Kathleen Sebelius

Kathleen Sebelius is the United States Health and Human Services Secretary. Before accepting the position with the Obama Administration, Sebelius was the 44th governor of Kansas. She delivered the Democratic response to President Bush's 2008 State of the Union Address on January 29, 2008, and was one of four co-chairs for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.The Wichita Eagle: Sebelius will be at center of Democratic convention

On June 16, 2009, Sebelius indicated during an interview that a public-run health plan was still in the works and would create a healthy competition within the industry, rather than drive private insurers out of business as opponents of the plan fear.National Public Radio: Sebelius says public plan to survive (June 16, 2009)

Sebelius earned her Master's degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. She served in the Kansas House of Representatives before becoming insurance commissioner in 1994.

1. Pro-choice
2. Opposes concealed handgun rights; repealed a law banning civilian machine gun ownership
3. Opposes capital punishment

On March 2, 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Sebelius to head the Department of Health and Human Services.USAToday.com: It's official: Sebelius to be nominated (March 2, 2009) Sebelius was officially sworn in on March 31, 2009, in a confirmation hearing chaired by senator Ted Kennedy, who was making a rare appearance. During the hearings she highlighted increasing health costs as the greatest threat to the country's long-term economic stability. CNN: Sebelius confirmation hearings open on Capitol Hill (March 31, 2009)

The Senate Finance Committee voted 15 to 8 in favor of sending Kathleen Sebelius' nomination for Health Secretary to the Senate for a full vote on April 21, 2009. On April 28, 2009, in a vote of 65-31, the U.S. Senate confirmed Sebelius' appointment to secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Bloomberg: Sebelius Confirmed, Completing Obama's Cabinet With Flu Leader (April 28, 2009)

Sebelius was an early supporter of Barack Obama's presidential run, and was rumored to be a strong contender for a Cabinet seat. But in December 2008, Sebelius removed her name from consideration, sparking speculation that she might run for a Senate seat in 2010.Politico: Sebelius sparks Senate speculation (December 16, 2008)