Former Obama Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius endorsed Hillary Clinton on Monday as the candidate seeks to build momentum in the early primary states.
Sebelius didn’t endorse Clinton in 2008, but the two served together in the Obama administration. Sebelius is the former governor of Kansas.
“I just feel that she’s the only person, frankly, in the field of candidates who has the experience and background that prepares her nationally and internationally to be the leader of the country,” Sebelius said in an interview with the Topeka Capital-Journal.
She added, “As a mother, a grandmother and a former public servant, who had the privilege of serving with Hillary in the president’s Cabinet, I can think of nothing more important than ensuring our next president is someone who will protect and build upon the progress made by President Obama over the past eight years.”
Clinton and Sebelius are major proponents of healthcare reform. But Sebelius’ credibility on the issue has weakened after facing criticism for the chaotic launch of Obamacare portal healthcare.gov. She left the administration in mid-2014.
Kansas will hold its primary on March 5, and initial polls coming from the state show Clinton holding a large lead.
