HHS deputy secretary
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Number-two spot at HHS is appearing to be tough to fill, even though a knowledgeable health policy insider could have a lot of influence in Thompson's HHS. Lobbyist and Bush advisor Deborah Steelman told "In the Loop" column in The Washington Post on Jan. 19 that she had turned the job down on Jan. 16 after initially agreeing. Among other former Republican health policy people said to have been contacted by Bush personnel hunters is Bayer Washington rep Ron Docksai; Project Hope's Gail Wilensky and Sheila Burke, former Sen. Dole health policy expert and current undersecretary for American museums, programs and national outreach at the Smithsonian