US health secretary Thompson resigns

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2004

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson Friday resigned from President George W. Bush's cabinet, the eighth secretary to do so since Bush won re-election on November 2.

Thompson, 63, announced his departure in a press conference at 2:00 pm (1900 GMT).

"This morning I submitted by, to president Bush, my resignation as Secretary of Health and Human Services," Thompson said.

Thompson has been in the post since Bush first took office in January 2001. He said he had resigned for personal reasons.

"It's time for me and my family to move on to the next chapter in our life," he said.

Mark McClellan, a doctor and economist who heads the Medicare health care program for the elderly, is favorite to succeed Thompson....