Politics

Updated February 07, 2009

Sebelius, Bredesen Top Health and Human Services Nominee List

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FOXNews.com

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen top the list of potential nominees to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen top the list of potential nominees to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, FOX News confirms.

In neither case, however, are Sebelius or Bredesen identified by the Obama Administration as the "leading candidate" for the post.

Two administration officials say other candidates are on the list, but unlike the case of Sebelius and Bredesen, the officials declined to identify them.

Obama's first choice for the slot, former Sen. Tom Daschle, had to withdraw his name amid an admission he had not paid taxes on a car and driver since leaving Congress as a Democratic leader.

Sebelius was an early Obama supporter, picking his presidential campaign over that of Hillary Rodham Clinton, now the secretary of state. Sebelius worked tirelessly for Obama's bid and was a top surrogate to women's groups.

Her name had been floated for several Cabinet posts, but she announced in early December that she had removed herself from consideration from a Cabinet job, citing Kansas' budget problems that needed her attention.

FOX News' Major Garrett and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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