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Kathleen Sebelius

Health and Human Services Secretary (since April 2009)

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Why She Matters

A popular two-term Democratic governor in a predominantly Republican state, Sebelius became President Barack Obama's choice for Health and Human Services secretary in late February 2009. Sebelius made the cut after former HHS nominee Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) withdrew his name from contention because of tax problems, leaving Obama with a big void as he launched a sweeping effort to revamp health care. The Senate confirmed her in April 2009 after some concerns from conservatives regarding her pro-abortion rights stance.

During her eight years as Kansas insurance commissioner, Sebelius regulated insurance companies and developed a reputation for standing up for consumers. She prevented Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Kansas from being sold to an out-of-state company, and attempted several changes to the health-care system that mostly failed.

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News From Around The Web

Sebelius forced to get creative via NBC News

Editorial

Kathleen Sebelius dances on an ethical line

(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)

HHS secretary shouldn’t solicit money for health-care reform.

Article

On a rainy day, Obama takes Cabinet secretaries Sebelius, LaHood out for a round of golf

(Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File / Associated Press)

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has taken two Cabinet secretaries out for a round of golf — in the rain.

Lamar Alexander: Sebelius fundraising 'arguably an even bigger issue' than Iran-Contra

"The rebels were the private organization," the Republican senator from Tennessee says. "Enroll America is the private organization. But the difference is the cause."

Budget request denied, Sebelius turns to health executives to finance Obamacare

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has gone hat in hand to health industry executives, asking them to make large financial donations to help with the effort to implement the health care law.

Video

Holder announces 89 individuals charged with Medicare fraud

Joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Attorney General Eric Holder announced charges against 89 individuals across the country - including doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals - for engaging in Medicare fraud schemes involving $223 million in false billing.

Article

HHS announces first nationwide safety standards for child care

New federal safety regulations would supersede state laws in child-care facilities that receive subsidies.

Article

Senator takes issue with fundraising pitches by Health and Human Services secretary

WASHINGTON — A fundraising push by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is drawing criticism from a key Senate Republican who questions whether she has a conflict of interest.

 
 

At a Glance

  • Career History: Governor of Kansas (2003 to February 2009); Kansas Insurance Commissioner (1995 to 2003); Kansas House of Representatives (1987 to 1995); Director, Kansas Trial Lawyers Association (1978 to 1986)
  • Birthday: May 15, 1948
  • Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Alma Mater: Trinity College, B.A. (political science), 1970; University of Kansas, M.P.A., 1977
  • Spouse: The Honorable K. Gary Sebelius
  • Religion: Roman Catholic
  • State Office: Office of the GovernorCapitol, 300 SW 10th Ave., Ste. 212STopeka, KS 66612-1590(877) 579-6757
  • Web Site
 

Path To Power

Sebelius' father, John Gilligan, was a one-term Democratic governor of Ohio, who considered a presidential run in 1976 (Sebelius is the first daughter of a governor ever to be elected to the same position). She spent much of her childhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, helping out on her father's city council campaigns and, by the time she was in college, Sebelius was campaigning to elect her father governor.

Sebelius graduated from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., in 1970. There, she met Gary Sebelius, a Georgetown Law student, whose father Keith Sebelius, was a Republican congressman from Kansas. They married in the Ohio governor's mansion in 1974 and moved to Topeka, Kansas. Gary is now a federal magistrate judge for the District of Kansas, and likes to refer to himself as the "First Dude."

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The Issues

Salon.com has called Sebelius "a passionate advocate of political moderation, as oxymoronic as that may seem." That's how the governor who twice vetoed a bill allowing Kansans to carry concealed weapons and supports abortion rights succeeds in a state that hasn't voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964.

As Kansas governor, Sebelius developed a reputation as an efficient manager when she resolved a $1.1 billion budget deficit by ordering a thorough review of state government spending. She cut costs with measures such as reducing the state's motor vehicle pool and standardizing business cards. "While her administration suggested the initiatives led to $1 billion in savings, critics said the effort was more show than substance," the Associated Press reported.

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The Network

Sebelius was an early Obama supporter, coming out in favor of the candidate in early 2008. She often represented him on the campaign trail, especially to women's groups.

Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) reportedly considered Sebelius as his vice presidential nominee in 2004.

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