Senator Tom Daschle has withdrawn his name as nominee to head HHS, so now President Obama must make a new choice. So, who best to fit the bill? Vermont State Senator Bernie Sanders (I) has endorsed Howard Dean, and I agree. In fact, I suggested Dr. Dean in an iReport before Mr. Daschle’s name was ever mentioned. In Senator’s Sanders’ words (from his website, www.sanders.senate.gov), “GovernorDean's background as a physician and as a governor makes him eminentlyqualified for this extremely important position. “Governor Dean understands, as you do, that all Americans are entitled tohealth care as a right of citizenship, and that we must pay far more attentionto the needs of our children if we are to have a healthy and prosperoussociety. “As a result of Governor Dean’s leadership, Vermont has developed one of the strongest health insurance programs for children in the country, the Dr. Dynasaurprogram, and has also been in the vanguard in a number of other health-relatedareas. “As you well know, reforming our health care system will not be easy. Itwill take somebody with determination and focus to lead that effort. I think that Howard Dean is that person.” As a Vermonter whoneeded healthcare during a yearlong period of unemployment (and, therefore, beinguninsured), I am grateful that the VHAP coverage plan was available to me, andthat the Dr. Dynasaur program was available for my children. Thepotential for disastrous financial impact on my household was not realized thanks to these programs. He also has firsthand knowledge of our healthcare system,having been a practicing physician who is also married to a practicing physician. I believe an understanding ofwhere we are is essential to any efforts to reform and improve the system, andI agree with Senator Sanders that Dr. Dean is “eminently qualified” for thejob.