One of the toughest and most knowledgeable people on health care just signed off on Gov. Pawlenty's new Health Commissioner Dr. Sanne Magnan. Sen. Linda Berglin just had this to say:
I applaud the Governor’s appointment of Sanne Magnan for Commissioner of Health. I believe Dr. Magnan to be of the utmost integrity. She has earned the respect of the medical community as both a brilliant clinician and competent manager in her role as president of the Institute on Clinical Systems Improvement. The Governor has made a good choice in Dr. Magnan and the timing couldn’t be better as we look to make comprehensive reforms in Minnesota’s health care system. I have confidence that she will lead the Department of Health in a way that restores public confidence and improves public health in Minnesota.
Here's what the governor had to say about the pro-life (it's a requirement for a Republican governor) choice:
Dr. Magnan’s impressive credentials and hands-on health experience make her the right person to lead the Department of Health. Minnesota is ranked the healthiest state in the nation and I believe Dr. Magnan will build on that tradition as we continue to work on improving and reforming health care in our state and protecting and promoting the public’s health.