CHICAGO (CNN) - Three sources close to the transition and in a position to know tell CNN that former Sen. Tom Daschle is President-elect Barack Obama's choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services and the former Senate Majority Leader has indicated he wants the job.
Most significantly, Daschle negotiated that he will also serve as the White House health "czar" - or point person - so that he will report directly to the incoming President. The significance is this guarantees that by wearing two hats Daschle, and not White House staffers, will be writing the health care plan that Obama submits to Congress next year.
The sources said the precise timing of the announcement has not been worked out, but Daschle is likely to officially join the Obama transition team as the lead adviser on health issues in the next few weeks. An Obama transition official had no comment.
Daschle is billed as a "special public policy advisor" in the Washington office of the lobbying firm Alston Bird, though he is technically not a federally registered lobbyist. But his wife, Linda Daschle, is a registered lobbyist at the powerful firm Baker Donelson, which does have some health clients.
From CNN Politics
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Nothing but a bunch of re-treads so far. Obama aint gonna need his tire pressure guage to save gas. His tires are almost bald and ready to blow.
CHANGE.........BALONEY........America duped again by a Democrat.
Change we can believe in!
Yep, things are getting a bit clearer now. Stand by for more of the same.
What year is this? The 90's ? What is this " Back to the Future" reruns!!!
I thought we voted for change I didn't think we were going back in time when the Clintons were in office and all the lobbyist were in the White House. The year was the only thing that changed in this administration.
I must of misunderstood what changed meant. We should have voted for Hillary then this would have made sense.
And what healthcare experience does Daschle have exactly??
Let's see if you let this by CNN.
I swear, people are never ever happy. Would you prefer that Obama fill his cabinet with people: A. Who have no White House experience?
B. Are from Carter's Administration (are any even alive?) or C. Bring back people from the current Bush (who by the way filled his cabinet with Daddy's people or people who had no experience) administration? Stop the whining, stop the complaining. Change means NOT BUSH. If you don't see that then you are beyond help. I'll take the Clinton years any day over the Bush debacle of the last eight. Take your negative energy and channel it into doing something nice for someone less fortunate than you. That's how change can start with you.
He's never managed anything like this. Out of his league. The bureaucrats will eat him alive.
Jeff- FEDERAL registered lobbyists..not ALL of them
anyways, Daschle AND his wife will be giving up ALL ties to lobbyists once they officially join
Jane- He's a former doctor..I think surgeon.
Howard Dean was good till he angered some with the DNC antics.
I think the idea of having Tom Daschle in Obama's administration is an excellent pick. I think he will help do wonderful things.
I found out recently that people can actually recycle materials from old houses and use them to build a new different looking house!! I guess it is not the materials that you use that's important, it is how you use them. The question for Obama is this: how is he going to bring about the results that he promised, and how is these appointees going to help him do it? What people want today is a government that actual get things done. If Obama thinks these people can do it, we can wait until he actually becomes president and see if he is right about it.
Contrast that with those of the Bush Administration, yeah, what part of "change" don't you understand?
Hey Randy – let's see how many admit to not voting for Obama in a year or two...
As a practicing health professional, my colleagues and I are well aware of former Senator Daschle's expertise in healthcare. The country will be fortunate to have him as the White House author of true health care reform and universal coverage for *all* Americans, and as the person running the enormous Department of Health and Human Services. He is reputedly honest, hard working and will run an efficient and honest department overseeing health matters for the US.
I was hoping for Howard Dean as well. Had Dean not re-organized the DNC, Obama may not have won the presidency. Not to mention that he is a physician. I must admit, I'm not seeing the promised change. And I'm disappointed that he has not appointed a SINGLE woman to a cabinet position aside from the Hillary-rumors. I thought Obama would design a diverse and dynamic cabinet–NOT just recycle a bunch of Clinton-era people.
Hmmm I don't get this one , but I'll give President -elect Obama the benefit of doubt. His jugdement has been good so far. Hillary or Dean I think would have been a better choice. Bill Richard I feel is perfect for Secertary of State.
I notice that his title his health care "czar"; how appropriate for our new Socialist society under our new socialist dictator Obama.
No close ties to lobbyist, huh?
Tom Dashcle is an excellent choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services
Dashcle's senate experience will bode well for Obama's healthcare policies.Secondly, Dascle deserves the position. he has been onboard the Obama team before Obama declared his candidacy.
All you people upset about "where's the change" need to just chill.
Obama learned a lesson from Clinton. Clinton brought in a whole new set of staff ("change") and they didn't know how to get things done in Washington. It cost him a lot of opportunities.
Obama is picking smart people who know how to work in Washington. They will be able to help him implement change more quickly and with more success than a bunch of newbies. Just wait. He's going to deliver on his promises for change.
WELL...I'm afraid that's a big mistake on Obama's part.
Hey stop hating before the new aadministration.
Sit back and see how things go before you comment. Hiring people familar with DC politics and the inner workings reduces their down time.
Oops! This is the job Hillary Clinton should have insisted upon. If her 15 years of experience reforming healthcare doesn't make her the best candidate for this one – her main goal in life is healthcare reform, right? – then how could her I-tagged-along-with-Bill role be considered sufficient for the State job?
WOW! Where is the change? Talk about more of the same good old white boys network, is everyone he picks a lobbyist. Daschle caused almost as many problems as Reid and Pelosi. The change you Obama voters expected is not what you are going to get. Good move!
We are doomed!
I agree about HOWARD DEAN!
More change we need. A leftist DC insider with ties to a lobbyist. I thought Obama was going to bring the change we need?