HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson Will Not Remain in Position After 2004
HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson on Tuesday told the Associated Press in a "slightly more definitive" statement than earlier comments that he would not serve a second term in the position in the event that President Bush wins reelection in 2004, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports (Gilbert, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/4). "I'm not going to be here for a second term," Thompson said (CongressDaily/AM, 6/4). The former Wisconsin governor last month at the annual state Republican Party convention said that he would not likely serve a second term (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/4). Thompson also said last month that he would not likely challenge Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) in 2004, but he added, "I will someday run for elected office against in Wisconsin. Someday" (CongressDaily/AM, 6/4). Thompson spokesperson Kevin Keane said that Thompson plans to remain HHS secretary through the end of 2004. "He's got his calendar booked through the first term," Keane said (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/4).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.