Kennedy announces health care working groups

Via the Boston Globe:

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who made clear that universal healthcare is his top priority when he returned to work Monday in the Senate, announced today that three working groups of the committee he heads will explore key issues.

One group, led by Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, will work on prevention and public health. Another led by Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland will work on improvements in the quality of care. And the third, led by Senator Hillary Clinton of New York, will work on insurance coverage.

It's good news that the Lion of the Senate is moving forward with practical steps to make his passion a reality in the next Congress.

And, giving in to unrelated speculation .... given that this announcement was made today, does the inclusion of Clinton on the leadership roster here for health care indicate that she is not, in fact, going to be the next Secretary of State but instead intends to work on her signature issue in the Senate? Would she have let Kennedy move ahead with this announcement had she intended to bail on the working group?