GOP Backlash On Swine Flu?

Republicans are taking serious heat and are being accused of hampering the Obama administration’s response to the swine flu outbreak thanks to their incessant delay tactics used to keep Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius from being confirmed as secretary of Health and Human Services. Republicans have targeted Sebelius because of her views on abortion, a position seen as political dangerous in the midst of the flu crisis.

Senate Dems have promised they will be able to get past angry Republicans and vote on the confirmation this week.

The GOP’s decision to use every procedural trick at their disposal to prevent the full Senate from voting on Sebelius has also meant that key health posts in the administration have gone unfilled for months. HHS posts to be filled by the new secretary are empty as are other top health positions in the administration.

With no HHS secretary and very few health positions filled, conservatives have actually taken to criticizing the president for moving slowly to complete his health team. Conservative media and commentators have already trashed Obama for the open positions, seemingly ignoring the GOP’s central role in most of the delays.

Democratic-leaning organizations and media outlets have already taken advantage of the flu scare and have hit back at the GOP’s tactics. The SEIU has even launched an online petition that will be sent to the Senate demanding that Sebelius be confirmed immediately. They even warn that swine flue may “turn into another Hurricane Katrina.”

Despite being nominated nearly two months ago, the confirmation of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius for HHS Secretary has been blocked by Republican Senators seeking to curry favor with extremist outside groups. This is simply unacceptable.

This disease is spreading as we speak, but right now, a Bush-appointed accountant is running the department. We need an HHS Secretary NOW. Sign the petition telling the Senate to vote immediately to confirm Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. If we don’t act, the swine flu might just turn into another Hurricane Katrina.

Will the GOP get first blame if the administration’s response becomes hampered by the lack of staffing at HHS, including at the top?

Don’t think that Democrats won’t be bold enough to target Republican, even if swine flue becomes a major crisis in the U.S.

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