Roll Call (subscription) reports that Tom Daschle will be the Secretary of Health & Human Services.
Former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) has been offered the job of Health and Human Services secretary by President-elect Barack Obama and has accepted the job, according to a Democratic source close to Daschle.
This appointment sends a strong signal that Obama is serious about a health care bill. As former Majority (and Minority) Leader of the Senate, Daschle knows the needs and idiosyncrasies of all but the most recently elected members. With Daschle working the Senate and Rahm working the House, Obama should be able to get the maximum number of votes for whatever bill he wants. This is a very good appointment.
