Patrick in the mix for health secretary?

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.