Politics / Kathleen Sebelius Sebelius Is Obama's Top Pick for Health Secretary By John Johnson, Newser Staff Posted Feb 18, 2009 8:18 PM CST Copied Gov. Kathleen Sebelius talks with a reporter during an interview at her office in Topeka, Kan., Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) President Obama has decided to pick Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to be his health secretary, the New York Times reports. The Democratic governor is now being vetted, and Obama hopes to make the announcement next week when he turns his attention from the economy to health care. One of Sebelius' strengths is her ability to work across party lines, the Times notes. She also served eight years as the insurance chief in Kansas. (More Kathleen Sebelius stories.) Get breaking news in your inbox. What you need to know, as soon as we know it. Sign up Report an error