Speculation Resumes on Kansas Gov. Sebelius for Obama Health Post

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A top aide says Gov. Kathleen Sebelius remains focused on serving Kansas, amid new speculation about a federal Cabinet appointment.

But spokeswoman Beth Martino also declined to say the governor wouldn’t be interested in serving as President Barack Obama’s health and human services secretary. Obama’s first choice, Tom Daschle, withdrew Tuesday over problems with his taxes.

Sebelius is a former Kansas insurance commissioner, which some observers believe boosts her chances for the federal post that will have a key role to play in Obama’s efforts to reform and expand health insurance.

Sebelius was mentioned late last year as a possible Obama Cabinet pick. But she took herself out of consideration in December, and last month her office said she stood by that decision.

Asked if that’s still the case, Martino issued a statement simply saying the governor is focused on Kansas issues. The statement also said Sebelius believes that reforming health care is “absolutely vital to our economic recovery.”