Election 2008
(2008-12-11)
File photo of former Senator Tom Daschle applauds during the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver Colorado
President-elect Barack Obama has chosen former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to be his secretary of Health and Human Services.
It's a choice that was known for some time, but it was made official in a Thursday morning news conference in Chicago. Obama described the former South Dakota senator as "one of America's foremost health care experts."
Daschle describes fixing health care as "our largest domestic policy challenge." He says it's an issue close to his heart.
Daschle will also be overseeing a new White House Office of Health Reform.
Jeanne Lambrew will serve as deputy director of that office.
Daschle was a close adviser to Obama throughout the campaign. He recently wrote a book on his proposals to improve health care. © Copyright 2012, Associated Press
