Report: Sebelius accepts HHS post

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius Saturday accepted President Barack Obama's nomination as secretary of Health and Human Services, administration officials said.

An unidentified administration official told The Washington Post Obama will announce the nomination Monday.

Sebelius is Obama's second choice to run HHS. Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., withdrew his name after news reports that he failed to pay $128,000 in taxes until he was nominated for the post.

Sebelius, a Democrat, served as Kansas insurance commissioner before her 2002 election as governor.

Health advocates last week welcomed the possibility of her candidacy, The New York Times reported.

"All signs indicate that she would be a terrific choice," said U.S. Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., chairman of a key health subcommittee.

A trade group for insurers agreed called Sebelius, 60, a "very smart choice" for the post.

"She has a good intellect, a big heart and tremendous expertise," Karen M. Ignagni, president of America's Health Insurance Plans. "As a blue governor in a red state, she also has lots of experience working across the political aisle."