A senior Obama administration official tells The Brody File that concerns voiced by pro-life groups about potential HHS Secretary Nominee Kathleen Sebelius have come up in high level White House discussions but it has not disqualified her from the job.
Pro-life groups believe Sebelius’s connection to Kansas late term abortionist George Tiller is a major problem. This top WH official confirms that Tiller’s name has come up in discussions and acknowledges that if she’s picked there will be people gunning for her but that ultimately the Kansas Governor is getting a bum rap on the abortion issue. The discussion inside the White House centers on whether Sebelius's stellar record as public servant trumps the controversy that could arise over Tiller.
Read a quick excerpt about the Tiller controversy from the Kansas City Star:
Groups opposing abortion rights have criticized Sebelius for years, accusing her of taking campaign donations from Wichita abortion doctor George Tiller. Several groups said this week they expect abortion to be a key issue if Obama appoints Sebelius.
“She had Dr. Tiller and his staff for dinner at the mansion,” said Mary Kay Culp of Kansans for Life.
Sebelius, who supports abortion rights, has said Tiller purchased the dinner as part of a fundraising event.
If Sebelius is nominated, a Senate GOP Aide up on the Hill tells The Brody File the following:
"Her nomination would raise serious concerns because her extremist pro-abortion views are so far outside of the American mainstream."
The Obama administration is going to have to make a calculation as to whether the positive attributes of Sebelius outweigh a potential eruption over abortion. I mean look…everybody knows the Obama administration is going to nominate a pro-choice HHS Secretary. That’s a no brainer. But if they go with Sebelius will her past record become a major distraction or just a blip on the radar? Would they rather save the potential fight over abortion for a Supreme Court Nominee? Tough choice considering Sebelius seems like the perfect fit for the Obama administration.
Read the pro-life objections to Sebelius here and click here to find out why Sebelius’s credentials look impressive. More on the George Tiller controversy here and read the George Tiller bio here.
Oh by the way, did I tell you? George Tiller is also on trial in Kansas. Silly me. Read here