After the very sad departure of an extraordinary man, Tom Daschle, who understood so many of our key issues, it's imperative that the next Secretary of HHS understand and be supportive of some very key issues. Such as:

-reproductive rights
-the importance of HIV/AIDS non-governmental organizations (NGO's)
-women health care issues
-population control and the right to contraception
-universal health care
-the importance of input from and funding to community based organizations.

This is not the time to do a 'Team of Rivals' move. This is the time to find a powerful and charismatic figure who is a good administrator and knows how to work with Congress. The suggestions have ranged from former Senator Bill Bradley to, get this, Mitt Romney! Inside Beltway sources very connected to HHS, even have suggested moving Leon Panetta from CIA over to HHS. There is even talk that very talented former Secretary of HHS Donna Shalala leaving the sun of Miami and returning to the beltway.

Without placing any judgement on the numerous names being mentioned (except Romney! Eesh!) and doubting that Donna Shalala would leave the warmth of Miami, I think there are three perfect people who can meet the above criteria. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) who has worked closely with Senator Ted Kennedy for years on the floor of the United States Senate. She is tough, charismatic, a fighter and knows how to win in Congress. The other Senator is Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) who has been a champion on healthcare issues during his long tenure in the Senate. Finally there is Governor Howard Dean who is actually a doctor, has a huge network of support to tap into for building public support and has earned his Party's respect.

The administration really doesn't have to look much further than these three first rate people to find the next head of HHS