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Patrick in the mix for health secretary?

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor February 4, 2009 02:45 PM

To the list of potential health and human services secretaries, add a name -- maybe.

Chris Cillizza, a political blogger for the Washington Post, included Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts on his short list to replace Tom Daschle, who stunningly withdrew from consideration on Tuesday because of tax troubles.

Patrick is close to President Obama -- they share parts of life stories and shared rhetoric during the campaign.

But the governor seems a long shot at best. He appeared more qualified for attorney general (he worked in the Clinton Justice Department). And he has insisted he is preparing to run for reelection.

UPDATE: The Associated Press reports that Patrick's staff issued a statement today saying the governor has said "countless times" he is not leaving Massachusetts and plans to run for re-election next year.

Others being talked about are Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and former Governor Howard Dean of Vermont, a physician who just wrapped up a successful run as Democratic National Committee chairman.

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Do we need to fill this?

Posted by fty February 4, 09 12:15 PM
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You guys really can't get enough of this story, can you? You know, I heard a rumor DLP was on the list for Undersec of Ag for Price Supports. I think he might take it.

Posted by Ed Poon February 4, 09 02:16 PM
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Please, make it happen.
The health of this state would be better without him.

Posted by JKP February 4, 09 02:18 PM
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If it means Deval leaves MA, Fine with me...see ya later coup D'Valle

Posted by sidekick February 4, 09 02:22 PM
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Howard Dean makes all the sense in the world... State gubernatorial experience, AND a physician? As long as he paid his taxes and hasn't been shady on the side, he should be a shoo-in.

Posted by CuGeNo February 4, 09 02:26 PM
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yeah go with howard dean. governor oft he state with the least vaccinations, ad the greatest outbreaks of diseases thought dormant. Thats the guy i want to take care of the countries health.

Posted by steveh February 4, 09 02:35 PM
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I AM SO ANGRY!

Tom Daschle, and Nancy Killefer are two of the finest, and most competent public servants you could possibly hope for in these appointments. They have been assassinated by the Washington healthcare lobby through their paid Bush Republican henchmen in congress. These Bush republicans are the same people blocking the economic recovery plan put forth by the Obama administration.

I am BURNING MAD America. And you should be too. Tome Daschle and Nancy Killefer were exactly what we needed to help turn this country around and fix our economy, and catastrophic healthcare crisis.

If I were their boss I would tell them to get right back to Washington. And dare congress to not approve them. How ridiculous is it to reject highly qualified people that this country needs just because they made a mistake on their taxes. Don't stand for that anymore America. They apologized, and paid their taxes, and that should be it. Their country needs them. But President Obama has to do what he thinks is best. I understand that. I'M JUST SO MAD at the anti American Bush Republicans.

Like many of you I have been trying to enjoy the after glow of this Beautiful historic election. But I see that the republicans in congress and their cohorts aren't going to be good sports, and LOSER'S!

SO BE IT!

In spite of President Obama's repeated offers, and gestures of collegiality to Republicans. Bush Republicans have seized upon every opportunity to stab President Obama in the back. And by doing so they are stabbing you, and the rest of the American people in the back. Well, you don't have to put up with that. And you shouldn't put up with that. President Obama has only been on the job two weeks. And he inherited two wars, and the worst economy since the great depression.

We had an election. And president Obama, and the democrats won BIG. And Bush Republicans lost miserably!

The Bush Republicans are the ones responsible for the worst economic crisis since the great depression. And the Bush Republicans are responsible for the worst healthcare crisis in American history. A healthcare crisis that is killing hundreds of thousands of you every year. Rich, middle class, and poor a like. Insured, and uninsured. Men, women, children, and babies.

President Obama, and the Democrats should take back all the concessions they granted the Bush Republicans, and tell them to put up! or shut up!

Everyone, start calling and contacting these Bush Republicans and tell them to stop blocking President Obama, and the Democrats recovery plan. And stop trying to block, and corrupt healthcare reform. Tell them to get on board with President Obama and the Democrats, or GET OUT!!

If these Bush Republicans refuse to cooperate I want all of you to immediately begin the process of removing them from office by every legal means possible. Including impeachment, and recall. I want you to bring the full weight and power of the movement down on their heads that swept President Obama, and the Democrats into control of the whitehouse, and congress. Take no prisoners. Use all the techniques you learned over this past historic election. Be flexible, creative, adaptable, and relentless like you were in the past.

To my cyber warriors I call on you again. You are among the best and the brightest. I call on you to move this fight from the cyber world to the living rooms, dens, and work places of the voters these Bush Republicans misrepresent. I know I can count on you. This is a fight worth fighting.

To my fellow World citizens. As an American I invite, and welcome you and your advise, input, and help. By delaying Americas recovery, and healthcare reform, these Bush Republicans are delaying our commitment to your recovery, and to being the better America for you that we aspire too.

I had hoped it would not come to this after our historic election. I had hoped that the Bush Republicans would respect the overpowering will of the people, and the World. But I guess not. All the Bush Republicans really care about is them-selves. Well, SO BE IT! Lets finish the job.

Sincerely

jacksmith --- Working Class :-)

Posted by jacksmith February 4, 09 09:09 PM
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Tom Harkin would be the better choice.

Posted by DrWonderful February 6, 09 06:08 AM
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