthcare front, Sebelius extended coverage for the unemployed and has worked to overhaul her state's healthcare laws.
