Leavitt: new job — Ex-Utah governor nominated to head HHS bureaucracy

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Leavitt was reportedly very interested in the homeland security job but was never interviewed for it by the president.

In fact, Leavitt's name has popped up from time to time as different Cabinet posts have become available. But Leavitt has always insisted he was happy at EPA and promised to unveil next month a major environmental agenda that would chart the administration's course for the next four years.

During a recent meeting with the Deseret Morning News editorial board, Leavitt said he was looking forward to continuing as EPA administrator. Leavitt's office did not return phone calls Monday, but Cabinet nominees rarely speak to the news media until confirmation hearings conclude.

But instead of pitching Bush's controversial "Clear Skies" initiative — a dead issue in Congress during the first Bush administration — Leavitt will be swinging at some of the hardest issues on Capitol Hill, among them Medicare and Medicaid reform, Social Security, the safety and affordability of prescription drugs, biomedical research and abortion funding.

And he'll take the fall if there aren't enough flu vaccines next year or if another popular drug like Vioxx that passed FDA muster is later deemed a danger to public health.

The Utah congressional delegation was effusive in its praise for the nomination, even suggesting Leavitt is much better suited for HHS than for EPA.

Deseret Morning News graphic Page: < Previous 1 2 3 4 Next > Comments You can be the first to comment on this story. Add your comment 1 photo Lawrence Jackson, Associated Press Mike Leavitt discusses his willingness to take on the challenge of heading the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services after President Bush on Monday announced his nomination to the post. Related content Articles Leavitt well-prepared for HHS New post could enhance options down road Quotes about Leavitt's nomination to head HHS Utahns mixed on ex-governor's vision, abilities Latest updates Most popular Most commented 4-year-old caught with beer 1:13 p.m. Gender bias probed at US colleges 1:12 p.m. Scientists watch deep-sea volcano 1:10 p.m. 2 dead in elder center shooting 1:10 p.m. Drone spy videos intercepted 1:09 p.m. Crumbling cliff forces evacuation 1:09 p.m. Family expects arrest of Josh Powell 12:38 p.m. US, China edge closer on climate 12:38 p.m. US missiles kill 17 in Pakistan 12:36 p.m. US dad arrives in Brazil to get son 12:34 p.m. Susan Powell notebook seized Conan mocks Orrin Hatch, Mormons Family expects arrest of Josh Powell Here are Max Hall's Top 10 wins David Archuleta's different mission Frances Monson recovering well Genetic testing, ethical dilemmas Will Chambers keep his promise? Watching over the Sacred Grove Jazz open road trip with victory Conan mocks Orrin Hatch, Mormons136 Letters: 'Liberal conceit'128 Jazz stunned by Timberwolves114 Stay the course with our president113 TV mom gives birth to 19th child112 Josh Powell meets with WVC police109 Susan Powell notebook seized103 Here are Max Hall's Top 10 wins103 Letters: Explaining Palin101 Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney100 Mom blog: Sex after baby When my husband and I were first intimate after our daughter was born,... News yule use: Forget fruitcake, gift cards rule These days, more than half of adults actually want gift cards, those... Dad blog: Moms in search of normal Some forms of beauty are fleeting, fragile as life itself, gone in a... Latest comments US dad arrives in Brazil to get son Re: Well, duh said: Well said, will add nothing to it. UTA debating where to cut funds Steve said: Why is UTA trying to solve it's budget issues by themselves, when these whiz... Conan mocks Orrin Hatch, Mormons Me, Myself and I said: Wow if anyone was offended by that they were looking for an excuse to be... Family expects arrest of Josh Powell Al Goer said: Obviously this poor man is innocent. I think everyone is on a witch hunt.... Susan Powell notebook seized Anonymous said: "West Valley police label uncooperative husband, Josh Powell, as 'person of... Top 20 boys basketball Re:Reply to Juab Fan said: Ben Lomond 55... Juab... 49 played in Nephi on December 15th.. Check the... States crack down on wage theft @ The way I see it. said: This doesn't just happen to illegals - it happens to many who work for low... New hope to unwed dads in Utah To:Kristine said: Many good kids from excellent families make a mistake and get pregnant. Not... It's official; Heaps signs with BYU re: Ben Olsen said: "I remember the last hyped QB to sign with BYU, Ben Olson. How did that work... Man jailed for beating gay teenager Pagan said: 'How would anti-discrimination laws prevent what happened?' - 12:17 p.m.... Advertisements Advertisement deseretnews.com: Home | Subscription services | Contact us | FAQ | Feedback | Jobs | Purchase photos | RSS | Privacy policy Advertisement