Ohio: Ohio Democrats

Sebelius is the daughter of former Ohio Gov. John J. Gilligan. They are the only father-daughter
governors in U.S. history.

"Kathleen spent much of her young life here in Ohio, and we consider her one of our own,"
Strickland said in a statement. "I know that her enthusiasm for meaningful health-care reform will
benefit Ohio and the nation."

Obama initially had named former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle as the cabinet member to
oversee his overhaul of the nation's health-care system. Daschle withdrew his nomination because of
a controversy over unpaid taxes.

Strickland said Obama's selection of Sebelius "demonstrates his strong commitment to providing
more Americans with access to affordable health care."

Sebelius, 60, served eight years in the Kansas House and two terms as insurance commissioner
before running for governor in 2002. She was re-elected to a second term in 2006. She has spoken
several times to Ohio Democrats, both here and during their national convention last year in
Denver.

-- Mark Niquette

mniquette@dispatch.com